Restored Chevelle big block Chevy

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Tribute Description

When a car is right, you can tell just by looking at it. Given the pure muscle car presence on this 1969 Chevelle SS396 Tribute, there's no question the pros who built it did their homework. It is a big block car, packing a powerful 454 V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission, and a great restoration that make this light blue '69 one of the coolest turnkey Chevelles we're currently featuring at Streetside Classics. Originally... code 53 Glacier Blue, there was no need to change a good thing, so it was repainted to a high standard using bright blue paint that makes a real statement today. With black side stripes that emphasize the gentle arc of the Chevelle sheetmetal, not to mention the natural street-brawler stance, this car looks the part of an apex predator wearing sheep's clothing. It almost seems like it's had its skin stretched tight over its chassis, and the fit of the panels and shiny paint are evidence that someone has always cared for this car. The work was done some time ago, so there's minor evidence that it's been driven and used, but you can't complain about a bright blue big block A-body. We're especially pleased that it's still wearing its original hood rather than an aftermarket cowl-induction piece, and it works well with the correct blacked-out grille up front, a bare-minimum amount of badges (save for the Hurst emblem on the rear tail panel), and brilliant newer trim and chrome bumpers fore and aft. Checking the cowl tag, you can see the original interior is code 762, Dark Blue Rior. It was likely restored at the same time as the exterior, and with comfortable bench seats wrapped in period-correct cloth and vinyl upholstery, it's dressed rather well. The handsome door panels are in great shape as well, and the blue carpets have the correct pile and are protected by heavy-duty rubber mats. The guage bezel is what you'd find in most SS cars, and because it only covers the basics, a set of VDO auxiliary units was added underneath the dash to keep a closer eye on the engine's vitals. The automatic transmission is managed by the cool Hurst his-and-hers shifter mounted on the trans tunnel and the steering wheel is a leather-wrapped three-spoke piece that works well in the vintage Chevelle. Options are sparse, but a brand new, modern A/C system was recently installed, although it does need the vacuum pulled and a full charge of R134a refrigerant to blow cold. The trunk shows signs of fresh spatter-finish paint, a reproduction mat, and it carries a full-sized spare. Horsepower is provided compliments of a strong 454 cubic inch V8 motor that has been properly dressed in bright Chevy Orange paint. Situated between the satin black fender wells, it looks great, especially with dress-up items like the chrome valve covers, chrome open-element air cleaner, and painted intake manifold. Everything is essentially stock, down to the 4-barrel carburetor and old-style battery topper, and the motor fires right up with ease and has a nice low rumble emitting from the dual exhaust and chambered Flowmaster-style mufflers. A TH400 3-speed automatic transmission manages the gears, twisting a bulletproof 12-bolt out back with what feel like 3.73 gears inside. It runs extremely well today, with loads of big block torque available at any speed and in any gear, delivering the punch that you expect from a big Chevelle like this. Power disc brakes provide sure, confident stops, and the power steering system moves the metal with relative ease, providing for a very comfortable driving experience. The suspension sits right thanks to signs of maintenance throughout and someone definitely did their homework when it came time to stuff the wheel wells, because this one wears great-looking American Racing "Old Style" wheels and 215/65/15 front and 245/60/15 rear BFGoodrich white-letter radials. With a quality restoration that generates serious attention everywhere it goes, this big block Chevelle is a great rendition of a timeless muscle car classic. Call now!