44k Mile Survivor: 1969 Chevrolet Impala
To improve the sales of an already popular car, Chevrolet created the Custom Coupe edition of the Impala in 1968. Essentially, they took the formal roof of the Caprice and lent the Impala name to it. It was an alternative to the fastback roofline of the Impala that may have been “too sporty” for some. This ’69 Impala Custom Coupe is a survivor-quality car with low miles and most of its original paint. It’s said to be road-ready for wherever you may want to take it. Located in Hannibal, Missouri, this solid classic is available here on eBay where just one bid of $10,000 has been submitted, but the reserve is unmet. You can cut to the chase with the BIN option and hand over $22,650. T.J. comes through again in the tips department!
Unless I’m mistaken, no U.S. automaker built and sold more cars in the 1960s as Chevy did with its Impala. For part of the decade, it was the GM division’s top-line car, and – in 1965 – they sold more than one million full-size vehicles. The Caprice came along that year, as well, in response to the success Ford was having selling its gussied-up Galaxie 500, the new LTD. For the first time in 1968, the Impala 2-door hardtop came in two versions, fastback, and Custom Coupe. The seller’s version of the latter is said to have just 44,000 miles and was purchased from its original owner about a year ago.
This Impala has the L48 rendition of the small-block Chevy V8, which equates to 350 cubic inches and 300 hp with a 4-barrel carburetor. Its numbers-matching along with the requisite TH-400 automatic transmission. We’re told the machine runs and drives exceptionally well and should be up to any challenge you might put before it. The gas tank has been replaced and the carburetor rebuilt, suggesting the Chevy may have been dormant for a time. The dual exhaust is new, too.
The Glacier Blue finish looks good on the exterior, with just a few flaws which include some bubbling in a couple of the extremities. The undercarriage looks crusty, but this is a 54-year-old auto. The Parchment vinyl top seems no worse for the wear and the mostly matching interior with bucket seats is said to be in “driver condition” meaning nice but not great. The car sports a set of rear fender skirts, which were on their way out by the late 1960s as a styling technique. They make an already large car look even bigger. Would you leave them on or take them off?
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Comments
The seller says “Mostly Original Paint”, and “Survivor” in ad as well. This one has some filler in those quarters and front fenders, and, as far as the interior,
all the seats have been recovered, as well as the door panels and quarter panels. I believe you could buy all as a kit. Classic Industries out of CA may have carried it.
A/C, buckets & console plus 300hp 350 are a big plus. Skirts can come off when you add rally wheels. Leave ’em off if desired.
A nice ride that you can drive and enjoy now! I think between $14-16K is his reserve…
Looks like it could use a radiator before you “throw anything at it” , I think you are close on the numbers, maybe a little less. It would surely need brakes even if it’s only 44k. Anything with a hose or gasket would need attn..
300 advertised gross HP. The very same engine made almost exactly 100 less in its full “as installed” (SAE Net) configuration with single exhaust and 212 or so with a good dual set-up. Parents had the very same engine in their 1969 Impala, complete with TH350 transmission, 12 bolt posi rear and F40 handling package. This engine demands 95 octane (AKI) or higher leaded gas to run as as intended, which is unavailable at regular retail outlets. Very nice driving car way back in the day, though my then wife’s 1994 4 cylinder Accord automatic was certainly no slower. By today’s lofty standards, the “390 HP” (advertised gross) 427 is really the minimum for running with modern traffic with some margin left. (Those cars ran upper 15s in the 86 MPH through the quarter with optional 3.36:1 performance axle ratio.). 2023 base model 4 cylinder Accord has that more than covered.
Mr. Swanger… no malevolence intended, but the Barn Finds site is a business. In large part, they rely on advertising for their revenue. Which, in turn, provides a site that many us can access for free (extra credit for those who have committed to being members) to read interesting write-ups on vehicle listings, or peruse a Barn Finds auction or classified listing.
Rather than slipping in a vehicle-for-sale message for free, perhaps support the site by purchasing a classified ad (or get it free by becoming a member).
Awesome car – I think “Big Fun “ has it nailed – $16,000.00 tops. Even that is a stretch. A 4 barrel 350 in 1969 still has awesome power for a straight factory model and the “upgraded “ dual exhaust is a big plus. I definitely would consider this car, however , I would need to see some evidence of the mileage because “any car” over $10,000.00 – for me needs proof. Good luck.
Advertised at 300 gross HP, this engine made almost exactly 100 less in its full “as installed” (SAE net) configuration, resulting in some 165 peak HP at the wheels as measured on a modern chassis dyno. Not much for a 3,900 plus pound car. My parents had a then new 1969 Impala fitted with that engine back in the day, coupled to a TH350 automatic, 12 bolt posi and F40 handling package. Nice driving full size car by mid to later 1970’s standards, though my wife’s then new ’94 Honda Accord (4 cylinder automatic) was certainly no slower. You may want to to google “ate up with motor gross net rear wheel horsepower for more.”
I always liked that formal roof line; my first car was a ’70 Caprice cpe. I added fender skirts to sleek up the sides. Kind of a pain to take them off when I washed it especially in a Mn. winter though.
Kind of unusual options, upgraded motor, console, and those skirts.
The author said skirts were on their way out in the 60s, but Caddys, Buick Electras, & 98s carried them til the ’77 downsizing and the the 98s had them through ’84.
Lovely looking car. 1969 is my favourite year for the Impala. As nice as the car may be, $22,000 is more than I’d be willing to pay for the car. I’d pay between $15,000 and $20,000.
My very first car of my own was this exact car but with a dark blue body with white top and bucket seats and U shifter. Purchased new after graduating college and moving to another state.
Very fond memories and it was quite a head turner.
At least this seller provides a lot of detailed pictures. Or should I say isn’t afraid to show detailed pictures. A good example to highlight everything that the seller thinks may justify the asking price. A nice clean everyday driver, but with a reserve set too high. As Big_Fun mentioned earlier, this is a $14-16K vehicle.
I had one back in the early 80’s, bought it from a friend’s mom. Same setup, except frost green paint and green interior. I loved that car, but traded it for a Nova a little later.
My 2nd car was a gold with brown vinyl top 69 Impala custom. It had a 327 which was the last year GM produced that engine. Always loved the customs with the concave rear window. A few of them came with hidden headlights.
The hidden headlight option, for 68 & 69
was only available on the Caprice and
(Caprice) Kingswood Estate models.
My Dad bought one like this for my Mom in 1975. It was a white fastback with the skirts, bucket seats and console with a factory 8 track. It had the skirts but they were stolen one night. That 300 horse 350 was a blast even in that big car. My parents moved to SoCal and my Dad sold it for nothing!
Love the bucket seat console interior…and white…very nice. Enough horse power…
Nice car. I would leave the fender skirts on.
Another Jon agrees with me!
My 8th car was a 68 Impala fastback two door with a 350, replaced my 68 chrysler 300 convertable that was wrecked. This is a nice looking 69. Like the buckets, console and skirts but I agree that the reserve price is out in left field.