1969 Chevrolet Chevelle

Description

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

Originally code 52 Garnet Red, there was no need to change a good thing, so it was repainted a few years ago using bright red paint that makes a real statement. With white 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 cared. The work was done a few years ago, so there's evidence that it's been driven and used, but you can't complain about a bright red big block A-body. 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 bucket seat interior has been restored using new seat covers, 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. A correct SS dash with round gauges is augmented by auxiliary temperature, voltage, and oil pressure gauges mounted up high which makes them easy to see, plus a tachometer down low. The center console proudly wears a Hurst cue ball shifter for the Muncie 4-speed underneath, and the steering wheel is a handsome woodgrained unit that adds a touch of elegance inside. In the center of the dash, the original radio has been replaced with a later AM/FM unit, which powers speakers on the rear package shelf. The trunk is neatly finished with black carpets that aren't necessarily correct, but it does carry a full-sized spare and jack assembly, which is always important.

Horsepower is compliments of a date-code correct 396 that has been properly dressed in bright Chevy Orange paint. Situated between the satin black fender wells, it looks great, especially with dress-up items like the finned valve covers, aluminum air cleaner, and polished intake manifold. Performance upgrades include the aforementioned Edelbrock intake manifold and Holley 4-barrel carburetor, long-tube headers, and a health camshaft inside. A Muncie M22 4-speed 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 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 SS wheels and 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear Firestone radials.

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