Basic information and history

For many, 1969 is the year the Chevelle reached its most balanced form. The second-generation body had received its final major revision with a new front end, hidden windshield wipers, and rounder wheel arches, and the SS 396 had that same year gone from being its own model designation to becoming the option package RPO Z25 on the Malibu. This brought with it, among other things, heavier-duty suspension, dual exhausts, power front disc brakes, and the characteristic hood with dummy scoops.

The big block engine of 396 cubic inches was available in several power levels, with the strongest option featuring rectangular ports delivering 375 horsepower according to the gross rating of the era. The Sport Coupé, the pillarless hardtop variant, is the body style most enthusiasts associate with the model.

This example is a Sport Coupé imported to Sweden from the USA, and is therefore not originally sold in Sweden. The odometer reading is 142,186 km, but the seller cannot guarantee it. The car has had a total of four owners. The trip meter is functional.

NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE – – – – NOTE

The car is being sold by an estate, and information about it is therefore limited. According to the seller, all paperwork belonging to the car has unfortunately been cleared out and discarded. The deceased owner is said to have been very meticulous, and the car's condition, according to the seller, supports this. Prospective buyers are nonetheless encouraged to form their own opinion through their own inspection.

Bidders Highway will shortly carry out a start-up and inspection of the car, and further information will be published at that time.

Equipment and options

• 396 V8, stated output 380 hp
• Muncie M21 four-speed manual gearbox with Hurst shortshifter
• 12-bolt rear axle with differential
• Holley 750 carburetor
• Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
• MSD breakerless ignition system
• Headers for the 396 big block
• 3-inch exhaust system
• Power steering
• 17-inch American Racing wheels

The modifications follow a well-known recipe for a big block Chevelle and are mainly focused on airflow and drivetrain. The engine breathes through an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake with a Holley 750 and headers into a three-way exhaust system, while an MSD breakerless ignition system replaces the original points. Power is handled by a Muncie M21 with shorter shifter throw and a 12-bolt rear axle. In addition, the car has received new power steering and new shock absorbers.

Condition

Body and exterior: The paint is described by the seller as being in excellent condition, and the same applies to the body. The glass is also said to be of excellent standard.

Interior: The cabin is described as being in excellent condition, as are the dashboard and headliner.

Tires and wheels: According to the seller, the tires and wheels are in excellent condition.

Mechanics and function: The engine is said to be in excellent condition, and the seller makes the same assessment of the gearbox and brakes. The vehicle has passed inspection, with the most recent inspection date given as 2017-06-12. Since the car comes from an estate, an on-site technical inspection should nonetheless be considered a natural part of the purchase process.

Service history

The car is said to be fully serviced. However, there are no receipts or other documentation confirming the service history, as all documents belonging to the car have been cleared out in connection with the estate. Information about care and maintenance is therefore based on what is known about the previous owner, who is described as having been very meticulous with his cars.

Bidders Highway will shortly carry out a start-up and inspection of the car. Further information about the outcome will be published as it becomes available.

Summary

A 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 396 Sport Coupé imported from the USA, with four owners and 142,186 km on the odometer, which cannot be guaranteed. The car has been comprehensively updated in terms of drivetrain with a Holley 750 on an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, MSD breakerless ignition system, headers, three-way exhaust system, Muncie M21 with shortshifter, and 12-bolt rear axle, as well as new power steering and new shock absorbers.

The seller assesses the body, paint, and glass, as well as the interior, engine, gearbox, brakes, and tires and wheels, to be in excellent condition. Documentation is entirely lacking, which should be taken into account, and an independent inspection is recommended. For anyone seeking a big block Chevelle with a clear focus on driving rather than originality, this is an example worth a closer look.