Classic car enthusiasts are typically determined individuals, and I have seen many drag what appeared to be lost causes back from the brink through unwavering perseverance. Raising the white flag is uncommon, but this 1969 Chevelle makes me wonder whether there are limits. It is the ultra-desirable SS 396 version, one of the most coveted muscle cars to grace American roads. However, a new owner must draw on all their skills to return this classic to its former glory. The seller has listed the SS here on eBay in Elizabeth, New Jersey. They set their BIN at $9,500 with the option to make an offer.
Chevrolet released its Second Generation Chevelle range in 1968, with cars receiving only minor updates the following year. Buyers were spoiled for choice, with eight body styles designed to appeal to all tastes. This SS 396 rolled off the line in 1969, and while it is a sad and sorry sight with its exterior overrun by rust and corrosion, I believe the original owner ordered it in Tuxedo Black. It is a two-owner classic that has fallen upon hard times, and returning it to its former glory won’t be for the faint-hearted. Rust is often an issue with these cars, and this SS has suffered significantly at the hands of the dreaded tin worm. The hood is the only panel that appears free from steel penetration because the quarter panels, roof, lower doors, front fenders, and trunk lid are all impacted. However, that may be the tip of the iceberg. The interior retains its carpet, which looks green and moldy. That suggests moisture has found its way inside the Chevelle, and if it is trapped under the carpet, the damage could be significant. With no back window, rain will have found its way into the trunk. We can probably kiss goodbye to the trunk pan, raising questions about the state of the frame. If someone decides to take this SS on as a project build, they will be on a first-name basis with their steel supplier before the car is structurally sound!
This Chevelle’s mechanical specifications would have commanded respect in 1969, cementing its credentials as a genuine muscle car. It features a 396ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and a 12-bolt rear end. The original owner would have had at least 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal, making the SS a car capable of producing a sub-15-second ¼-mile pass. Potential buyers will be delving into the unknown with this classic. The listing suggests it is numbers-matching. However, there are no indications regarding the health of the major drivetrain components. The heavy surface corrosion on the big-block makes me wonder whether it turns freely. Potential buyers would be wise to factor rebuild costs into their restoration budget, although it would be unsurprising if some components have deteriorated beyond the point of no return.
We can keep it relatively short and sweet when assessing the Chevelle’s interior. It is complete, but it’s pretty trashed. A complete retrim is on the agenda, but at least it retains critical components like the seats, dash, and factory radio. Complete kits to return the interior to its former glory are readily available, but this is another expense potential buyers must factor into their budget.
I am, by nature, an optimist. I tend to see the best in most situations, and decades of involvement in the classic scene have allowed me to see some pretty sad vehicles brought back from the brink. This 1969 Chevelle SS 396 could be one such car because it could return to its former glory if someone is willing to throw enough time and money at it. However, is that approach financially viable? A flawless result would yield a value of around $65,000, but when you subtract the BIN figure, that leaves approximately $55,000 in the pot before it becomes questionable. A DIY approach would help its cause, but not every enthusiast possesses the skills to perform such major steel surgery themself. My instincts suggest its race might be run, but do you agree?
Seriously, why bother. Scrounge what little you can, put the anchor chain back on it, and you can drag it back to Newark Bay and re-sink this goner.
Sad, but so beast it. 😒
That rear bumper is pretty decent
Taillights might be usable also.
For a trailer lol
Yep, nup,
” The interior retains its carpet, which looks green and moldy. That suggests moisture has found its way inside the Chevelle ”
Seeing that the rear glass has fallen out and there are holes in the upper quarter panels , I dont think you have to suggest moisture , its a given that its been getting in there for years. At least the seller has a “make offer” option .
Pull the motor transmission and rear and crush the rest, To far gone just way to much financial strain that you cant recoup if it is sold upon completion..
A vote for that.
It’s toast…
Probably won’t buff out. Does have a steering column with an ignition key
Toast. Love the tilt on the 396…. ha ha ha.
Bob
It is a shame to see a 69 SS Chevelle in such bad condition. The $9,500 asking price is unrealistic & laughable. This SS is auto on the column? better check the vin’s. This Chevelle is to far gone & it’s no L-78 4 speed car with L-89 head option . My advice is to get what you can for the old girl & be done with it. She is nothing but a parts car at this point.
Auto on the column because it is also a bench seat car. A lot of people these days don’t realize that not all the cars had bucket seats.
Anybody gives more than a couple hundred bucks for scrap value is just nuts.
Not really. I wouldn’t give $9,500 for it, but a couple hundred is just as nuts. The 396 engine is worth more than a couple hundred bucks, and a 12 bolt Chevelle rear sells for over $1,000. Unfortunately the “car” will probably never see the road again, but I would put money on it that the VIN tag and the drivetrain will.
Was nice in it’s day, but that day is LONG gone.
I’m interested in the steering wheel hub I’ll give $50 bucks.
Likely does not warrant a restoration. I agree with OLD SCHOOL MUSCLE.
I believe this one is too far gone for anything, atleast the body is, has a pretty nice drivetrain if everything is rebuildable. I always liked the 68-69 Chevelle body style, probably my favorite 2 years of Chevelle production.
Why do people leave these cars in the dirt for decades? If you’re not gonna do anything with it, sell it to someone who will before it’s too far gone.
RUN FOREST RUN!!! Keep the drive train and put the rest in the trash.
Oof. That thing looks rougher than a night in jail.
Salvage some trim pieces for garage art and the engine & hardware then its off to the crusher.
At first I thought I saw steam rising off of this pile, but then I realized it wasn’t that fresh 🤣
Personally, I agree that this old girl is too far gone. That said, I watch a YouTube channel, Junkerup, the guy restores Mopars. I’ve seen him take worse than this and bring it back in two days. He mostly works on ’69 R/T Chargers, but his work is amazing, and more affordable than I would have ever guessed.
Junk it, a base 396 in that condition is no high dollar anything, in fact there is one I dumped in my woods that we used parts from that no one wanted. A short tail 400th is no big deal and I seriously doubt anyone will pay more than 300.00 bucks for a rusted open 12 bolt. No exotic options or parts here so place it back in whatever waterway it was pulled from and call it a day.
Bummer. My 2nd favorite Chevelle behind the 66. Even I wouldn’t try. Pull what parts that are usable (if there are any)and scrap it. Say a few words if you want for a fallen soldier because you know this one was definitely used for what it was intended.