Often sellers will try to make a big deal about a one-family-owned car when, in reality, only some twisted variation on “Ancestry” would prove that to be true. Today’s subject car, a 1969 Chevrolet Impala convertible, however, is legitimate as the seller’s father bought it new and passed it to his son, the seller, in 1977. There is no specific reason mentioned for why a sale now, but whatever the case, it’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $8,100 with thirteen bids tendered so far.
So, the story is that the purchaser of this car acquired it as a birthday gift for his wife back in ’69. It’s a pretty generic Impala, Chevrolet’s bread-and-butter model that moved 777K units that year. But, being a convertible means that it’s one of only 14K drop tops assembled. Perhaps the most notable thing about that volume is the fact that the convertible count was 24K with the very similar previous year’s edition, and it continued to drop right through the mid-’70s as buyers turned away from Chevy B-body convertibles (and convertibles in general).
One of the first and most notable things here is the deteriorated condition of the fender legs, a significant problem with this year Impala and its ’70 successor. The passenger-side fender appears to have been “repaired” with Bondo and that’s now letting go. This Chevy was repainted in 1994 and the finish has held up pretty well but the underlying body has more than just a few problem areas that will need attention. Good to know is that the folding convertible top was replaced in ’17 and it works as it should – it appears to be in fine shape.
In addition to the ’94 repaint, the interior was reupholstered too and it still shows pretty well though some fade of the red vinyl upholstery is evident. That said, it is certainly in presentable enough condition to use as is while attention is directed toward the needed body work. The original Delco radio is missing but the seller says that he has a replacement that can be installed.
The engine is a 350 CI V8 that generates either 255 or 300 gross HP – which is not stated. The mileage is recorded as being 148K miles so it’s safe to assume that the small block is probably a bit tired. The seller states that “It’s a great car that is mechanically sound and in good running order“. Chevy’s old and tired Powerglide transmission was still available in ’69, but this convertible features a Turbo-Hydramatic, three-speed automatic gearbox. One head-scratcher is the blue valve covers as they weren’t a Chevrolet staple until the ’77 model year – just an incorrect repaint perhaps?
As for documentation, here’s a picture of the car, with the current owner and his brother, circa 1970. It Looks like they were out enjoying a day of fishing.
I would imagine that it’s difficult to part with a family car (member?) after so many years of ownership with all of the memories that are attached to it. But things change and life moves on. In spite of its condition, I know that this generation of Chevy’s B-body cars are infinitely rebuildable. Lower quarter patch panels are available though I’m not sure about fenders, nevertheless, replacements can always be sourced. I’d like to know about the trunk and rear floor, however, as those are corrosion magnets on convertible body styles. Regardless, this car could go on to live a very long time!
One thing for the next owner to consider is the fact that pretty much everything that can be known about this car, and its condition, probably is known by the seller, thanks to its long-time ownership. That’s one consolation, right?
Nice old car. Great car to have if you’re a good welder.
simular condition to my beater 72 convertible I use regularly. These can be rust buckets, the fenders are likely the tip of the iceberg. As said above if you cannot weld and do some of these things yourself, cars like this rapidly become a money abyss. To me this is a driver, fix what needs fixing. Start with every brake, and fuel line. Then the front suspension. Once the car is turn key drive anywhere, move to the body. In this day and age having a fun reliable old convertible beats all.
Don’t get them right just get them running😃
Those are nice road cars. I had a 69 Caprice two door, rode like you were on a cloud. Mileage was acceptable for a large car powered by a small block. Load it up and hit the road, room for a family and a weeks worth of luggage in the trunk. A favorite car for the bootleggers back then, not that I ever went to a bootlegger to buy beer while still under legal age, LOL!
Would be a nice ride for local cruise ins and cars and coffee type gatherings. The blue valve covers may mean a later engine has been swapped in to replace a tired original, or the last owner may have just liked GM blue over Chevy orange. A quick check of the engine numbers would tell the tale if it was original or not.
You know what they say, the top goes down, the price goes up. I expect this one will pass the $25,000 mark easily. They don’t build them like this anymore.
I know 65 thru 70 b bodies well and they have a fender support brace towards the rear of the fender like a lot if other GM cars that collects debris , stays moist and then rots These cars were never meant to live long lives and GM hardly put any paint on anything the buyer couldn’t see. Back then folks traded their cars in when the ashtray was full and the tires were bald.Back when folks retired from their decent paying jobs with a pension and their house was paid off already in 10 years.Long ago in a land far away.Nice car but imo depending how the frame and trunk , floors are 10k.glwts.
Nice looking Impala, I owned a 65 Impala SS hardtop and loved that car.
So did I, I wish I had that Impala SS hardtop back again.
Photo #2; what is that thing hanging under the front fender? Car could stand a nice detail, would probably increase the price substantially ….. jimho of course.
Movie car. Clean it up do the superficial cosmetics touchups, flush all the fluids and drive it to the lake or beach, start writing that script. 1969 – 75 such a fertile time in music history, among other inspiration. Sports, politics, movies and tv. Space race, race space. Etc. This car is the perfect ‘successful middle management’ corporate family ride. Maybe another ‘Vacation’ comedy sequel. Or prequel actually.
I liked your post. But I disagree about the top end on price. Even a low mileage all original pampered garage queen isn’t going to have tremendous value. It’s a great period car but it’s also very generic and thirsty. So it’s going to have to be someone who has some idea to use it. Not invest for value appreciation. It’s really not a bad car at all. Basically a plain Cadillac almost in ride comfort and size. Size and girth cars are going to have depreciation for years to come. That’s the market right around the corner.