Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration that was
completed in 2012
Correct 396 cubic inch L35 V8
Correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
12-bolt rear axle / Posi-traction differential
Tuxedo Black paint / Black convertible top
Red bucket seat interior
14-inch Super Sport Wheels
Factory power steering
Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
Like the tri-five Chevys that came before it, the Chevelle is one
of those cars GM aced right out of the gate and continued to
perfect. Eventually, the marque became one of the strongest brands
in automotive history; and at one point, with a full list of body
styles, options, trim grades, color combinations, and engines which
ranged from mild to outrageous, literally embodied the 'custom
built' nature that defines the muscle car era. The challenge then,
was for the customer to pick a car which optimized every aspect of
that variety while not being too unlivable or boring. And whoever
rebuilt this cool 1969 Chevelle Super Sport probably came as close
as you can to having it all. First, the car's drop-top roof
optimizes sunny summer afternoons. Secondly, its powerful L35 big
block is tame enough to cruise on the highway, yet strong enough to
own the stoplight. And finally, its ominous Tuxedo Black on red
color combination is one of the best looking paint schemes to ever
adorn any Chevrolet. And when you add those desirable traits to a
fresh, frame-off restoration, you get one incredible muscle car. If
you're in the market for a top-notch example of one of the best
all-around Chevrolets ever produced, your next classic is ready and
waiting here at RK Motors Charlotte!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Although this slick Chevelle's Cowl Tag says it originally wore an
attractive coat of GM code 57 Fathom Green, there won't be many
guys who argue its sinister GM code 10 Tuxedo Black 2-stage isn't a
big improvement. And to their credit, the restorers did more than
just spray fresh paint, they got the body straight, the gaps exact,
and the panels flat and wave-free. Of course, one quick look tells
us this convertible's 2012 restoration WAS more than just the 'deal
of the week' treatment. And in fact, careful examination reveals a
frame-off, nut-and-bolt rebuild during which no expense was spared
to restore every square inch of the car's sculpted metal to
better-than-new condition. Fortunately, the previous owner saw no
reason to take any liberties with the factory sheetmetal; and if
any of that sheetmetal was replaced, the work is virtually
invisible. Today, this top-notch Super Sport is a solid and tight
muscle car which combines the best aspects of big block Chevrolet
performance with the kind of gratuitous fun and old school style
that only a classic drop-top can provide.
Widely regarded as some of the most underrated work to ever leave a
GM design studio, the 1969 Chevelle wears a distinctly styled body
with tapered front fenders, a rounded beltline and Chevrolet's
hallmark long-hood/short-deck profile. At the front of that
profile, four clear headlights flank a traditional Super Sport
grille which centers a prominent "SS396" emblem between laser
straight bars and a fresh chrome bumper. At the top of that grille,
a fresh "Chevelle by Chevrolet" script, which perfectly complements
SS-exclusive hood louvers, occupies the driver's side of the car's
header panel. Behind that emblem, like-new glass is cleared by
fresh stainless wipers, framed in fresh stainless trim and capped
by fresh vinyl top that's complete with a glass backlite. At the
base of that glass, a correct chrome mirror and traditional chrome
door handles combine with correct "SS396" fender emblems and
dent-free wheel trim to give the car a nice, finished appearance.
And at the back of the car, deluxe Super Sport taillights
illuminate a second "Chevelle by Chevrolet" emblem, two spotless
exhaust tips and traditional valance trim that centers a fourth
"SS396" emblem above a second body-width bumper.
ENGINE
If you walked in to your local Chevrolet dealer in 1969 and said
you wanted a Chevelle with a great combination of power and
livability, chances are you'd receive an engine just like the 396
cubic inch L35 V8 you see here. Wearing a correct 3955272 casting
number, this impressive mill utilizes a nodular iron crankshaft,
hydraulic lifters, oval-port closed chamber heads, and 2-bolt main
caps to turn stout 10.25 to 1 compression into a nice, round 325
horsepower. At the top of the big block, wind is forced through a
correctly decaled, open element air filter in to a familiar
Quadrajet 4-barrel and traditional, cast intake. At the sides of
that intake, mirrored valve covers, complete with a requisite
Tonawanda sticker, loom modern Taylor plug wires above fully
restored exhaust manifolds. And at the back of that intake, a fresh
points distributor complements a fresh wiper motor, a fresh brake
booster and a fully rebuilt master cylinder. Cooling is provided by
a correct radiator, which rides in front of a correctly shrouded,
7-blade fan. And spark is supplied by a reproduction Delco
Energizer battery. Naturally, the car's Satin Black engine bay,
from its correctly painted Chevy Orange block to its showroom-spec
decals, is fully detailed and ready for show. And all belts,
hardware and stainless lines are in the kind of great condition
that ensures both big points and great performance.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Under this Chevelle, 'good-as-new' is the prevalent theme with
freshly restored floors framing a spotless, highly detailed
chassis. Behind the stout big block, a smooth shifting
Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed sends power to a 12-bolt posi-traction
rear end that's stuffed with easy driving gears. That awesome
drivetrain rides a fully rebuilt double A-arm front and 4-link rear
suspension that features fresh coils, fresh KYB shocks and a larger
diameter front sway bar. And providing greatly improved turns and
modern car stops is factory optioned power steering and correct,
fully rebuilt power front disc and rear drum brakes. At the center
of the car, restored manifolds dump spent gases in to an
aluminized, true-dual exhaust system, which is finished with
rumbling, factory replacement mufflers. And at the corners of the
car, 14-inch Super Sport wheels spin vintage looking G70-14
Firestone Wide Oval tires around polished trim rings and correct SS
center caps.
INTERIOR
The great thing about a black car is the sheer amount of contrast
its paint applies to literally any other pigment in the spectrum.
And by their very nature, red interiors are spectacular as long as
the vinyl used is rich, brilliant and consistent from one component
to another. This Chevelle's freshly rebuilt front bucket and rear
bench seats show virtually no wear at all and blend seamlessly with
the car's new red carpet and fresh rubber floor mats. In front of
those seats, a deluxe instrument panel hangs a trio of rebuilt
gauges next to a vintage-looking digital tuner. Between those
seats, an ornate console frames a chrome horseshoe shifter in
polished stainless trim. And at the sides of those seats, fade-free
red door panels center new chrome handles and fresh "SS396" badges
between pliable armrests and bright accents. In front of the
driver, a satin finished GM Rally wheel spins a color-keyed rim
around a traditional red, white and blue horn button. And behind
the cockpit, a tight convertible cowl shades a fully restored trunk
that includes a correct mat, a full-size spare tire, a correct
bumper jack and cor...for more information please contact the
seller.
