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Stored 30 Years: 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Introduced in 1964, the Chevelle became a popular mid-size car for the Bowtie Brigade at General Motors. The Super Sport or SS was a part of the mix from the beginning, but the SS 396 became its own series for 1966-68. Though it went back to option status in 1969-70, the SS 396 would continue to be in demand by those wanting a muscle car of intermediate proportions. This ’69 edition was stored in a container for 30 years and looks like a good candidate for a restoration. It’s available in Hayden, Idaho, and here on craigslist for $20,000. Our appreciation goes to Matt H. for this tip!

All of GM’s mid-size cars were redesigned for 1968, so that would include the Malibu Sport Coupe, one of the body styles that the SS 396 could be had with. More than 300,000 would be built in 1969 with an estimated 10,800 being the SS 396 in that configuration (that excludes convertibles and El Camino’s ordered that way). Modest styling adjustments were made between 1968-69, enough to where you could easily tell them apart when parked side by side. For ’69, the RPO Z25 (SS 396) option gave buyers the base 325hp, Turbo-Jet 396 V8, black-accented grille, special hood, ornamentation, and suspension plus sport wheels and wide-oval tires white lettered tires, power disc brakes, and a special 3-speed manual transmission.

We understand that the seller’s ’69 SS 396 (we assume a real-deal car) was held captive inside a shipping container for at least three decades. While the odometer reads 37,600 miles, the seller says it has rolled over, so you’ll need to add a “1” in front of the “3”. It was a well-optioned car, with all sorts of power-assisted goodies and factory A/C, although there is no sign now of a compressor in the engine compartment. It comes with those cool SS wheels which looked so good on these cars.

The sheet metal is said to be “all 1969” which we assume is another way of saying original and no rust is reported. The blue paint is faded and chipped, but there don’t appear to be any crisis areas with the body. No photos are provided of the interior, so we don’t know if it has held up well during the car’s slumber or whether it all must come out and be restarted from scratch. The seller does not mention if the car runs, though it does have a new gas tank and is said to have an automatic transmission rather than a 4-speed.

Comments

  1. Avatar GuernseyPagoda

    Posting already deleted. Not surprised, as it seems like a fair price for a vehicle in decent shape.

    Like 7
  2. Avatar Helmo Member

    Nice patina on that car. Given the flat hood, I would question whether it’s a real SS.

    Like 8
  3. Avatar Gary Rhodes

    Really good price on a nice Chevelle.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar DayDreamBeliever

    Gone already.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Stevieg

    A quick fluff & buff would make this into a really nice weekend cruiser. Someone got a great deal, whether a real “138” car or not.

    Like 0

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