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 update, with a new front end, hidden windshield wipers and rounder wheel arches, and that same year SS 396 went from being a distinct model designation to becoming the option package RPO Z25 on the Malibu. This brought, among other things, stiffer suspension, dual exhausts, power front disc brakes and the characteristic hood with dummy scoops.

The 396 cubic inch big block engine was available in several output levels, with the strongest rectangular-port option 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. The odometer reads 142,186 km, but this cannot be guaranteed. The car has had a total of four owners in Sweden. The trip meter works.

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The car is sold by an estate, and information about it is therefore limited. According to the seller, all documents that belonged to the car have 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 bidders are nonetheless encouraged to form their own opinion through their own inspection.

Bidders Highway has now carried out an inspection of the vehicle. We have installed a new battery and carried out a start-up and test drive. The engine oil has a fine colour and appears to have been changed relatively recently. The car starts easily and the engine runs well at idle and feels responsive throughout the rev range. The cooling system is good and the engine holds temperature well both at idle and while driving. The gearbox is precise and easy to work. The radio works.

Click here to see a video of us starting and driving the car!

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For those interested in seeing the cars in person and forming your own opinion of their condition, please express interest in a viewing by emailing jens.trulsson@biddershighway.com.

Equipment and options

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

The modifications follow a well-known recipe for a big block Chevelle and are mainly focused on gas flow and drivetrain. The engine breathes through an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake with a Holley 750, and headers feed into a three-inch exhaust system, while an MSD electronic ignition system replaces the original breaker points. Power is handled by a Muncie M21 with shortshifter 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, as is the body. The trunk lid is slightly misaligned, leaving a gap of about one centimetre on the right side (see photos). The glass is also said to be of excellent standard.

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

Tyres and wheels: Wheels in excellent condition, but the tyres are worn and need replacing.

Mechanics and function: The engine is in excellent condition with good oil pressure and a smooth, responsive running, and holds temperature well even at idle. There are no signs of oil on the floor beneath the car. The gearbox is precise and easy to work, and the brakes bite adequately. The rear tyres are nearly bald and need replacing. The power steering works well. The car's underside is in very good condition. See photos for your own assessment.

The vehicle has passed inspection, with the most recent inspection date given as 2017-06-12.

Service history

The car is said to be fully serviced, and upon checking the oil it has a fine colour and looks relatively freshly changed. However, there are no receipts or other documentation confirming the service history, as all documents belonging to the car were cleared out in connection with the estate. Information regarding 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.

Summary

A 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 396 Sport Coupé imported from the USA, with four owners and 142,186 km on the odometer. The car has been thoroughly updated around the drivetrain with a Holley 750 on an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, MSD electronic ignition, headers, three-inch exhaust system, Muncie M21 with shortshifter and 12-bolt rear axle, as well as new power steering and new shock absorbers.

The seller considers the body, paint and glass, as well as the interior, engine, gearbox, brakes 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.