DT: 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 L78 4-Speed
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1969
- Make: Chevrolet
- Model: Chevelle
- VIN: 136379Z353365
- Mileage: 49,066
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: White
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Woodbury, NY 11797
- Lot #: V-0042469-DT
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Chevelle epitomized the American muscle car era with its distinctive design, powerful engines, and legendary performance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and a symbol of automotive muscle. This 1969 example is said to have undergone an extensive frame-off restoration including a refinish in white over black upholstery. Pairing a 4-speed manual transmission to its venerable L78 engine, this icon is now being offered for auction by its owner of 15 years out of New York.
In 1969, the Chevelle, hailed as "America's most popular mid-size car," underwent minor changes including a revamped front end with quad headlights connected by a single chrome bar and larger taillight lenses that seamlessly integrated into the quarter panels. Smaller side marker lighting bezels, shared with the Camaro, were also introduced. This example is said to have undergone a refinish in white as part of its complete frame-off restoration. It rides on factory Rally wheels dressed in redline tires which are reported to be original to the car. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin presents black upholstery and features a pair of bucket seats, power windows, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a locking glovebox, The seller adds that a center console has been fitted, along with new carpeting, new OEM door panels, a Hurst ball shifter, and replacement OEM climate control panels. The seller also states the seats, seatbelts, and headliner remain original to the vehicle. All gauges are reported to be working properly, and the power rear antenna has been disconnected.
Power is derived from an L78 396ci V8 engine, sending as much as 375 HP stock to the rear wheels through a Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission. The seller states that the numbers-matching engine and transmission numbers are shown, and a host of documentation showing extensive engine rehauling will accompany the sale. Mechanical modifications are said to include roller lifters and hooker headers, replacement heads, pistons, and gaskets, and a larger oil pan.
This sale will include a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: "I've owned this car for over 15 years, stored it in a climate-controlled garage, and driven it to car events in my spare time. Its originality always drew crowds. The car underwent a full body-off restoration at a top facility in Long Island. In all my years of ownership, it has never given me any issues; it starts up every time. Original parts and trim tags, along with chalk markings found during restoration, remain intact, including those on the firewall."
Comments (42)
Are you a buyer for the car
I will do that no problem there is no mystery to this car it’s exactly what I have stated it’s an L78 matching number car. I did a body off restoration and spent alot of money way more then the asking price. I am trying to get some more docs.
@Chevelle1969 Were you able to find any documentation to solidify the car is an L78?Please post a picture of the protecto plate as well as pictures of the stamping of the motor, transmission and rear differential. It would take about 5 mins to post these pictures and it would clear up the mystery of this car. Thanks
To all the bidders I will try to get some other docs by this week I will work on them by week end.
Offer in the amount of $47,500
@Ryder @Ryder, you are spot on. The final bid vs asking price now reflects that.
@ryder exactly... there seems to be confusion over the trim tag which is pictured and the protecto plate which is a credit card sized warranty card issued by the selling dealer that often had the engine number stamped on it. it was never affixed to the car but included in the owners manual. No doubt the engine is correct but you cannot say with certainty that it is original. This will always be the issue with classic Chevy's.
This is a very nice Chevelle SS. With the proper documentation add $30,000 to the final bid.
Bid in the amount of $38,000
Bid in the amount of $37,250
Well the driver train and frame were matched upon the restoration and the protecto plate has a photo of it . Thank you
Only the Canadian GM cars were delivered with documentation that included serial numbers for the engines. Unfortunately US auto regulators saw no need to require that information be provided with cars sold here. On their own accord, Ford and Mopar both recorded chassis and drivetrain numbers making it easy to validate matching numbers claims. The GM build sheets, along with trim tags and protecto plates are used by recognized "authorities" in the field to render high confidence opinions of originality. That's the best you can expect on the classic GM's.
Bid in the amount of $37,000
The pictures added are of the trim tag and not the Protecto Plate. According to those in the know, there is no proof that this drivetrain is numbers matching.
Bid in the amount of $36,000
@Ryder Additional photos have been added to the listing a few days ago. Please check the bottom of the listing gallery and see if this meets your needs. Thank you for the comment
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Seller, have you posted the picture of the Protecto Plate and or part of the Build Sheet ?
I will see if someone can take a picture and up load it. And I’m don’t claim it’s an L78. It’s is the protecto plate is on the car which it has all the codes to it.
I have not had the time to go take the pictures my apologies. It is an L78 is has power windows with no ac the l78 did not come with ac
Bid in the amount of $31,000
@Chevelle1969 will you be posting engine pad pictures? Pretty important for any 1969 SS, especially when claimed to be a numbers-matching L78.
Bid in the amount of $30,250
Let’s then 24 hours to go. To all the bidders you will not be disappointed with this SS it’s all there I’m a car guy the car is better then when it came off the assembly line. I’m selling because I am out of space I want it to go to a good home.
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Let me add some comments just so everyone can know how far the restoration was the frame was powder coated the body was also painted when it was removed from the car all part underneath were also sand blasted and painted. Nothing was left untouched.
Sorry i made a typo the car was very solid when i originally bought it. No rust anywhere it was built in California and it was in Vegas most of its life’s duration. Thank you.
I don’t recall replacing any panels on the car it was never solid when I bought. For the rear I did not cut anything out that is the way I bought the car also the L78 did not have an opposition for AC. Thank you.
Hello, is the hood original to the car, also has the divider between the rear seat and the trunk been cut out? Did this have ac from the factory and was taken off or not?
I can do it tomorrow it’s at storage the car.
@chevelle1969 Can you take a photo of the engine pad? And I will keep my eyes peeled for the protecto-plate.
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Gentlemen the car was done from top to bottom the frame numbers match to the car when we took the car apart we matched all the numbers to the car . I have big money in the car . Thank you all.
The heads were sent out and ported original ones to the car the block is original to car as well.
appears from the script that the heads have been replaced and therefore not original to the car. from what is written the block is. can you confirm. thanks
@Ryder Additional content has been added to the listing gallery.
Thank you.
Thank you for reaching out the built sheet it was a tiny piece when I took the tank out . The car was in Vegas most of it life so the build sheet deteriorated. The protector plate I will take a picture of it and send it over by tomorrow.
Great looking Chevelle SS. Do you have any real documentation such as a build sheet or protecto plate ?
Good luck to all the bidders it’s an amazing car you will not be disappointed. Runs strong it was a nut and bolt restoration. It needs nothing but a good home .
Bid in the amount of $19,690
Bid in the amount of $10,000