The 1969 and later Chevelle SS 396 is one of the most often cloned mid-size muscle cars. That’s because it ceased to be a series of its own after 1968, meaning they’re hard to prove without documentation from the factory. This ’69 Chevelle purports to be a real-deal car, but it’s going to need a lot of work, including the sourcing of a new engine and 4-speed transmission. This roller is in Downsville, Louisiana, and is available here on eBay where the reserve is unmet at $5,100 and counting.
Chevrolet built more than 300,000 Malibu Sport Coupes in 1969, the Chevelle usually selected when ordering the SS 396 package. We’re not sure how many of them were so equipped, and the estimates here seem to be understated, but if 15% received that treatment, perhaps the original pool was 45,000 vehicles. 1970 would be the high-water mark in the U.S. muscle market, with declines beginning in 1971 as insurance premiums were becoming pricey and engines were being de-tuned more and more each year from that point forward to produce fewer exhaust emissions.
The seller bought this car without a powertrain, so no information is known about its mechanical history. Three floor pedals support that a 4-speed was in this auto at some point or, to begin with. It’s said to have been a well-equipped Chevy with factory air conditioning, power steering and brakes, and optional plastic fender liners (which we assume is important). The Chevrolet left the factory with LeMans Blue paint, a white vinyl top, and a blue interior, but little of that remains visually. The exterior finish has been replaced by primer black and lots of the sheet metal is going to need to be replaced.
What’s left of the interior was dyed at some point and the white bucket seats stick out as an anomaly at this point although this Malibu was a factory bucket seat/console purchase. We’re told the auto is complete except for the missing engine/transmission. All the exterior chrome trim was removed and retained. The seller doesn’t think it will “take much to get there” in terms of being a $100,000 restored automobile. But these projects always take more time and money than you expect.
5k plus and reserve not met for a rusty piece of junk. What’s the big deal about plastic fenderliners, my 68 SS has them and they are cracking from age. These are likely the same. Walk away, buy one done, you’ll have half what it would cost to bring this pile back. A easy fix, all you need is an engine,transmission, body, interior, and every other piece and you will have a car. lol.
Indicative of the market, I guess. People drag out their old parts cars from a project they did 30 years ago and get real money for them. Good on them for keeping the old carcasses around.
According to John Wick anything can be fixed.
I honestly sent better cars to the crusher. Anyone paying more than scrap price is a fool and their money story.
John, give them all to me! I will take everyone of them you want to sell for scrap! Lol, it’s a 69 Chevelle, HIGHLY sought after in the market place! I am a purest, but when it comes to the 69 Chevelle, the SS has a market value, but it also has a VERY high market value non SS when the car is taken to the next level regarding restoration. As mentioned in the disclaimer, very well could gain the 6 figure level! Also, I bet Walter would also love to be dragging these old cars out and cashing in at the bank! Take care.
How rare are they? We see how many hundreds just on here. And something that needs a full nut and bolt restoration is going to cost a minimum of 50k IF you can do 95% yourself. Most can barely do 30% so you’re going to be closer to 70+.
Add on another 10k of fools money to purchase…. Yeah somethings just need to be let go
I do wish I had kept the 69 Charger and 72 340 Demon I owned back in the early to mid 80s. They weren’t in bad shape rust wise and even with trashed drive trains and body damage would fetch more money today than I even had back then.
How rare are they? We see how many hundreds just on here. And something that needs a full nut and bolt restoration is going to cost a minimum of 50k IF you can do 95% yourself. Most can barely do 30% so you’re going to be closer to 70+.
Add on another 10k of fools money to purchase…. Yeah somethings just need to be let go
This is time, money and labor, if every dollar you put into this isn’t a two dollar return then I would pass
Only original 396 with the original engines fetch high dollars of six figures
Bondo Bob Special, Danny would get a deal, there’s no metal scrap weight here. And if they crush it, look out you don’t get hit with flying plastic debris. Nice though. GLWTS!
John. You may see hundreds, but I would debate you regarding that number. By the time you remove the cars that have been located in original, restored, and partial restored, you have very few remaining that are still available within the market place for sale. All parts for these Chevelles are readily available and ready for installation. Currently I have 2 project Chevelles under way a 68 ChevelleSS 138 code and a 70 Chevelle SS. The 68 is a Texas car and I went ahead and replaced floors from fire wall to the trunk along with both quarters. I probably could have got away with no replacements, but since a legit SS, wanted it done right. Not a huge cost in the front end which will pay off very well in the back end. I hope people keep considering most of these cars as junk! Been doing this a long time, what others consider salvage, has treated me VERY well financially! Take care
There’s only half a car here. Does that mean you get it for half price?
well you know this is a rare car cuz it come’s with the original 4spd Pedals that’s big big money right there and it’s a rare 69 Chevelle boy ya just don’t see them much at all, I’m surprised we’re not all jumping on this one it’s a deal of a life time and after your done sinking a crap load of money and time into it it’ll be worth $100,000, I guess the seller just isn’t interested in making easy money, and like the author said without documentation there’s no way to tell if this is a true SS car or just a big block car, ah the joy’s of the muscle car market gotta love it!!
The person has to have the money in order to restore to original I’m doing my 66 Ford Fairlane total strip inside out. All metal fab is done under carriage and all suspension replaced for 9-in narrowed Dutchman axles engine tranny completely done 10,000 for that alone so yeah you could put a lot of money in these cars if you have the money .. this project’s been 10 years so far
After sandblasting you’ll be left with tissue paper and 200 lbs of Bondo dust.
The reason this body style only lasted for two years, they were ugly as f***
69 was a beautiful car..if $5,100 didn’t get it..I just ask why would anyone even offer that much..it’s not worth $3000
You know it’s funny cuz if you look at the 70, 71, and 72 from the side they look exactly the same as the 68 and the 69 so I wouldn’t say that that body style only lasted 2 years. You know what they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The 69 Chevelle is probably my second favorite Chevelle next to the 66. To each their own
Fire up the Al’ Jon and let’s make metal pancakes.