With the 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 being one of the most desirable muscle cars in the current market, an unmolested one will always generate interest when it appears on the market. That ramps up a degree or two when the car in question retains its original paint as a genuine survivor. That is the story with our feature SS, which recently emerged from a private collection. Its condition is hard to fault, but it now needs a new home.
When I first saw this SS, I thought it was a nicely restored vehicle that presented well. However, my respect for it and its previous owner grew when I discovered that the Frost Green paint gracing its panels is original. That makes this classic a genuine survivor that will draw praise from knowledgeable enthusiasts. The paint shines beautifully, and if it wears any imperfections, they don’t show in the vast collection of supplied photos. The Dark Green vinyl top adds a classy touch to the exterior, with its condition being as impressive as the paint. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but the big news with this gem is its rust-free status. There is nothing visible externally, and the underside shots reveal floors and a frame that exhibit little more than the occasional spot of light surface corrosion. The Chevelle has spent much of its life in careful storage in California, which has helped protect it from the ravages of time. The glass looks flawless, as does the trim and chrome.
The defining characteristic of the SS 396 is the big-block V8 under the hood, and our feature car is a numbers-matching classic. The original owner ordered it with the L35 version of the iconic 396 producing 325hp. Those rampant horses feed through a four-speed manual transmission to a Posi rear end. When a classic from this era can storm the ¼ mile in 14.6 seconds, there’s no questioning its performance credentials. The seller recently serviced this SS and cleaned the fuel system. They state that it runs and drives well and has a genuine 75,000 miles showing on its odometer. They don’t specifically mention evidence to support this claim but judging by the included documentation, it may exist.
The Chevelle’s interior presents as impressively as the exterior, and apart from what I believe to be an aftermarket 8-track player mounted under the dash, it remains original and unmolested. The upholstered surfaces wear green vinyl free from wear and physical damage. The same is true of the carpet, dash, and pad, while the headliner shows no evidence of splits or seam separations. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, but the bucket seats, console, and AM radio are all welcome additions to ensure any journey is a comfortable experience.
The previous owner of this 1969 Chevelle SS 396 was a genuine enthusiast, with this car rubbing shoulders with another SS 396 and a couple of Camaro Z/28s. Its overall condition suggests they were passionate about preserving their classics.
