Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
1969 brought several changes to the Chevelle lineup, including the return of the SS396 to the option package status. Chevrolet tried several approaches, including offering the Chevelle SS396 as a stand-alone series, but things didn't go exactly as planned.
The Chevelle SS396 rebecame an option package, this time available for $347. Chevrolet offered the upgrade for any two-door model in the lineup, which now included fewer versions as in the previous years, namely the Nomad, the 300 Deluxe, the Malibu, and the Concours Estate.
A Chevelle Malibu made its way to Craigslist not long ago, hoping someone spots its solid shape and decides to give it a second chance.
The Malibu wasn't the most desirable model in 1969, but it was one of the most popular anyway, especially as it could be ordered with big-block V8 mills. This project rolled off the assembly lines with a 350 engine under the hood. It was paired with an automatic transmission, and the same drivetrain is still in the car today.
That's the good news. The bad news is that the engine no longer starts, but the seller didn't share any specifics. One key tidbit is whether the engine still turns over by hand, but I wouldn't be surprised if the V8 is already seized from sitting.
The car's shape isn't surprising, especially because it looks like it's been sitting in the owner's yard under a cover. The rust has already invaded the metal parts, but it's hard to tell if it produced any rot. A photo with the engine shows the underside already wrecked, so it's probably safe to assume the floors will come with heavy rust damage that could require particular attention. Regular patches might not do it, so be prepared for full replacements.
The roller looks mostly complete, but we're not getting a look at the cabin to see if something's missing in there. The owner says they have the paperwork from when the car was new, but the listing lacks other essential details. For example, I'd want to know if the vehicle has ever been molested because an altered Chevelle project is significantly less intriguing than an all-original example still flexing the same setup as when it left the factory.
Unfortunately, it looks like the Chevelle is a very expensive project, especially because the lack of information could make many people to walk away. The seller believes $5,300 is a fair price, but I believe that's an ambitious expectation, especially considering the rust signs, the lack of information and photos of the interior, and the non-working engine. If you believe the car is worth a second chance, you can see it in person in Covington, Tennessee, and you'll need a trailer to take it home should you negotiate a deal.
A Chevelle Malibu made its way to Craigslist not long ago, hoping someone spots its solid shape and decides to give it a second chance.
The Malibu wasn't the most desirable model in 1969, but it was one of the most popular anyway, especially as it could be ordered with big-block V8 mills. This project rolled off the assembly lines with a 350 engine under the hood. It was paired with an automatic transmission, and the same drivetrain is still in the car today.
That's the good news. The bad news is that the engine no longer starts, but the seller didn't share any specifics. One key tidbit is whether the engine still turns over by hand, but I wouldn't be surprised if the V8 is already seized from sitting.
The car's shape isn't surprising, especially because it looks like it's been sitting in the owner's yard under a cover. The rust has already invaded the metal parts, but it's hard to tell if it produced any rot. A photo with the engine shows the underside already wrecked, so it's probably safe to assume the floors will come with heavy rust damage that could require particular attention. Regular patches might not do it, so be prepared for full replacements.
The roller looks mostly complete, but we're not getting a look at the cabin to see if something's missing in there. The owner says they have the paperwork from when the car was new, but the listing lacks other essential details. For example, I'd want to know if the vehicle has ever been molested because an altered Chevelle project is significantly less intriguing than an all-original example still flexing the same setup as when it left the factory.
Unfortunately, it looks like the Chevelle is a very expensive project, especially because the lack of information could make many people to walk away. The seller believes $5,300 is a fair price, but I believe that's an ambitious expectation, especially considering the rust signs, the lack of information and photos of the interior, and the non-working engine. If you believe the car is worth a second chance, you can see it in person in Covington, Tennessee, and you'll need a trailer to take it home should you negotiate a deal.
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