RARE 1969 El Camino SS396 396 375hp Factory L89 Aluminum Heads

Up for auction is my 1969 El Camino SS396, which was ordered new with the 396/375hp engine, L89 aluminum heads, M22 4-speed transmission, and 3.73 positraction 12 bolt rear. The color combination is spectacular - Cortez Silver with a black vinyl top and black buckets & console. I am aware of only three 1969 El Caminos ordered with the L89 option, including this one, so it is a very rare car. There is NO FACTORY PAPERWORK with this car but I have spoken with the original owner who agreed to sign a notarized affidavit stating how he ordered the car when it was new. I think of this car as a lottery ticket; if you are able to track down the original engine block, or documentation, you could instantly add tens of thousands of dollars in value. The El Camino was sold at Schwyn Brothers Chevrolet in Blissfield, MI, and has never left the Blissfield/Adrian, MI area, so there is a good chance the drivetrain and paperwork may still be in the area.

The El Camino had NOS quarters and inner/outer fenders installed in the late 1970s and I believe the last time it ran was the early 1980s. The car was then disassembled for a full restoration which was never finished, and that is how it sits today. From what I can tell, the body was taken off the frame, the frame was blasted and painted, and the body was placed back on the frame to store it away. I have not worked on it or moved it since buying it two years ago. Body panel condition is generally good; the SS hood is rust free and in exceptional shape, the doors and fenders look pretty good, and the quarters have a few minor dings that I could find. There are a few areas of rust I could find: at the base of the windshield, on the driver's floor pan, at the back window corners, in the radiator support, and in areas on two of the bed braces and in the rear wheelhousings. I tried to take pics of these areas so please review them carefully. One of the NOS front inner fenders took on water and will need to be patched. A previous owner removed the trim tag to have the car media blasted so it will need to be reattached. Fortunately he did a good job removing it so it is in perfect condition.

From what I understand, the original short block and transmission were with the car until a few years ago. I've made an attempt to locate them but have been unsuccessful so far. Fortunately the previous owner removed and stored away the 3919842 aluminum heads, which are in pristine original condition and dated Feb/March 1969, and these are included with the car. I have no other engine parts. There is no transmission or shifter. The CI-code 3.73 12-bolt is original and all there. Even the original BQ-code 3-core radiator is there and in good condition. All four SS wheels are there with old, flat Polyglas tires.

Other interesting options on this car are factory tach/gauges and the NK1 cushion grip steering wheel. Both are present and in good condition. Most of the interior seems to be there but everything will need to be restored/replaced (seat covers/foams, door panels, headliner, carpet, etc).

There will be other missing parts, since the car has been apart for over 30 years, so please ask questions and assume everything you see will need to be rebuilt or reconditioned. If it's not shown in pictures, assume it's not included and please ask questions because there are many parts hidden away in boxes. You will definitely need a pickup truck and trailer to haul everything away. If I had infinite storage and more spare time, I would be scouring the earth for the drivetrain and getting the car ready for a proper restoration. That won't happen anytime soon, so I'd like to pass it on to someone who will do it justice.

The El Camino has a clear Michigan title in previous owner's name.

Terms of sale: A non-refundable deposit of $1000 is due within 48 hours of the auction's end. Balance of payment is due in cash, USPS money orders, or certified bank checks that are acceptable to me. ALL FUNDS MUST CLEAR BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS PICKED UP, no exceptions. The El Camino is an incomplete project car and is sold as-is, where-is, with no warranties expressed or implied, and must be picked up at my storage location 70 miles SW of Detroit, MI, within 7 days of the auction's end unless we make previous arrangements. Buyer is responsible for all transportation; I will help load it on your trailer/truck.

Check my feedback and thanks for bidding!