Vehicle Description
When a car is right, you can tell just by looking at it. Given the
predatory stance on this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Tribute,
there's no question the pros who built it did their homework. It's
a potent big block car, packing a thundering 454 cubic inch V8
mated to an automatic overdrive transmission, and features a flashy
restoration with some killer upgrades, all wrapped in a sinister
black-on-red package that makes it stand out from the pack.
From all external appearances, this looks like a genuine SS396,
although these cars can be notoriously difficult to authenticate
without a buildsheet and therefore ultimately fall under the
'Tribute' umbrella like this one. But on this car, it doesn't
really matter as it was built for fun, and in that regard it
succeeds famously. It's not the original color (that would be Code
50, Dover White), but this Chevelle now sports a coat of sinister
black paint that really emphasizes the gentle arc of the Chevelle
sheetmetal, not to mention the aggressive stance. It's deeper and
shinier than any factory finish ever was, so it seems a shame even
to call it Tuxedo Black, but whatever its name, it looks fantastic.
This Chevelle looks like it's had its skin stretched tight over its
chassis, and the excellent fit of the panels and professional prep
give it a high-quality appearance that'll show well on Friday
nights at your favorite hangout spot. Painted-on, deep maroon
stripes provide the perfect amount of contrast, and they've been
filled with gorgeous metal flake that really pops. There's an
SS-style grille up front, proper SS 396 badges on the flanks and
tailpanel, and brilliant chrome bumpers fore and aft. We like that
they left off the ubiquitous and obnoxious tall cowl hood, opting
for a double-hump stock unit that gives it a low-key look that's
quite deceptive once you see it running like a scalded dog.
Overall, the look is extremely impressive.
The deep red bucket seat interior has been restored using new seat
covers, fresh carpets, new door panels, and a matching headliner,
not to mention all the other small, detailed pieces that are so
tough to track down. A correct SS dash with round gauges is
SS-spec, although '69s are notoriously difficult to authenticate,
but the point is moot anyway as the stock units have been upgraded
with Dakota Digital units that look fantastic and keep a more
accurate eye on the drivetrain. The center console proudly carries
a B&M shifter for the 700R4 4-speed automatic underneath, and
they incorporated it inside like it always belonged, while the
thick-rimmed, leather steering wheel is a terrific piece mounted
atop a tilt column. A modern Alpine head unit powers upgraded
speakers, including a JL Audio subwoofer and amp set-up in the
trunk that really booms, and controls for a full Vintage Air A/C
system were installed just above it, and the modern system blows
nice and cold. There trunk was layered with splatter paint and with
the metal exposed you can easily see how solid this Chevelle really
is.
Horsepower is delivered from a later-model 454 cubic inch V8 that
fits the engine bay perfectly and has been neatly dressed. Situated
between the satin black fender wells, it looks fairly stock at
first glance, although a few upgrades including a Holley aluminum
intake and 4-barrel carburetor, M/T finned aluminum valve covers,
an HEI ignition system, and long-tube headers surely add a few
extra horsepower. It's got plenty of power on tap and runs great,
with loads of big block torque available at any speed and in any
gear. The 700R4 4-speed automatic handles that massive torque curve
and there's a heavy-duty 12-bolt hanging out back. Power disc
brakes provide sure, confident stops, power steering means the
drive is a breeze, and the large diameter dual exhaust system dumps
out through Dynomax and big oval tips under the rear bumper. The
suspension has been tastefully modified using tubular A-arms and a
big sway bar up front, trailing arms in the rear, and big springs
and shock all around that give it great handles and set that a low,
mean look. They definitely did their homework when it came time to
stuff the wheel wells, because this one wears slick Torque Thrusts
and 235/60/16 front and 245/55/18 rear performance radials.
Neatly restored and modified just enough to catch your attention,
this big block Chevelle puts a unique twist on a timeless classic.
Call now!
