Documented Restored 1 of 36 Chevelle SS Convertible 396/375 HP L78 TH400 3.73 PS

SUMMARY

Every now and then, n automaker releases a car that's nearly perfect in stock form. The list is short but the 1969 Chevelle SS is definitely one of those cars. Gaining a following that few Chevrolet's have seen outside of the tri-five world, ice examples never stick around our showroom for long. This amazing 1969 Chevelle SS convertible is sure to continue that trend. Featuring an L78 396 mated to the original CX code TH400 automatic transmission, his is thought to be one of just 36 Chevelle convertibles to receive this drivetrain. Add in rare factory options, uch as the 8-track player, nd the desirability factor practically goes through the roof. Though these cars are notoriously difficult to authenticate without a build sheet, he car does have a copy of its original punch card and a letter from Chevelle guru Jeff Dotterer explaining his belief that the car is a true L78 SS. If you're ready to claim a piece of rare GM metal, his 1969 Chevelle SS convertible is definitely worth a closer look.

BODYWORK/TRIM

Widely regarded as some of the most underrated work to ever leave a GM design studio, he 1969 Chevelle wears a distinctly sculpted body with tapered front fenders, rounded beltline and Chevrolet's hallmark long-hood/short-deck profile. It's a familiar shape and one that served General Motors well with over half a million A-bodies built and sold during the 1969 model year. The subject of an extensive restoration, his '69 convertible looks showroom fresh with straight panels and crisp lines all around. While Garnet Red or Monaco Orange may be the overall fan favorites, ew colors complement the Chevelle's lines quite like Le Mans Blue. The paintwork is first rate with no notable flaws within sight. Accented by a classic white Super Sport stripe, he car's exterior hints at the monster under its hood without looking overly aggressive or gimmicky.

The Le Mans Blue shell is topped off with show-quality factory trim that returns the car to showroom condition. At the front of the car, our T3 headlights flank a new Super Sport grille, hich centers a prominent "SS 396" emblem between laser straight bars and a fresh chrome bumper. At the top of that grille a showroom fresh "Chevelle by Chevrolet" script occupies the header panel which perfectly complementing chrome SS-exclusive hood louvers. With the exception of the windshield, ear window and one piece of quarter glass, ll glass is date coded and in great shape for its age. At the base of that glass, orrect chrome mirrors and traditional chrome door handles combine with correct "SS396" fender emblems and dent-free stainless wheel well trim to give the car a clean finished appearance. At the back of the profile, ew Super Sport tail lights hang between a second "Chevelle by Chevrolet" emblem, wo spotless exhaust tips and a traditional black decklid cove which centers a fourth "SS396" emblem above a second body-width chrome bumper.

ENGINE

Lift the hood and you'll find a correct L78 big block that wears a familiar 3969854 casting number. Unless you lived near one of the major Chevrolet performance dealers or knew the correct path through the options list, etting an L78 Chevelle off the lot was a formidable challenge that limited the number built to 9,486 according to most sources. What's more, his L78 is equipped with an impressive list of date-coded parts cataloged by Chevelle master Jeff Dotterer. Oxygen and fuel enter the mill's combustion chambers through a freshly decaled air cleaner, ew stainless fluid lines, nd a reliable Holley carburetor. Below that carburetor a sea of brilliant Chevy Orange covers the block from its correct Winters intake all the way to its stamped steel oil pan. At the back of that intake a correct points distributor shoots spark through eight Packard TV R Suppression cables. Below those cables bright chrome valve covers perfectly contrast correct, rofessionally restored exhaust manifolds. In front of those valve covers a fresh Delco battery rides next to a heavy-duty radiator that's equipped with GM branded hoses and familiar tower clamps. And the whole setup shows exceptionally well, ith satin black fenders and factory grease markings painstakingly recreated.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Underneath the convertible, he high quality restoration continues. The centerpiece is the original CX code Special High Performance TH400 automatic transmission that was unique to the 375hp and 427/425hp cars due to its specially calibrated shift points and heavy-duty converter. The transmission case displays a 38628388 casting number with a correct 198390030 partial VIN, erifying its place as original equipment. From there, ower is transferred down the driveline to a 12-bolt rear end packed with 3.73 gears. Around that drivetrain, he impressive F41 suspension remains in place. It utilizes firm springs and a large sway bar up front, four link and coil springs out back and firm shocks at all four corners for consistent performance through the twisties. The rear also benefits from a large rear sway bar and braced upper arms that assist in handling the L78's massive torque. Power steering makes turning the A-body a breeze while power disc brakes rein in the big block quickly and efficiently. At the corners, ate-coded 14x6 sport wheels wrapped in F70x14 wide oval bias belt tires connect the chassis to road while keeping the factory look intact.

INTERIOR

While this car left the assembly line with a Medium Blue bench-seat interior, eMans Blue and Parchment suit the A-bodies so well that it's hard to fault anyone for straying away from the original build sheet. Chevelle interiors were never flashy and over-dressed but, ather, unctional and stylish - perfect for the performance cars in which they live. This driver's compartment has been expertly restored to a very high standard with new materials used throughout. The Strato-bucket seats feature fresh foam under the new cushions and new stainless trim. New stainless trim and bright "SS 396" emblems highlight new door panels. Overhead, white convertible top keeps the elements out while new black carpets and floor mats keep the use of white tasteful. The black dash is all new and houses a speedometer, 7,000rpm tachometer, n optional electric clock and small fuel, emperature, il pressure and amps gauges. The car also retains its rare factory 8-track player, hich still works perfectly. Connecting the driver to the road is a standard black steering wheel that spins around an optional tilt column. In the back, he trunk is fully restored with spatter finish paint, new trunk mat, nd a full-sized spare with restored jack assembly.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

With a timeless look and one of the most desirable engines in the 1969 GM catalog, his Chevelle is the stuff dreams are made of. Factor in the drop top and installed options and it becomes a chance to buy one of the most unique A-bodies around. If you've been scouting shows and auctions for an awesome A-body, on't miss the chance to make this 1969 Chevelle SS convertible a part of your collection!