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 Similarly, the original three-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by a four-speed manual unit.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!