Featured is a great looking 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS Convertible. This is a second generation model which included the 1968 to 1972 model years and this Chevelle convertible is a fine representative of that muscle car era.
The Chevy Chevelle was produced from 1964 to 1977. During this time, the Chevelle model was popular as a mid size muscle car that gained great popularity. Also during this span of time the Chevrolet Chevelle was available in many styles. These included coupes, convertibles, sedans, and station wagons.
1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Styling
Along with Chevelle’s second generation came a new look. The Chevelle looked sleeker, smoother and flatter. The wheelbase was a bit shorter making the hood longer and the back deck shorter. In fact, all GM intermediate models had a shorter wheelbase beginning in 1968 and this carried over through the 1969 model year. The Chevelle interiors could be optioned with bucket seats as opposed to bench seating.
While the second generation gave the Chevelle a sleeker appearance, it also gave the Chevelle more power. The pinnacle of power for the Chevy Chevelle was the LS5 and LS6 models. These were the 1970 model years where Chevelle unveiled the LS5 and 6. The LS5 was a 454 cubic inch V-8 with Quadra-Jet carburetors delivering 360 HP. The Quadra-Jet was a Rochester four barrel carburetor.
The LS6 was also a 454 V-8 but with a Holly four barrel carburetor and this engine put out a very impressive 450 HP.
The Chevy Chevelle second generation included the years where federal regulations concerning safety and emissions came to the forefront. Prior to those 1971-72 federal regulations, the name of the game was horsepower and the more you had the better. Chevrolet jumped right in with not only the Chevelle but also with the Camaro which debuted earlier in 1967. While not affecting the 1969 Chevelle muscle cars, when the Clean Air Act rolled out in 1970, emission regulations essentially meant that the muscle cars were detuned. Less horsepower, less emissions, and less power.
1969 Chevy Chevelle SS Specifications
Several engines were available for the 1969 Chevelle. The performance engines included three V-8’s. These were a 327 cubic inch, 350 cubic inch and 396 cubic inch. Horsepower in that order is 325, 350, 375. As mentioned above, it would be 1970 when Chevrolet brought out even more powerful engines.
There was however a more powerful engine available for 1969 Chevelle’s but requiring a COPO order. This was the L72 427 cubic inch V-8 with a four barrel Holly rated at 425 HP. These COPO Chevelle’s are some of the most sought after models by collectors.
Standard on the 1969 Chevelle SS models was a two barrel 350 cubic inch V-8.
Transmisssions available are three and four speed manuals and a three speed automatic.
Brakes are front discs and rear wheel wheel hydraulic drums with power depending on model.
Heavy duty suspension with front and rear coil springs.
Dimensions included a 112.0 inch wheelbase ( four door sedan and wagons 116.0 inch ), 196.9 inch overall length, 76.0 inch width.
Total 1969 Chevy Chevelle production was 488,000 units. From that number there were 8,360 convertibles built.
Related Auto Museum Online articles include….
Reference material used for this article included…The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars: 1955-1974 by Mike Mueller…COPO Camaro, Chevelle & Nova: Chevrolet’s Ultimate Muscle Cars by Matt Avery.
The 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS Collector Car
The 1969 model year was the heyday of the muscle car era and today Chevy muscle cars from that time period are very popular collector cars. With only 8,360 convertibles built, the models are relatively rare and receive strong bids at auction.
As of this writing auction results show that 1969 Chevelle SS Convertibles in excellent condition have sold in the $50,000 to $80,000 range. Those examples in showroom condition have sold in the six figures with highs in the $300,000 area.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)
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