If you asked a group of enthusiasts to name the greatest muscle cars in American history, it is a safe bet that Chevrolet’s Chevelle SS 396 would make the list. This 1969 example isn’t a show car, but it presents nicely as a driver-grade classic that retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. The winning bidder could opt for preservation, although lifting its appearance via a light cosmetic restoration would be straightforward and relatively inexpensive.
Chevrolet made wholesale styling changes when it released its Second Generation Chevelle range in 1968, with the new model sharing virtually no exterior cues with its predecessor. The new body gave the car a greater sense of presence, and the sales results confirm that it struck a chord with potential buyers. Our feature SS rolled off the line in 1969, and the first thing that caught my attention was the paint and trim combination. This isn’t the first triple-green example I have seen, but that choice wasn’t as popular as triple-black in 1969. The Frost Green Metallic paint and Dark Green vinyl top look classy, providing a subtle touch compared to the more flamboyant shades available that year. The seller confirms it isn’t perfect, with a close inspection revealing small chips and imperfections. One image reveals rust beginning to emerge from under a chrome edge trim, but the car appears to be solid. If treated purely as a driver-grade classic, the presentation is comfortably acceptable. The shipping company slightly tweaked the front bumper when offloading the car at the seller’s house, and the back bumper has a few scratches. Replacements for both are readily available and would lift the appearance. The remaining trim is in good order, and the tinted glass is clear. The winning bidder could preserve and enjoy this classic untouched, but the lack of significant rust and panel damage would make a light cosmetic refresh tempting to some enthusiasts.
Buyers craving originality will welcome the news that this SS is numbers-matching. The engine bay houses a 396ci V8, with the remaining major mechanical components comprised of a four-speed M20 manual transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The big-block produces 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque, and with this classic capable of storming the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds, there is no questioning its muscle car credentials. The seller includes images of the engine stamps and casting codes verifying the originality of the mechanical components, and this YouTube short video confirms the big-block runs beautifully. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition with no mechanical shortcomings.
The interior provides the final piece of the color puzzle, with the first owner ordering this SS trimmed in Green vinyl. Someone added a column-mounted tach, under-dash gauges, and a retro-style stereo, but it is otherwise unmolested. The presentation is consistent with what we should expect from a driver-grade classic, with no major trim or upholstery issues. The dash and pad have survived remarkably well, and considering the car’s location, the seller has obviously protected it from harsh UV rays. The carpet and kick panels exhibit minor wear and deterioration, but with replacements both readily available and affordable, addressing those shortcomings won’t break the bank.
Determining whether any classic is truly desirable is sometimes challenging, but there is little doubt when the vehicle in question is a 1969 Chevelle SS 396. Therefore the twenty-seven bids submitted since the seller listed it here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada, is unsurprising. That action has pushed the price to $21,000, which is below the reserve. That begs the question of how high the price might climb before the auction concludes. A figure above $30,000 is realistic, but the final figure will depend on how determined two or more people are to take home this classic. There is plenty of time left for you to guess the sale price, and it will be fascinating to see if anyone can hit the nail on the head.
I have a Roku TV, ( bought by mistake) that has car auctions from not too far back, and being a fan of such shows, without question, THE most popular car to roll down the aisle,,,is the ’69, 396 Chevelle. No question. Sorry GTO fans, a close 2nd tie with Mopar,, but for some reason, it’s the ’69 Chevelle that gets all the thunder. Fun to watch these spoi,,,oops, I mean, well deserving folks go ape over them. If I see a gray( or no) hair buying it, for who cares how much, I, as an older person, can justify it. They finally got their 396 Chevelle, that he met your mom with. It’s when younger folks, that could no way in their short life, be able to afford it, out bid the old guy, not for the memories, just a valuable investment, wherever their money came from. Turn the page, huh.
Nice find, if my mom were ordering a car in 69, these are exactly the colors she would have chosen. Would match everything in the house, appliances included!
Always loved this body style, have a 68 and 69 chevelle with 396- M22 rock crushers in both, ss convertibles. They occupy the garage while the wife’s Landrover sits outside and gets weather beaten… wouldn’t have it any other way
Seems like a very nice driver. If it were mine, I’d be tempted to dye the top black to better go with the stripes and trim.
agree, it would look even nicer.
The ’70 gets all the attention for the 454 among other things. As I said last week it’s the car people picture when you say Chevelle SS. IMO the ’69 is a much handsomer car in so many ways. From the kick of the belt line to the refined front and rear treatment. Just a good looking car.
Very nice ’69 Chevelle SS. Without a build sheet and or Protecto plate, components born with this car are not assured. I would guess top bid of $38,500 as it is not a 396/375.
Last time the seller ran it through eBay the high bid was $28,200, but didn’t meet reserve.
It’s a nice car, I would suspect the bid will be in the neighborhood of what you suggest. The car sits way to high and the cheap Chinese Magnum 500 rims look hideous compared to an original style wheel, which a set of 4 (15 x 7) rims with trim rings and center caps sell for just over $1,000.
Steve R
A buddy of mine had almost this exact same car when we were in high school back in the early 70’s. His was same color with the 325 motor but the turbo 400 instead of the 4-speed. That was the first car that I ever hit 120 mph! I also had a cousin that had a 69 with the 375 motor and the 4 speed. Needless to say, the L78 was night and day faster, but I still loved them both!
I’m not sure if the lighting is playing tricks on my eyes, but the photo of the Drivers Door open to see the interior sure looks like the inner fenders and body look cream colored or even the yellow that they were using back then.
Maybe I’m going bad
I believe that you are incorrect regarding color choices in the later 60’s. Black was NOT a popular color choice on any vehicle. I was a car loving 13 year old in 1969. The green was very popular. As a matter of fact, black was rarely seen in the later 60’s or the 70’s.
“Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition with no mechanical shortcomings.”
Wrong. The person doing the write-up can take that attitude. The man being separated from his hard earned cash should never be so presumptuous.
Buick/Olds wheels…….otherwise S H A R P !
Pretty sure, like Steve stated above, they’re aftermarket Magnum 500 lookalikes, that yes, look like the Olds SSI wheels. Buick wheels are different though, they have thinner spokes. It’s a good looking Chevelle but I agree, I think it’d look better with the original Super Sport wheels with trim rings.
Sharp car except for already mentioned wheels. I always thought the 69 was more attractive than the 70.. it looked like it was driven into a wall.IMHO
Steering wheel looks like a 70-72 item.