Regular readers will be aware that I place a great deal of store on the importance of long-term ownership when considering the viability of any classic car as an investment prospect. The logic behind this is quite sound. Any vehicle that has survived in good condition under the care of a single person for an extended period has to have been treated with respect. Cars that have been neglected tend to look tired and worn, or they don’t survive at all! With those thoughts in mind, I find this 1969 Impala Custom Coupe an attractive proposition. It has been handed down from father to son, remaining part of the same family since it rolled off the showroom floor. Not only does it present superbly, but the included documentation helps support my belief that this has been a treasured part of this family for more than five decades. All good things come to an end, with the Impala set to head to a new home. Located in King, North Carolina, the owner has listed the Coupe for sale here on eBay. The bidding has roared past the reserve and sits at $24,166.
The ownership history of this Impala is mercifully brief. The original owner purchased the vehicle from Childress Chevrolet in Yadkinville, North Carolina, and it has remained in that area ever since. The original owner kept the Impala garage-stored until he handed the car to his son. That new owner saw no reason why he needed to change anything, so the Chevy continued to spend its quiet times snuggled down in a warm garage. Therefore, it is no surprise that it has remained in exceptional condition. Its original Frost Green paint shines beautifully, with no visible flaws or imperfections. The paint graces panels that are equally impressive. There are no dings, dents, and no evidence of rust. The paint is complemented by a Dark Green vinyl top in as-new condition. The exterior trim is excellent, while the Soft Ray tinted glass is flawless. The only change of note surrounds the wheels. The included original Window Sticker states that the car rolled out of the showroom floor sporting steel wheels and full wheel covers. Those items have made way for a spotless set of Chevrolet Rally wheels with center caps and trim rings. While they aren’t original, at least they aren’t aftermarket items. That makes the change easier to accept.
The seller says that this Impala’s interior looks factory fresh and like it has never been used. When we examine the supplied photos, it is hard not to agree with that assessment. The Midnight Green vinyl and cloth upholstery is perfect, with no wear or signs of physical damage. Hiding under the optional factory floormats is Dark Green carpet in a similar state, while the headliner and dash pad continue the consistent story of immaculate presentation. There are no signs of crumbling plastic, and even the faux-woodgrain trim shows none of the usual fading or lifting. It may not be loaded with optional extras, but the important ones are present. The buyer receives ice-cold air conditioning for those warmer days and an AM/FM radio to relieve boredom on longer journeys. There is also a clock and a passenger vanity mirror. As I said, it might not seem much, but this classic hails from a less complicated era.
Lifting this Impala’s hood reveals its party piece. The original owner craved performance credentials, so he equipped this classic with a 427ci big-block producing 335hp. The rest of the equipment list includes a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Chevrolet didn’t market this as a genuine muscle car, but its ability to cover the ¼ mile in a neat 16 seconds is still respectable considering that big-block is tasked to shift a vehicle weighing 4,175lbs. The ownership history of this car is documented, and it is a numbers-matching survivor. In addition to the Window Sticker, the buyer will receive the original Owner’s Manual, Instruction Cards, and Warranty Book. The car runs and drives well, making it a turnkey classic awaiting a new owner. The seller discusses the rarity of this Impala, but it is something I’ve been unable to confirm. He claims that his information indicates that only 279 examples of the 1969 Impala Custom Coupe rolled off the line equipped with the 427ci big-block. He says that many of those have been converted into SS clones, making cars like this unmolested example a rarity. I can’t conclusively confirm this, but potential buyers would be wise to pursue this further. It could influence their decision on whether to submit a bid on this classic.
It seems that one of my missions in life is to convince people about the importance of preserving cars like this 1969 Impala Custom Coupe. It isn’t merely because this is a beautiful car exhibiting the hallmarks of a classic that has lived a life filled with care and respect. It isn’t even the claimed rarity of this car that serves as my primary motivation. Whether we like it or not, we are heading into an automotive future where hybrid and zero-emission vehicles are likely to dominate the new car market. You may laugh now, but the day will eventually arrive when a child with a passion for classic cars will never have seen an American car sporting a big-block V8 under the hood. Explaining a big-block or showing them photos is fine, but there’s no substitute for seeing one in all its glory. That is why this Impala is worth preserving. Save it for yourself, and so that future generations can appreciate what it offered and what they may never have the opportunity to experience on our roads. Future generations deserve to experience cars like this.
Just perfect, in every way! The color combo is great, and the OEM Rallys/white walls really showcase this era’s style! GLWTA!! :-)
I’ve owed both a 1969 SS 427 convert and a 1969 Custom Coupe with 396 in addition to it’s hideaways.
There’s paint where there shouldn’t be – so not sure what else could be glossed over.
Nice car though….
I want this.
Beautiful Chevrolet.
I didn’t know Richard Childress owned a Chevy dealership, but I guess I should have seen that one coming lol.
Yep…a buddy just sold one of his Corvettes – a base 1970 with a 350 and his name still on the title when it came to my buddy.
Of all the `69 427s showcased here on BF, this particular car is probably THE most complete, original, and correct example to date. I wouldn’t change a thing if it were mine, but I would want the rims/wheel covers to go along with it so it can be shown MSRP correct if need be. Gorgeous.
” You may laugh now, but the day will eventually arrive when a child with a passion for classic cars will never have seen an American car sporting a big-block V8 under the hood.” Such a dark future…I am happy I am on the downside and won’t be around to see this. BTW what a beautiful example!!!!
I need a cold shower
What a stunner!
The driver’s inside door handle not returning to its 3pm position confirms high mileage usage. If nothing was restored inside, I’m guessing seat covers were used all the time. & never any bad weather driving or left out in the hot sun too long.
If no dents, i guess this car was never used to run errands? – back in the day especially, public parking lots could be hazardous to your car’s body! lol
To me it seems crazy that such a big motor would have such a tiny air cleaner snorkle opening – yet if u got any ’68 chevy with either 6 cylinder, the snorkle opening is maybe 3 times as big! Go figure. This thing needs a taller air filter or a flipped cover.
Shouldn’t some paint be peeling off the valve covers & radiator?
I still say THE rarest big chevy of all is the ’68 caprice with hidden headlites – regardless of the motor, despite 2 tv commercials with that front end!
The return spring on those handles don’t last forever. It’s simple to replace–I’ve done it many times.
Agree…..doesn’t have the age factor to go with the original claim.
1st Amen to the big block, may you forever be in our memory instead of stroked small blocks riding your coat tails . 2nd there are crate big blocks so while not the same as born with pedigree I’m totally down with that! And the SD 455 is also right there in my hierarchy of motors from Detroit the motor city!
Lovely. My first decent car was a ’69 Caprice w/396.
Is the a/c refrigerant a recharge still with r12 – or an “equivalent”, or r134a conversion?
427 that year was 385hp not 335. Always check your math.
There were 2 versions of the 427 in 69, 335 and the 385 horsepower.
The higher horsepower version in 69 had 390 not 385. A 425 horsepower version, not advertised, was also available.
“The bidding has roared past the reserve and sits at $24,166.”
How do you know that? And could you please tell me what the reserve is? I don’t want to over-bid. Thanks.
Odd no mention of current miles
Window sticker clearly states 335hp.
I`m a Mercury Man on the Go,, but this car is nice!
The one last week same year, same color, same engine but no vinyl roof and it had the bucket seats with the console and picnic basket handle shifter was my favorite
Really sharp. I hope it goes to a good home.
I bought a 69 427 woody wagon ,same color off a old guy in 1975 with 36 thousand miles.Took the engine and trans out traded it for a 67 Chevelle from SC .The 427 went into a 69 Camaro in KY.Had a chance to ride in the Camaro when finished all I could say is hold on .The 427 stayed stock and lasted for years.
Just a Beauty! Love the color as well. My grandfather retired from the bakery business in 1969 and bought a brand new 69 Impala dark green 4-door. Long time ago of course but I do remember it was a very nice car. I also recall my grandfather only having to perform routine maintenance on the vehicle as well. Once my grandpa finished paying the car off in 1974 and under the misguided influence of my grandmother, she encouraged him to purchase another new car. So my grandpa financed a new 74 Plymouth Fury….That’s when his problems began…RIP Gramps…
I got a 4-door version of this vehicle, exact color combo, only with a 350. Nice runner, plenty of power, a/c cold enough to hang meat! This was my wife’s parent car who gave it to us for a secondary vehicle. We used this car for camping trips, plenty of room. Finally moved up to a camper. Nice car, even if was a 4-door.
Really sharp unmolested car, especially in green. This is worth considering for someone. For me, I’d much rather prefer the original steel wheels and wheel covers. The Rally wheels are nice but more for a Chevelle or something with more obvious sporting pretentions. 25K is a lot of money, but this is a lot of car.
Well. I looks like I owned one of the 279 examples when I was in high School. It was almost identical to this car, same color with the exception it had the bucket seats and console. I bought it off an older classmate who had purchased it from the elderly original owners after they had damaged the right front fender and bumper. I paid $300 for it and pulled the 427 for my pickup and sold the car off for not much I’m sure. It didn’t take long to realize what a special car it was and what a mistake I’d made not keeping it together. I’ve mentally kicked myself many times in the 40 + years since for not having seen it for what it was back then. I never did put the engine in the pickup either….
Don’t know if anybody mentioned it but the squared-off back window (ruined the look of this car) package sux…so sad…it’s an impala caprice wannabe… caprices didn’t rock until 74-76…double so-sad…so sad