1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Tribute

Description

One of the great things about the muscle car era is that there's almost an infinite variety of cars, colors, options, and styles. Now, for purists, that can be a nightmare, but if you're looking for a clean big block Chevelle that drives well, looks great, and has a reasonable price, this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 tribute is a truly entertaining ride.

There were about a half-dozen different engines, two dozen colors, and a wide variety of interiors available in the Chevelle, ensuring that you could get one any way you wanted it. But the one thing that doesn't change is that the A-body makes for a ferocious street car when you stuff a big block under the hood. While we can't say this is a real SS since 1969 cars are very hard to identify without original documentation, it has been neatly restored to look right and they were sweating the detail. Wearing bright red livery, which gives it a bright disposition that we like a lot, it certainly has the right performance attitude. Bright colors always work well on these cars and with a black vinyl tape stripe slashing down the side, there's no question that there's serious horsepower on tap. Finish quality is quite good, with a nice shine on the paint and no real deviations from stock, including a factory hood and correct 'SS 396' emblems as needed. The chrome bumpers have a nice shine and the stainless wheel well moldings provide a nice contrast against the bright red paint. And that black vinyl top works beautifully to ensure that this pastel Chevelle isn't too soft-looking.

Chevelle interiors are always well-dressed, and the fellows who restored this car did a fine job putting it together. Bucket seats are important features when you're driving a SS396, and with Hurst 4-speed shifter in the center, it definitely has a hi-performance vibe. The seat covers are in excellent condition, the carpets were replaced when the car was restored, and the door panels are nicely detailed with correct emblems. Round gauges were part of the SS package and this car includes a full complement, including a factory tach, along with some auxiliary gauges under the dash. The only possible demerit is that the aftermarket Sony AM/FM/ CD stereo isn't working, but we doubt you'll miss it. The trunk is tidy and clean with a reproduction mat and a full-sized spare, just in case.

The powerplant is a burly 396 cubic inch V8 that still delivers the big hit of torque for which big block Chevys are famous. Dressed to look fairly stock, it has chrome valve covers, an open-element air cleaner with 396 decals to help the illusion, and Chevy Orange paint on the block. A big 4-barrel carburetor on top of an aluminum intake manifold, MSD ignition system, and long-tube headers with a recent Flowmaster dual exhaust system gives the big engine plenty of punch. The 4-speed manual transmission shrugs off the power churning through it and you'll never get tired of slamming the shifter through the gates with the engine at full song. The underside is reasonably tidy, with floors that show some patches that were done well, as well as a 10-bolt rear end, which appears to be original to the car. New shocks were installed and handsome Rally wheels look right and wear 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Just a nice cruiser with a big block punch, this is an awesome opportunity to pick up a very clean Chevelle with no surprises and a reasonable price. Call today!