1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Description

When a car is right, you can tell just by looking at it. Given the predatory stance on this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396, there's no question the guys who built it did their homework. It is a real big block car, packing its numbers-matching L35 396/325 engine and a nice restoration with a few upgrades that make this one stand out from the pack.

Wearing glossy black paint that has a few subtle tricks makes this Chevelle look a lot more radical than it actually is. With very cleanly blended flat black side stripes that emphasize the gentle arc of the Chevelle sheetmetal, not to mention the super-aggressive rake, this car looks the part of an apex predator. It almost seems like it's had its skin stretched tight over its chassis, and the fit of the panels and shiny paint make it look like someone really cared. The work was done a few years ago, so there's some very, very minor evidence that it's been driven and used, but you can't complain about a nasty black big block A-body. It's clean, shiny, and beautifully rendered and flaws are few and far between. We're especially pleased that it's still wearing its original hood rather than an aftermarket cowl-induction piece, and it works well with the correct blacked-out SS grille up front, SS396 badges on the flanks, and brilliant chrome bumpers fore and aft.

The black interior has been restored using new bucket seats, OEM door panels, and a replacement headliner, not to mention all the other small detail pieces that are so tough to track down. The carpets were probably replaced at the same time and show some age, but certainly nothing requiring immediate attention. Those upgraded seats are more comfortable than the factory chairs and have a bit more bolstering for aggressive driving, yet the vertical pleating makes them almost look OEM. A correct SS dash with round gauges (including a factory tach) look awesome, although it appears that the secondary gauges aren't currently operational. The center console proudly wears a proper horseshoe shifter for the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission underneath, and the steering wheel is wrapped in black leather that sure seems appropriate here. In the center of the dash, the original radio has been replaced with a Sony AM/FM/CD unit, and yes, this car has factory A/C, which is always a nice find. The trunk is in fantastic shape with correct spatter-finish paint and a vintage bias-ply spare tire and jack assembly.

Horsepower is compliments of this car's original, numbers-matching 396 cubic inch V8 that has been properly dressed in bright Chevy Orange paint. Situated between the satin black fender wells, it looks great, especially with original-looking dress-up items like the chrome valve covers and air cleaner lid with correct decals. It appears to be quite stock, from the 4-barrel carburetor to the cast iron exhaust manifolds, and that's great news if you like to cruise without worrying about reliability. The aforementioned TH400 3-speed auto 'box manages the gears, twisting a bulletproof 12-bolt out back with what feel like 3.73 gears inside. It runs extremely well today, with loads of big block torque available at any speed and in any gear, delivering the punch that you expect from a big Chevelle like this. Power disc brakes provide sure, confident stops, and the brand new Flowmaster exhaust system dumps out through correct oval chrome tips right under the rear bumper. The suspension sits right and someone definitely did their homework when it came time to stuff the wheel wells, because this one wears great-looking alloy wheels and 245/35/20 front and 275/35/20 rear Nitto performance radials.

Modified just enough to generate serious attention, this big block Chevelle puts a unique twist on a timeless classic. Call now!