Restored Drop-Top 396 V8: 1969 Chevrolet Impala
Before you assume this car is an SS 396, it’s not. In 1969, the only way you got an Impala SS was to get it with the 427 cubic inch V8. This is a “regular” Impala ordered with the almost-as-mighty 396 8-cylinder (if it’s matching numbers). We’re told this convertible has been restored, but it’s not 100% stock and comes with very few photographs to do the car justice. In Brooklyn, New York, this open-air Chevy is available here on craigslist for $25,000.
The Impala was still Chevrolet’s top-selling car at the end of the 1960s, but not nearly at the level set in 1965 at one million copies. 1969 was the last year for this Impala SS (until the 1990s), but it was limited to fire-breathing status with a 427 engine that saw less than 2,500 copies assembled. On the other hand, there were more than 14,000 full-size Chevy convertibles built in 1969, but they carried either Impala or Caprice badging, with the former likely being the lion’s share. Even with a 396 V8, this Impala wasn’t a rare car when new, but hard to find today.
We’re told this Impala has had a complete restoration, but we don’t know how long ago that was. For a car that’s said to be in “like new” condition, why not take it out in the daylight for photos rather than clicking the camera inside a cluttered garage? We assume the 396 V8 is the 265 hp version, but no pics of the engine compartment are included. It’s paired with an automatic transmission (Turbo-Hydramatic?) and a 12-bolt rear end with posi-traction.
At 52,000 miles (or 152,000), the seller or a predecessor added 4-wheel disc brakes, headers, a new exhaust, new tires, and new suspension pieces. The interior is also new (but lacks at least one door panel), and we’re told the car wears a matte white paint job, which would not be the same as it was when new. Do the changes to the machine reduce its value compared to what it would be worth if it was 100% like the day it left the factory? As we said about another recent car, that’s up to the buying public to decide. Thanks for the cool tip, Mitchell G.!
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Comments
$25k is quite a stretch for a car that needs paint,….. a convertible top,…. interior finishing….. and who knows what else…..because we really can’t tell from the photos. If the car runs, take it to Coney Island and take some decent photos. Ok, I’m done.
Ok.. here we go again on Craigslist!! Lack of photos to prove what was done! Since the Impala is stuck in the garage the engine may not work. Driver side door panel missing so what else is missing? Why painted it Matte white instead of gloss white? Is this a primer white? So many questions and no answers! Could this be another type of scam? I don’t understand these sellers on Craigslist. And asking over $20,000 really??!! The way it is should be $10,000 only because it’s a convertible! Again buyer beware! 🇺🇸🐻🇺🇸
buy a Kia BB
share it with AT..
this car is out of your league
as for me, WOW
nice find !
ive looked for a 69 vert 427 before, for years, and this one is ‘no rust’ ..
a rare find, a beauti and a beast;
well worth 20+
thank you Barn Finds
Drove by a black 69 ss427 convertible with white interior Friday going to Jewell. They’re out there.
A “restoration” or a cover-up? Too many questionable things here, especially for the price.
There’s more detail in the seller’s thumb than there is of the car in the pictures
Gotta see it to value it.Such a lack of info and terrible pics and you want 25k? Sounds like a slapped together car imo.If the seller can’t put the effort into describing it and taking good pics to sell it …that tells you something.I’ll pass.
Original owner should have purchased the optional hidden headlights.
I really can’t recall ever seeing one of these as a convertible. Guess it’s somewhat of a rare car.
The hideaway lights were only optional on the 68/69 Caprice. Not available on Impala from factory.
I guess that explains why it doesn’t have them.