Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396. That was the year that the Chevelle and El Camino SS 396 unseated the Pontiac GTO as being the king of muscle cars thanks to a robust production run of 86,307. This Glacier Blue example is powered by an L34 396 backed by the optional four-speed manual transmission. Features include power front disc brakes, headers, AM radio and an unusual black vinyl bench interior. This 1969 Chevelle SS 396 will come from the selling dealer with a clear title.
The Grotto Blue hue was recently applied, as were the black accent stripes. Other exterior features include a fender-mounted antenna, dual chrome rear-view mirrors, wheel well moldings, and SS-specific hood and black rear tail panel.
A set of 14-inch SS mags is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. Interestingly, in a world where the Plymouth Road Runner had just made its mark, the Chevelle SS 396 was not available with anything other than this sport mag wheel.
The standard front bench seat and the rest of the cockpit are upholstered in black vinyl. Features include a floor-mounted manual transmission shifter and SS 396 emblems on the door panels.
The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer and fuel gauge plus the U14 Special Instrumentation gauge package, which included a 7,000-rpm tachometer and gauges for the coolant temperature, oil pressure and battery. The odometer reads 85,086 miles, but the true mileage on this vehicle is unknown.
Power is provided by a L34 396ci Turbo-Jet, which was rated at 350 horsepower. It is backed by the optional four-speed manual transmission. Chevrolet was always good at dressing up its performance engines, and the builder of this Mark IV big-block didn’t veer off that path as evidenced by the chrome valve covers, aluminum intake manifold and chrome air cleaner. You can’t see it from here, but breathing has been assisted by exhaust headers.
Like all Chevelles, this SS 396 is equipped with an independent front suspension and solid 12-bolt rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by power front discs and rear drums, which was the standard configuration for the SS 396. Of course, a dual exhaust system exits at the rear.
The auction for this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 ends on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
