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Stunning Survivor: 1969 Chevrolet Impala Custom

We’ve all seen those listings where a seller provides a bare minimum of words describing their vehicle. It leaves potential buyers wanting more and will often cause those people to throw up their hands and consign the classic to the “too hard” basket. That is hardly the case with this 1969 Impala Custom because its description is thorough enough to fill a small novel. It is as original and unmolested as you could hope to find, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Greenwood, South Carolina. They set their price at $26,500, and I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for consistently unearthing fabulous finds for us to feature.

The seller is this car’s second owner, and potential buyers need to wade through an enormous amount of information supplied by the seller. It seems its Azure Turquoise paint is original, with only a couple of minor touch-ups on the lower body due to scuffing on the factory finish. The vinyl top is untouched and is in as-new condition. Perhaps the most significant battle the new owner will face will be convincing interested parties that it is a genuine survivor with no restoration history. The panels are remarkably straight, with only a couple of minor marks preventing perfection. The car is rust-free, and the owner has underside shots confirming no current issues or previously repaired areas. The glass is flawless, while the trim sparkles nicely.

Powering the Impala is its numbers-matching 327ci V8, with the original owner adding a two-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Ignore what the air cleaner sticker says because my resources state the V8 should produce 235hp. The Impala is unlikely to plaster you in the seat if you floor the gas. Still, most potential buyers will find the performance adequate, considering Chevrolet produced the vehicle as comfortable and reliable family transport. The seller recently dropped $5,100 on an engine rebuild to return it to as-new condition. It was worth the expense, with this classic running and driving perfectly. For potential buyers seeking a turnkey vehicle, this Chevy deserves a close look.

The seller supplies no interior shots providing a clear overview, but piecing together those they include paints a positive picture. The upholstered surfaces are perfect, with the front seat spotless and the back seat appearing to have never been used. The carpet is unmarked, which is no shock considering it has spent its life protected by a set of genuine Chevrolet floormats. The dash is excellent, and the faux woodgrain trim is crisp and clean. A car of this caliber should have no aftermarket additions, and the Impala doesn’t disappoint. Its factory AM radio is intact, while the new owner receives ice-cold air conditioning and power windows.

This 1969 Impala Custom isn’t perfect, but its condition is far better than most vehicles half its age. It needs nothing and is a survivor that its new owner could drive proudly. Perhaps their biggest challenge will be convincing others that it is unrestored, but that is a challenge that would be enjoyable to tackle. The only sticking point could be the price, which is well above the market average. Its condition will draw interested parties like a moth to a flame, but do you think any will talk with their wallet?

Comments

  1. CCFisher

    Stunning is right! Interesting that the original owner specified A//C and power windows, but not color-keyed seat belts. I suppose it’s because many owners shoved the belts down into the seats and forgot about them.

    Like 7
    • Ken

      I’m guessing checking the colored-keyed seat belt box on the order form was a low priority back in 67.

      Like 1
  2. Cobraboy

    I’d like to see the VIN on that car. I may have owned it at one time, inherited from my grandmother. Or one EXACTLY like it.

    Like 5
  3. John Phillips

    We had a ’69 wagon with the 327/235 and Powerglide. It was horrible. Pull out to pass at 50 mph and all it did was make a lot of noise. No power to haul all that steel in that range of first gear and no torque to take over in second. The engine/tranny combination to have is the 396-2v/THD.

    Like 3
    • Mark

      My 396 Impala was a huge dog. I think they were rated at 265 HP… It would barely spin the tires. Low compression, garbage cam, garbage heads, 2 barrel carb and single exhaust with very high gears=lousy performance.

      Like 3
  4. Mark

    I had an identical car to this with the exception mine had a 396…2nd worst car I ever owned….rode like a truck and handled like a school bus.

    Like 3
    • Cobraboy

      Full-size sedans from the 60’s were not exactly tight-suspension Porsche race cars. They were land yachts. Comfy in a straight line and wallowy over bumps and curves.

      Like 3
      • Mark

        I had a Corvette at the same time and it rode better. The Impala did really do anything very well. I looked OK.

        Like 1
      • Mark

        I had a Corvette at the same time and it rode better. The Impala didn’t really do anything very well. It looked OK.

        Like 1
  5. Paul Jordan

    If one takes out all the sales pitches ‘wow’s and dogma, the description becomes shorter and more easily readable. The key point is that this is a 3 owner car (the original owners daughter) and it has it’s original paint.

    Like 2
  6. Allen L

    Happy 3/27 Day!

    Like 5
  7. Mark Ruggiero Member

    Had a Belair version of this, 327 w/Quadrabog, was comfortable and fun…

    Like 0

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