Documented Frame Off Restored Numbers Matching Chevelle SS 396 V8 TH400

Description

SUMMARY

Restoration completed by Doug Garrett in the spring of 2014
Original 396 cubic inch L35 V8
Original Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
Original 12-bolt rear axle
Special order Carolina Blue paint
Sale includes an original build sheet, an original sales invoice and an original Protect-O-Plate
Correct Black interior
F41 heavy duty suspension
Correct power steering / Correct power front disc and rear drum brakes
Spent its entire life in North Carolina

It's pretty easy to find vintage Chevrolet metal that's been modified, tweaked and morphed into anything from killer custom trophy winners to busted backyard travesties. But when it comes to how your classic Chevy feels, and how you feel driving it, nothing quite compares to the way these cars rolled off USA-1's legendary assembly lines. After all, GM's largest division didn't get that nickname, or its storied reputation, by producing subpar iron; and when it comes to some of the greatest muscle cars of all time, why fix what ain't broke? This stunning Chevelle hardtop wraps an original 396/3-speed drivetrain in a fresh restoration and special order Carolina Blue 2-stage. If you're in the market for a top-notch, one-of-a-kind example of one of the best Chevrolets ever produced, you're looking at your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Originally sold in Statesville, North Carolina, most likely to an avid Tar Heels fan, this solid Super Sport is the beneficiary of a high quality, frame-off restoration that was completed in the spring of 2014. After well-known Chevelle tech Doug Garrett finished a small amount of metalwork, the car's laser-straight panels were gifted correct Carolina Blue 2-stage by Steve Gibson at Rusty Fender Restoration. Once that 2-stage was allotted sufficient drying time, its surfaces were sanded and buffed into a ripple-free finish that's literally as smooth as glass. And today, this top dog Chevy sits as a spectacular piece of iconic American muscle that's detailed to better-than-new standards.

By 1969, Chevrolet's Chevelle had earned the tagline "America's most popular mid-size". And GM, knowing not to mess with a good thing, rang in the new model year with minimal aesthetic changes. At the front of this coupe, a black-trimmed grille centers a fresh "SS396" emblem between bright headlights, clear parking lamps and a new chrome bumper. Behind that grille, an SS-exclusive hood props finned louvers between a flashy Chevelle script and pristine greenhouse glass that's framed in straight stainless trim. At the sides of that hood, traditional door handles and a fresh chrome mirrors complement bold fender badges, dent-free wheel trim and small marker lamps. And at the back of the car, a Satin Black valence centers clear tail lights and a prominent "SS396" emblem between a second Chevelle script, a second chrome bumper and mirror-like exhaust tips.

ENGINE

Hoist the car's double-domed hood and you'll find an original, 396 cubic inch L35 V8 that hangs a familiar 3955272 casting number behind a correct "JK" suffix stamp and matching partial VIN. Bored .030 over and fully rebuilt by Chevelle pro Doug Garrett, that cast iron monster uses oval-port closed chamber heads, a nodular crank and traditional hydraulic lifters to turn stout 10.25 to 1 compression into 325 horsepower. Oxygen and fuel enter the chambers through a chrome, freshly decaled air cleaner and big Quadrajet carburetor. Below that 4-barrel, a sea of brilliant Chevy Orange covers the block from the top of its cast iron intake to the base of its stamped steel oil pan. At the back of that intake, a traditional points distributor shoots fire through 7mm AC Delco Premium Wires. Below those wires, mirrored valve covers reflect freshly restored exhaust manifolds. And in front of those covers, a heavy duty radiator feeds pliable GM hoses and familiar tower clamps. Aesthetically, this road ready Chevelle's custom exterior paint perfectly contrasts a smooth, Satin Black engine bay. High quality extraneous bits, like stainless fluid lines, a Delco battery topper and a correct Delco-Moraine brake booster, are present and accounted for. And if you think this description sounds good, just wait 'til you hear this big block run!

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Under this impressive A-Body you'll find a fully sorted chassis that's been restored to the same brilliant standards as the body's straight exterior panels. At the center of correctly finished floors, an original GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed, which wears a correct "CC 69" assembly stamp opposite a matching partial VIN, twists torque to an original GM 12-bolt. That "CW" code axle is held in place by a restored F41 heavy duty suspension, which mixes factory power steering with power front disc and rear drum brakes. Exhaust floats from the aforementioned manifolds to aluminized pipes, which cap aggressive turbo mufflers with spotless stainless tips. Power flows from attractive Super Sport wheels to modern 225/70R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/As. And everything under this Chevy, from its fresh fluid lines and correct grease marks to its boxed control arms and bright fuel tank, is super clean and ready to roll!

INTERIOR

Open this Chevelle's solid doors and you'll find an attractive Black interior that was completely replaced during the car's extensive restoration. In the middle of that interior, fresh bench and bucket seats suspend plush headrests over clean covers and bright stainless trim. Below those seats, like-new carpet centers a factory console and traditional horseshoe shifter between color-keyed, Chevrolet-branded floor mats. At the edge of that carpet, fresh, fade-free side panels, which are branded with clean "SS396" emblems, give the cockpit some much needed pop. In front of the driver, a standard black steering wheel laps standard Chevelle telemetry, a correct Delco radio and Super Sport-specific dash trim. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk sandwiches a correct jack and full-size spare tire between a new mat and correct decklid decal.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

This coupe's original Protect-O-Plate, which is included with our sale, breaks down as follows:

136379BXXXXXX The car's VIN
- 1: Chevrolet Motor Division
- 36: Malibu that's equipped with an 8-cylinder engine
- 37: 2-door sports coupe
- 9: 1969 model year
- B: Assembled in Baltimore, Maryland
- XXXXXX: Production sequence number
T0620JK The car's engine code
- T: Assembled in Tonawanda, New York
- 0620: Assembled on June 20, 1969
- JK: 396 cubic inch, 325 horsepower L35 V8 that's fitted between a 4-barrel carburetor and TH400
CW0611B The car's axle code
- CW: Equipped with 3.31 gears
- 0611: Assembled on June 11, 1969
- B: Assembled in Buffalo, New York
7 The car was assembled in July of 1969
69C548 The car's transmission code
- 69: 1969 model transmission
- C: Built for a 396-powered Chevelle or Camaro
- 548: Assembled on July 1, 1969
1 Equipped with power steering
1 Equipped with power brakes
3 Equipped with a deluxe radio
3 Equipped with disc brakes
SOLD AT: Scarborough Chevrolet in Statesville, North Carolina

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

An original build sheet
An original pre-delivery check sheet
An original sales invoice
The aforementioned Protect-O-Plate
An original Owner's Manual
An original owner's payment coupon booklet
An original set of keys attached to an original dealership keychain
Miscellaneous state inspection receipts
An album of restoration photos
A list of major drivetrain numbers

We've seen a lot of excellent Chevelles come through our RK Motors Charlotte showroom and, while they've all been super nice, nothing beats the experience of owning a pristine, numbers-matching car that features a one-of-a-kind option! This Carolina Blue Super Sport is an iconic piece that wraps one of the hottest powertrains ever produced in a professional, well-done restoration. The car's fully sorted, highly detailed and carries a build cost that's likely twice as much as our asking price. And, if you're looking for some unique American muscle that you can drive, enjoy AND build equity with, it's the fully documented head turner you've always dreamed of owning!