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 Lemans Blue 1969 Chevelle SS396, there's no question the guys who built it did their homework. It is a real big block car, packing a period correct engine, a quick-shifting 4-speed manual, and an awesome color combination, along with a few upgrades that make this one really stand out from the pack.

Originally code 70 Lemans Blue, there was no need to change a good thing, so it was repainted a few years back using bright blue paint that makes a real statement among the sea of red and black Chevelles at every car show. With white side stripes that emphasize the gentle arc of the Chevelle sheetmetal, not to mention the super-aggressive rake, this car certainly 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 blue big block A-body, even with a few imperfections here and there. We're especially pleased that it's still wearing its original hood rather than a gaudy 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 Parchment bucket seat interior was restored using correct materials for a completely authentic look and feel, including nice seat covers, door panels, and a taut headliner, not to mention all the other small detail pieces that are so tough to track down. The black carpets are plush and provide plenty of insulation inside the cabin, not to mention a nice contrast from all the white inside. A correct SS dash with round gauges is augmented by auxiliary temperature, voltage, and oil pressure gauges mounted underneath, plus a tachometer was strapped to the steering column where it's very easy to see. The center console proudly wears a Hurst cue ball shifter for the numbers matching Muncie M21 4-speed underneath, and the steering wheel is a handsome three-spoke unit that adds a touch of sportiness inside. In the center of the dash, the original radio has been replaced with a later retro-style AM/FM/Cassette unit, although unfortunately it's not currently working. The trunk is neatly finished with a correct mat, and it also carries a full-sized spare and jack assembly, which is always important.

Horsepower is compliments of a period-correct 396 V8 ('68-'69) that was comprehensively rebuilt around 1,500 miles ago and then properly dressed in bright Chevy Orange paint. Situated between the satin black fender wells, it looks great, especially with dress-up items like the chrome valve covers, matching air cleaner with correct decals, and painted intake manifold. Performance upgrades include forged internals from the rebuild, a performance cam, a recently rebuilt Quadra-Jet 4-barrel carburetor, and a newer radiator with dual electric fans that keep the whole show nice and cool. A close-ratio Muncie M21 4-speed manages the gears, twisting a virtually bulletproof 12-bolt posi-trac out back with very agreeable 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 front disc brakes provide sure, confident stops, power steering ensure an easy drive, and the Dynomax dual 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 215/70/14 BFGoodrich white-letter radials all around.

Nicely restored and ready to take some pink slips, this turn-key SS396 is the head-turner your Momma told you to be worried about. Call now!