1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Description

Year-in and year-out, few cars are as popular as the Chevy Chevelle. Cars like this 1969 SS396 are consistently in demand by collectors and guys who just like speed, and with a stout big block under the hood, this car definitely delivers.

The code 72 Hugger Orange paint is this car's original color, now rendered in stunning two-stage urethane that looks miles deep. Better yet, that vivid paint also verifies this is a real-deal SS396, since Hugger Orange was only available on the SS, and you know how hard '69s are to document. The paint job is in nice shape overall, showing a few signs of age, but there are no worries about what might be lurking underneath, because this is a car that has spent its life someplace warm and dry. Good gaps, lots of extra effort on the block sanding, and contrasting black stripes all make this car look incredible when you see it in the flesh. All the right SS equipment is in place, too, including the black grille, SS emblems all around, and twin oval exhaust tips under the rear bumper, just in case the guy you just passed missed the other warning signs. We like that they kept it stock on the outside, which means a flat hood and only one side mirror, both of which contribute to its street-fighter nature. And the black vinyl top adds just the right contrast that works especially well with Hugger Orange.

Black buckets flanking a center console is how everyone wants their Chevelle configured, and with a few smart upgrades it's a first-class way to have fun on a Saturday night. The upholstery is in excellent shape, replicating the factory look, right down to the nicely detailed door panels. New carpets enhance the plush feel inside and an AM/FM/CD stereo actually sounds pretty darned good, even with the bark of the exhaust behind you. Factory gauges cover the basics and are augmented by a set of Auto Meter gauges tucked under the dash. The horseshoe shifter for the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is still the best way to select gears. In addition, this is a factory A/C car, and all the hardware that chills the air is new, including the compressor under the hood and the R134a refrigerant inside, so it's quite effective. The trunk is properly finished with spatter paint and has a tidy look.

The engine says 396 and it's a period CTX-coded block, which is a 1970 396/350 horsepower unit that runs superbly. There's a mildly upgraded cam inside and a Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold with 4-barrel carburetor up top. It looks pretty good wearing Chevy Orange engine enamel as well as factory-style chrome valve covers and an open-element air cleaner, all of which help reinforce the OEM look. Long-tube headers add torque (like this car needs more torque) and feed a Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds spectacular at full boot. And like I said, the underside, while not restored and detailed for show, is definitely ready to play on the street. A 12-bolt rear end means it won't be easy to break and classic SS wheels with 225/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials look just about right.

We sell a lot of these, and it's not hard to understand why. Great looks, lots of performance, and even a modicum of comfort for long cruises thanks to the A/C system, this is truly the kind of collector car that can do it all. Call today!