8k Mile Ex-Racer! 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
8,265 certainly sounds like low mileage under most circumstances for a more than 50-year-old vehicle, but if a lot of those miles were accumulated at a racetrack it seems a bit high unless that car was a frequent racer and a consistent winner. That’s kind of the story behind this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, which not only has an interesting past but has been made ready once again to tear up some new asphalt in the future. It’s a nice one and can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $40,100, still not enough to put you in the driver’s seat as the reserve has not yet been met.
The seller says this Chevelle was purchased new back in ’69 for the purpose of racing at a local drag raceway near Cleveland, Ohio, which it did successfully for the next couple of years. The original 396 was removed and replaced by a larger BBC, but in 1971 that motor was blown, and the car was then parked in an Ohio garage where it sat for the next 43 years. Apparently, the Chevy must have had quite a reputation at this raceway, as it’s said to have held several records at that track for quite some time even after its final race.
Back in 2014, the car was sold and came out of its long hibernation, then over the next few years, the Chevelle underwent a restoration which resulted in the beautiful Super Sport we are seeing here. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see any before pictures, but the after photos kind of speak for themselves and seem to show a straight, well-preserved body. The seller says the exterior received a professional paint restoration, and though the details are not given about what was involved, the finish is pleasing to behold in my eyes from every angle.
Inside, things are said to be all original, and a close look at the interior isn’t giving me much to fuss about. I’m really glad the decision was made in the late sixties to leave the interior stock, as many racers had their insides butchered with all kinds of aftermarket gauges and such tacked in, so it’s nice to see that this one didn’t suffer that fate. The only thing I noticed that’s missing from the dash is the radio.
Under the hood now is a 1969 Chevelle 396 JD block bored .30 over, stuffed with goodies like a COMP hydraulic roller camshaft, a forged crank and pistons, and a Holley 800 CFM carburetor. The dynamometer is said to have shown 478 horses, and some additional good news is that the drivetrain also includes a Summit Racing Turbo 400 plus a 12-Bolt positraction rear end with 3.73 Richmond gears. I’m finding close to zero things not to like about this 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, how about you?
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Comments
Looks like a great piece of muscle car history.
What is a “BCC”?
I think it’s a slight slip of the fingers and they intended to initialize Big Block Chevy, or BBC.
Fixed. Now what is a “JD” block?
In 1969, a JD block meant 396 cid, 375 hp, and a 4-speed manual. Basically, the ultimate 1969 Chevelle SS.
big block crate
Big block Chevrolet
Probably zero rust on this one. The reality is most of these cars were raced. I was going to drag races then. Not all the beauties you see at Mecum or on BAT are mint originals.
That colour is outstanding! anyone know the name of it?
cheers,
bt
Burnished Brown….
Burnished Brown. Trim Tag Code “61”.
Looks like Burnished Brown Metallic. I had a friend that had that color on his 69 camaro.
’69 GTO was called “Expresso Brown.” I believe they are basically the same. I welcome all contradictions to my claim as I’ve always wondered about this. When I spotted this listing my immediate thought was “Expresso Brown.” Like many others I’m a huge fan of this color.
Was it “Expresso” or “Espresso”?
To Johan…Yes “Espresso” thanks for the Catch.
Used to go to that dragstrip in the late 60’s through 72 went in the USAF and it closed for a bit. Was rebuilt and reopened and runs today. May have seen this car ,but so many racers back then. Today the sport struggles as property values went up and no one thinks they have a place today. Anyway beautiful Chevelle and glad to see it’s history is somewhat intact. Racers didn’t get much, a few bucks a trophy and a decal for bragging rights at the local hangout. Good times.
Luv the story(s) on the SS Chevelles. I bought a racer 68 SS. With 10k on odometer from a man in the military that he told his brother to sell it. Brother pulled drive/train and I bought the rest and went racing
I’d of liked to seen some old photos of this Chevelle from the glory days, probably a bunch of stickers, open full length headers, slicks in the back, oddly enough sitting on a trailer as it probably will now. What, a built 427? That’s my guess, a real screamer!
A older guy I knew bought a black one new. 375 horse,4 speed, black buckets, console, red side stripe; a really pretty car. He bought it to race and drove it sparingly on the street. He never cut it up and he saved all the original parts when he put headers, gears etc on it. It had polisher aluminum big and little slots on it but the original wheels and tires came with it It looked like new with original paint and interior and when he sold it back in 1993 it had less than 6000 miles on it. I wish I had the cash but it was way beyond my means back then.