1969 Chevrolet Malibu

1969 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle SS396 The second generation Chevrolet Chevelle was introduced for the 1968 model year. This updated generation of Chevelle saw updated styling, as well as improved mechanicals. Ten engine options were available, with two inline six units and eight V8 units with the 7.4L unit having the largest displacement. Production of the second generation lasted until 1972, when it was replaced by the Third Generation Chevrolet Chevelle. Thx Classic.com   For consignment, a 1969 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle SS396 showing 51,035 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Every car at Classic Auto Mall has a story and this one is particularly poignant as it was purchased by a loving wife who surprised her husband on his 50th birthday with the year, make, and model he previously owned. The car has been cherished and garage kept since 1997 and retains its numbers matching transmission.   Exterior Two stage Tuxedo Black dresses this car and is adorned with a red spear down each side which in turn, is complemented by the redline tires on 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels. The normal band of black trim that connects the distinct tail lights and the coveted SS badge now blends almost seamlessly with the car while oval exhaust tips hint that this is not your grandmother's Chevelle. Up front, square bezels with black inset surfaces envelop each of the four headlights flanking a heavily segmented grille over a beautiful chrome bumper that takes in the marker lights in the lower intake. That fine chrome is in line with the quality of all the metal trim on the car, in great shape. Only two imperfections to speak of including a raised area of paint on the driver's door and a touched up triple scratch.  Interior Clean black vinyl door panels have multiple width ribbed sections and of course, a small SS badge leading to clean bucket seats with headrests and decorative buttons on the back, a style that continues on the back bench where belts are provided for three occupants. The black steering wheel leads to a fairly typical instrument cluster for the era with a large speedometer to 120mph, and most other functions, indicated by lights in the second dial. Simple, basic and clean is how we find the center stack with just an AM/FM radio and vent panel but your eyes will be drawn to the shifter in the center console, based in a sliding plate and metallic console, all over very nice black carpet under a black stitched headliner with shoulder belts, all in great shape. A spare tire and period mat occupy the spotless trunk.   Drivetrain A bright orange block is the basis for the 402ci V8, mated to the numbers matching Muncie M20 4-speed manual that routes power to the 12 bolt rear with 3.73 gears and Positraction. The bay is very clean, chrome valve covers pop against the orange iron and everything else looks factory fresh. The distinctive gold power booster is in there too, backing up the front disc and rear drum brakes.    Undercarriage Clean underneath with some typical surface rust consistent with driver quality and dry condition except for some sling at the u-joint. Dual exhaust flows through its pipes, then stock style mufflers before exiting to the atmosphere via chrome tips. Suspension here is made up of coil springs in the front and a 4 link with coil springs in the back.   Drive-Ability This well sorted and nicely maintained Chevelle starts right up and offers that distinctive big block bellow from the dual exhaust. Shifts are crisp and the clutch is smooth and the car responds to throttle blips with energy that registers 6.5 on the Richter scale. She tracks straight, holds turns well at manageable speeds, and the power brakes engage when required. All functional operations on board work as they should and our short date with this amazing muscle car is over. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will b