1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Coupe
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Coupe
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Coupe
Car Specifications
Key Enhancements
Insert content here
Engine Specifications
Drivetrain
Acquiring the Car – The Backstory
So, at this point in my car collecting journey, it is March 7, 2021, still in the throes of the crazy pandemic, and I have concluded I’m going to run the table. Meaning, I had to collect every model of 1969 Chevrolets. Except a ’69 Chevy Impala… because I had no interest in owning a body style that resembled a large yacht. With the Camaro, Corvette, and El Camino securely in hand, I decided my next target would be a Chevelle SS 396.
After diving into the market, I quickly realized that Chevelles we’re going through the roof by looking at recent auction results, checking out online sales sites, consigners, and even private owner listings. Prices seem to be going nowhere but north…anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000 and more. It was apparent that if I didn’t jump in soon, I would be looking at an astronomical price. Fortunately, I came across a classic car resell site (Garage Kept Motors) offering a true 69 Chevelle SS in Le Mans blue at an attractive price.
Hopping on the phone and talking with the salesperson, I quickly learned that the car was owned by a couple in Grand Rapids, MI. They had been in the process of finalizing some updates to the car and both had lost their jobs because of the pandemic within the last two months. They had no choice but to put the car up for sale. The car was an original 396 SS model, but the engine had been blown drag racing, so a new 454 custom build engine (bored out to a 468) with EFI fuel injection and custom headers had been installed. A heavy duty racing rear end, and an enhanced automatic transmission rounded out the drivetrain. Pretty much everything else on the car was in original condition.
After haggling back and forth a couple of rounds on a final price, we agreed to a deal, and I arranged shipping for the vehicle. I chose Reliable Carriers as they offered enclosed trailer transport. Given the significant value of the vehicle and a new paint job, I did not want to risk trailering it myself. Once home, I conducted a detailed inspection and found a few things amiss such as a non-working radio, a missing spare tire and jack and a few other minor items. Given the sales listing noted everything was in working condition and the car was complete, I quickly made a call back to the salesperson to lodge my complaint. After some back and forth, he agreed to refund me an appropriate sum given the incorrect listing details.
The Restoration Process
Complete restoration in 2012, with receipts showing over $80K invested. Bucket Seats with Center Console, Power Brakes, and Power Steering. Despite the way the car is badged, this Chevelle has a 454 engine bored to 468ci. There’s no replacement for displacement, am I right? This car makes all the right noises and pumps out a lot of power.
My next steps with the car are to pull the whole interior, install Dynamat and sound deadener, run audio wiring, install a new custom package shelf to house new 6×9 rear speakers and install a sub in the trunk. And a quick update to the seat foam in both front bucket seats. The prior owners did not have the funds nor the time to complete these touches to the interior, so it’s now up to me to fully finish out the car.
Interesting Ownership Developments
This one is painful. After parking the car for a period under my four-post lift, I chose to back it out just enough to open the trunk and see if I had a spare. No luck. Another item added to the parts list. Unfortunately, I did not recall the trunk sticking out of the garage when, you guessed it, I decided to press the close button. The door came down near the back glass and chipped the paint on the downward slope of the back glass. Ugh. I was totally sick to my stomach.
Fortunately, I found a resource to match and blend the paint, so I did not have to repaint the whole car. And it meant getting a whole new set of exterior stripes for the car. Again, painful. And an expensive lesson. Motto of the project?
“Always tuck your rear end before closing the garage door.”
Beauty Shots
