The Chevelle SS 396 has achieved legendary status in the muscle car world, with spotless examples commanding attention and spirited bidding when they hit the market. This SS isn’t 100% original, but that hasn’t prevented it from raising interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Staunton, Illinois. Thirty-seven bids have pushed the price to $17,215, although I suspect that figure is well short of the reserve. With plenty of time remaining on the auction, there’s an opportunity for our readers to stake their claim on this beauty.

This Chevelle makes a positive first impression, with its Fathom Green paint shining beautifully and showing no signs of significant flaws. The seller confirms it rolled off the line with a vinyl top, but a previous owner removed it and painted the roof to match the rest of the car. It may be that they chose that path due to rust, and there is evidence that may support that view. While the panels and underside are clean, there is visible corrosion around the tops of the door frames, which needs addressing before it deteriorates further. The door seals are dried and split, which could exacerbate the problem. The trim and wheels look excellent, and the tinted glass is flawless. This Chevelle shows early promise if an in-person inspection confirms the corrosion is limited to around the door frames.

The mystery of this Chevelle deepens when we lift the hood. It features a 396ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power brakes. It is unclear whether the car is numbers-matching, and the seller doesn’t specify which version of the big-block this is. However, the air cleaner decal and intake point towards it being the L78 version that produced 375hp in its prime. If that is true, this SS should storm the ¼-mile in 14.1 seconds. The L78 was not a cheap proposition, adding $252.80 to the sticker price of the SS. However, that didn’t deter the 9,486 people from ticking the box on the order form to experience this motor’s impressive acceleration. The engine wears aftermarket headers, but I can’t spot any other additions. Although the seller doesn’t specifically state it, the listing suggests the Chevelle is a turnkey classic. They supply this YouTube video of the 396 running, and I can’t see or hear any problems.

The Chevelle’s interior is a mixed bag, featuring newer seatcovers and carpet. The dash and pad look good, but plenty of shortcomings require attention if it is to present at its best. Some plastic pieces, like the armrests and kick panels, exhibit significant deterioration, with the headliner split and damaged. The lower door trims have issues, while the gauge lenses are pretty cloudy. None of the problems will cost a vast sum to address, and the successful bidder could tackle them in a home workshop. There is still time remaining before summer hits to tackle those tasks, meaning the buyer could have the interior sparkling like a new penny by the time the sun reveals itself.

This 1969 Chevelle SS 396 offers potential buyers a few contradictions, which may help explain why the current bidding amount is modest despite the relatively intense action. The visible corrosion around the upper door frames, interior imperfections, and crumbling seals require money to address, but the car would redeem itself if the engine is numbers-matching. If that is the case, recent sales results suggest bidding should threaten $50,000 before the hammer falls. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue it further, or would you prefer to let this one go?