With so many clones and tributes flooding the market, it is sometimes challenging to determine whether a classic that you have in your sights is the genuine article. However, the seller holds documentation confirming that this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 is the real deal. It won’t appeal to purists in its current form, as it has undergone many changes since it left the factory. However, it appears pretty solid, and is a turnkey project candidate that its new owner could tackle at their leisure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the SS listed here on eBay in Edgewater, New Jersey. The seller set their BIN at $35,500, and it appears that figure is pretty firm.
There’s a bit to consider about this Chevelle, especially for potential buyers who prefer originality. It left the line finished in LeMans Blue with a Parchment vinyl top, but a previous owner ditched the vinyl during a cosmetic refresh. It is unclear whether they did this due to developing rust, deteriorating vinyl, or simply because they didn’t like the look. The edge moldings are missing and would need to be replaced for any faithful restoration. The panels are generally straight, and the car is quite presentable. There is a significant dent in the passenger door, but I believe it is repairable without the new owner needing to resort to panel replacement. The seller doesn’t mention rust, and I can’t spot anything in the listing images suggesting problems. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the tinted glass is clear.
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room, because this Chevelle isn’t numbers-matching. The seller’s documentation confirms that the car rolled off the line with its engine bay housing a 396ci V8. However, as the L35 version, it delivered 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque. The seller believes that the current big-block is of 1968 vintage, and is the L78 version churning out 375hp and 415 ft/lbs. Even those figures aren’t set in stone, because the motor wears some obvious upgrades. Similarly, the original three-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by a four-speed manual unit. Sourcing the parts to perform a faithful refurbishment is possible, but it probably makes more financial sense to enjoy this turnkey classic in its current form.
The interior continues the “many changes” theme. Originally trimmed in Parchment vinyl, a previous owner performed a Black vinyl retrim. It also appears they deleted the original AM radio and the tape player. The interior looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic, with no vinyl rips or splits. The dash is clean, and the pad is crack-free. The column-mounted tach and retro-style stereo are later additions that could be removed if the buyer wished to recapture the car’s “stock” appearance. Otherwise, the buyer could treat it to a deep clean, because I believe the results would justify the effort.
Restoring this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 to its original form won’t be for the faint of heart. With panel repairs, a new vinyl top, and an interior retrim required, it could be a costly undertaking if the new owner can’t adopt the DIY approach. Alternatively, the new owner could repair the damaged door and enjoy the SS as is. Considering the potential financial return a faithful restoration might provide, I believe the second approach would be the most sensible. Do you agree?
Nice writeup Adam, and I totally agree with you to leave “as is”. There are too many things to change to get it back original. I really like the look of this and I’m sure the feel will not disappoint either. A 375 + HP beast with a 4 speed which will be a blast to drive!
What caught my eye is the “Motion” valve covers. Being a New Jersey car, Motion was located nearby in Long Island NY. I wonder if the owner knows the car history?? Jerry
Little known fact… The 69 Chevelle trunk lid is the same one that 70 to 72 Buick Skylarks or GS cars have!! They will interchange.
Beautiful SS!!
Didn’t they fit the ’70-’72 Monte Carlos also?
yep…
This Chevelle SS almost falls into the “restomod” category with the upgrades and other changes. I think I’d definitely not try to return it to its original form, but fix the door dent, add a modern sound system, add a modern exhaust and suspension and enjoy the heck out of that L78 396/4-spd combo
Great job Adam, Curvette. You are a writin/ findin team!! This car seems to be reasonably priced for the condition and credentials.
As far as the door dent goes…I don’t know what happened dad, I came out after school and it was like that!
@Poppy, I would say yes because of the body lines. Never compared them, but now that you say that I will.
needs body attention for sure and other amounts of TLC all around.35k to start to start to play is not too bad. if i were to redo it there would be no v/top, but it would be 30k to get up to speed.
The original engine was a L34 396. The seller claims it now has a L78 396, but every seller claims they have an L78. If it’s a 4 bolt main engine, it’s an L78. In the present shape, if it had the original drivetrain, it might be worth the asking price, but it’s not. The price seems a bit high for what it is.
To be a L78 it would also need high compression forged pistons, square port heads and better rods with 7/16” bolts. I think the crank was upgraded to make it the right long block. You are right, it sometimes seems like every seller claims L78, M22 or posi with a steep gear.
Steve R
L78’s had a forged crank.
Isn’t the correct four bolt main block for a L78 easy to spot by it’s differences above the oil filter pad?
For the most part, yes. The drilled and tapped hole should be a 3/4 thread.
When you see pics of website posts and a 93% seller – go look. I recently fell for sending $700 to a seller for a 50’s Buick grill etc that is administering a vintage Buick website. That then tried a shipper scam; I initially took the bait but the two shipper’s insistance about buying $300-$500 “reimbursable” insurance tipped it off. PayPal and AMEX took care of it. That much dough – get an airplane ticket.
I had an uncle with a brand new 1969 silver and black SS396 with a Hurst 4 speed. It rode like a bucking bronco with my mom behind the wheel trying to get me to a dentist appointment. Lucky I didn’t chip a tooth on that ride. Lol. With under 1000 miles on the odometer we heard it fire up in the middle of the night. By the time my uncle got outside all that was left was a winding trail of rubber and smoke. Never seen again. And uninsured….
Great looking Chevelle, I would leave it as is. Your right the Motion valve covers raise a question. Hopefully its a L72 in disguise, easiest way to find out what it really is is to pull the numbers on the back of the block. Either way I would take it and enjoy it.
Very nice Chevelle here. Not a big deal but I always wondered why the trans swap over the years.