No Reserve Project: 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle
Some of you might be thinking, “What, another 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle?” Well, yes, there were, including the El Camino, about 500K of all stripes assembled 55 years ago – and they do remain popular today. What caught my attention here is the body style, it’s a two-door hardtop but it appears to be a 300 DeLuxe, one of about only 10K produced in ’69. I’d need the non-included VIN to know for certain but the lack of trim points me in that direction. Of course, the door panel is wearing a Malibu badge, so maybe not. Calling Cullman, Alabama home, this Chevy is poised to move to a new caretaker.
Interestingly, this Chevelle is not trending, so far, into SS396 clone territory, and other than the ubiquitous rally wheels, it doesn’t visually appear to have hot rod wanna-be desires though the seller claims that it was a street race car – so much for originality. The body is pretty banged up, the hood and inner fenders are gone, and it’s suffering from rust in various places – the bane of GM’s ’68-’72 A-body cars (and a lot of others too!).
Originally powered by a 200-gross HP, 307 CI V8, this Chevy now emits the sounds of silence as the powerplant and transmission are MIA. The seller does mention the inclusion of front disc brakes and a limited-slip 3.73 rear axle.
The bench seat interior shows as original other than the addition of below dash engine gauges, an inexpensive after-market steering wheel, and supposedly, a line-lock assembly – there’s no accessible image of that. I don’t know what’s up with the dashpad/cover, it looks like it’s molting. We’re told that the frame is solid but the trunk pan isn’t so it would probably be a good idea to check the floor pans too.
Uber expensive, these cars usually are, and I don’t mean just the restored or nicely preserved muscle variant. A plain-Jane Malibu will frequently surface with a mid $30K price tag. I don’t get it, but it doesn’t matter – for now anyway, that’s what the marketplace dictates. This one has been hanging in low-bid territory for a while now though the bidding has a week to go. Is this a solid example for a project? I don’t know, the current pricing seems right but the devil’s always in the details and projects always seem to exceed the most reasonable budget estimate. Interested in knowing more? This Chevelle is available, here on eBay for a current no-reserve bid of $3,000. And tell me please, if you wanted to pursue this project, what would be your end-game?
Comments
I would convert to an L79 327 and a Muncie 4 speed. Had a 67 Camaro with that setup and it was a real sleeper. Lotsa work to do here so needs to remain under 10K to be worth buying.
I believe the seller when he says it has some sort of performance past. There is a line lock solenoid hanging off the master cylinder. The rear lower control arms are Southside Machine lift bars or equivalent. The rear wheels look tucked inward more than you’d expect so I’d check to see if a 67 or earlier A-body rear end was installed, if one has been and it happens to be a 12 bolt, that would be a nice bonus.
This car is worth checking out for someone that was in the market for a Chevelle and lived nearby.
Steve R
Sold with a high bid of $4,050.
Someone got a good deal.
Steve R
The seller says this was a 307 car with power steering and brakes , since it has those and its a 2dr hardtop I’d say it was a Malibu from birth. Every 300 I’ve come across are usually bare bones six cylinder post cars
The 300’s were “post” cars.(door frames)
Note the attached, 1969 Chevelle 300 Deluxe two-door hardtop.
JO
300s were a 2 door post car with crank out wing vents. My brother and I both owned one that that was 375h 396 car. Bench seat, 4sp 12 bolt with 4.10 gears. Fun car!