1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Description

Imagine your friends' reactions when you show up in this gorgeous 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 convertible. The peak of mid-sized performance, this numbers-matching big block ragtop is beautifully restored, nicely optioned, and ferociously fast, making it one of the most desirable drop tops we've seen in a long time.

Code 53, Glacier Blue is this car's original color, and it provides a low-key contrast to the thumping big block under the hood. This is unquestionably a muscle car, wearing a sophisticated color combination, all restored to a very high level. This is not a car that appears to be raced and abused back in the day, but has always been a favorite car of its owners, so it's been well-maintained since day one. The recent restoration took it back to like new condition, and while it's been driven a bit since then, the paint shines beautifully, the doors fit well, and you can see the quality in every corner and crease, all of which are sharply defined. Unlike so many of its peers, there is no cowl-induction hood, or racing stripes, or spoiler, as they're simply not necessary with those SS 396 badges on the front fenders. Bright chrome bumpers look better than new and all the stainless trim has been polished up to look great against the soft blue finish. This is a really, REALLY nice car!

The matching blue interior looks appropriately upscale. New seat covers were installed when the car was restored and show minimal wear and look fabulous with the textured seating surfaces and factory headrests. A center console is always a welcome addition, and it's surrounded by new carpets that use the correct weave and nap for an OEM look. Factory A/C is a rather rare option on any ragtop, let alone one built for speed like this, and a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit makes summertime cruising a pleasure. The center console carries a factory horseshoe shifter, and it's nice to see that even on this potent SS, the restorer resisted the urge to add aftermarket gauges, leaving the basic factory dials in place to monitor the engine's vitals. There's a newer white convertible top, but you and I both know you'll only see it in emergencies, while the rest of the time it'll live under that matching blue boot.

The original, numbers-matching L34 396 cubic inch V8, fully dressed for show. Correct Chevy Orange paint, chrome air cleaner and valve covers with reproduction decals, and all the little stuff that separates the nice cars from the great ones. Stock exhaust manifolds feed a reproduction dual exhaust system that sounds muscular without being overt about it, perfect for a car that prizes sophistication over attitude. It's in good shape underneath, and the TH400 3-speed automatic and 12-bolt rear end are the standard heavy-duty parts that accompanied all the big block engines up front. Classic Torque Thrust wheels are the only major deviation from stock and look great, especially with rather fat 225/70/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials on them.

This car nails it in every regard: 34k actual miles, numbers-matching big block, factory A/C, and a great color combination. With receipts and other paperwork, it's a high-quality Chevelle that's ready to impress this summer. Call now!