1969 Chevrolet Malibu

1969 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle SS396 Tribute In 1969, there were 10 versions of the Chevelle available and nearly 500,000 units were produced. The SS396 package was available for the Malibu Sport Coupe, convertible, 300 Deluxe Sport Coupe and Deluxe Coupe with subtle trim differences in each. At the other end of the spectrum, some Chevelles were equipped with a 140 horsepower Turbo Thrift six cylinder engine, more than 200 horsepower less than the 396.  For consignment, a 1969 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle SS396 tribute showing 16,238 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This car had a ground up restoration including many new body panels, interior bits from Legendary, and a period correct 396 under the hood. Options include a rear defogger, tilt wheel and power windows, door locks and trunk. Exterior Repainted to the Sport Coupe's original color and this time, the Monaco Orange was applied in modern two stage processes, a fantastic color for the car, here accented by wheel opening trim, chrome bumpers, and SS emblems to accompany the Chevelle script in back. While we're back here, let's appreciate the design of the rear where the tail lights contour to the body lines, the black band that connects them visually and wears the SS badge, and the oval exhaust under the bumper. If you look up muscle car in the dictionary, this angle would work to illustrate one. 15-inch Chevrolet SS wheels are a fine choice here and are wrapped in staggered size tires for a muscular stance. The Chevelle grille would change dramatically in 1970, but the '69 retains a cool configuration with quad headlights and horizontal trim. Imperfections are few and include two areas of cloudy paint, dull trim around a wheel opening, some paint runs on a rocker, minor chips, and some waviness beyond the character line on a front fender.  Interior Beautiful black grain vinyl adorns the door panels and the newer seat covers on the front buckets and rear bench, all looking good. A clean steering wheel that's clocked 90 degrees off leads to a clean dash, simply by performance car standards but essentially shared by the real SS396. An AM/FM radio resides in the center stack under GM's A/C panel. Smooth black loop carpet surrounds the floor mounted shifter, a Hurst unit with large white ball for a handle while up top, the black headliner is in good shape, capping off this very clean interior. The trunk is barren and clean with the typical speckled finish on charcoal paint.  Drivetrain We open the hood to a show quality piece, a 396ci V8 from 1969 with a 4-barrel carburetor and a period-correct Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission. Power is routed to the KK stamped high performance 12 bolt with 4.10 gears and Positraction. Power brakes and power steering are on board but the factory A/C this car was born with has been removed.   Undercarriage Super clean underneath where we find dual exhaust that runs through stock style mufflers and resonators before the chrome tips send fumes on their way. Power disc brakes are supplied up front and power drums in back while coil springs are found at both ends with a 4 link as part of the system out back.  Drive-Ability The cleanliness of this car makes for some promising expectation and indeed, it does sound great and puts down good power. But it didn't take long to find the steering alternating between loose and tight making it difficult to pursue a longer test. We also note a lifter tap in the engine. Functionality testing reveals some things that need attention including inoperable items including the heater blower, rear defogger, clock, reverse lights, right side headlight, and brake lights. The brake warning light is on on the dashboard and the left turn signal flashes both reverse lights. Beyond these things, remaining items operate correctly. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at t