Vehicle Description
Some of the most extraordinary cars we've ever featured are tribute
cars, and perhaps because of their underdog status, their builders
seem to go the extra mile. This 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 Clone
convertible, for instance, is extremely accurate in almost every
way, and that's in addition to being simply gorgeous to look at and
a blast to drive.
The red-over-white color combination is striking and perfectly
suits one of America's finest muscle cars. No car is perfect, but
this high driver-grade convertible is really bloody nice with
super-straight bodywork that reflects beautifully under the shiny
red paint. Even for a convertible, panel fit is very, very good,
with even gaps around the doors and it has been fitted with a slick
dual cowl hood for just the right muscle-car look. White stripes
are the usual go-to but certainly look fantastic, and they've been
expertly applied down the flanks to match the factory pattern.
There's a blacked-out SS grille up front, and it matches the
blacked-out tail panel, providing nice bookends on this bright red
droptop. Bright chrome bumpers, proper SS badging, and all the
other little details make this more than just another tribute car,
but rather an expression of the restorer's craftsmanship and
dedication. You can see just about everywhere you look that they
tackled the project as if it really was a six-figure piece; it's
simply gorgeous!
The stunning white interior is OEM all the way, but the slick color
will make you think that it came out of something a lot more
expensive. Newer seat covers, plush black carpets, matching white
SS-style door panels, a crack-free dash pad, and other soft parts
mean that it's like the factory intended inside, and aside from a
few very minor signs of use here and there, it looks almost like
new. An SS 2-spoke steering wheel sits atop a tilt column and
frames a correct SS instrument cluster, which is now full of
white-faced Dolphin gauges that more accurately monitor the
engine's vitals. And talk about attention to detail! The original
AM radio is long gone but it was faithfully replaced by a
retro-style AM/FM/AUX unit in the dash, and the center console
houses the highly desirable Hurst shifter for the 4-speed manual
transmission below. The white power convertible top lowers itself
with ease and features a clear rear window, a nice feature in many
GM muscle cars. The spacious trunk is also tidy, finished with
spatter-paint and a neatly placed plaid mat.
The namesake 402 cubic inch V8 (because of insurance regulations
that GM was maneuvering around, the 402 in 1969 was basically a 396
by another name) under the hood packs plenty of power and it really
shines in its well-detailed surroundings, wearing a pair of chrome
valve covers and a matching chrome air cleaner, and bracketed by a
pair of ultra clean red inner fenders. The big block itself is
covered in Chevy Orange enamel and looks incredibly clean, with a
lopey idle that sure sounds like there's a mild cam inside. The
block is topped with an Edelbrock intake and a 4-barrel carburetor
to get the most out of its considerable displacement, and Hooker
long-tube headers that help the engine breathe. All that responsive
power pairs with a quick-shifting 4-speed manual transmission that
allows for both fast acceleration and longer cruises. Power
steering makes this vintage muscle car easy to handle, while its
power brakes feature discs up front for fade-resistant stopping
ability as it patrols the asphalt on a set of SS wheels wrapped
with 245/60/14 Cooper Cobra white-letter tires.
This is a tribute that will fool most experts and the driving
experience is identical. If you like the look and crave big block
power, this convertible is a stunning, no-excuses driver. Dialed-in
and ready to go, this droptop won't last long. Call today!