1969 Chevrolet Chevelle History
The Chevelle was introduced on September 26, 1963 as a
mid-sized vehicle for the Chevrolet fleet. It was basically
a smaller version of the Impala. The Chevelle was built atop
a new A-frame platform and had a 112 inch wheelbase. The SS
396 became an option package for the Chevelles in 1969. By
the end of the year, the 396 was increased to 402 cubic
inches. A limited number of 427 cubic-inch power plants were
offered. With over 86,300 vehicles sold in 1969, the
Chevelle SS was gaining ground in the popularity battle.
For 1969, the SS 396 became an option package on all
Chevelles. Therefore, it was possible to order the SS 396
package on everything from the Malibu sport coupe (the most
popular) and convertible to the Chevelle 300-series hardtop
and pillared coupe and the El Camino pick up. All Chevelles
got new styling which included new tail lamps. The 396
returned in 325, 350, and 375bhp tune but still suffered
from poor handling and four-speed linkage. Late in the 1969
model year, the 396 was bored out to 402 cubic engines,
reportedly to meet new emission standards.
The official name and power ratings were not changed and the
Chevelle SS remained one of the most popular muscle cars of
the era. Of particular interest to drag racers was the
availablity of a number of limited edition Chevelles. Known
as COPO Chevelles, these Chevelle's were specially ordered
from the factory by certain dealers or well- connected
customers with standard L72 427 V8s rated at 425bhp. An
estimated 323 Chevelle COPO 427s were built, all of which
were often devoid of badges or other indications of the
power that resided underneath.
nothing like the real thing baby...
The 1969 Chevelle SS 396 is a one of a kind masterpiece put
together by Franklin Mint. From the time you open the box
to the time you put it up on the shelf this is one fantastic
car. The level of detail on this model is top notch. The
pin striping is perfectly straight and line up perfectly on
the doors and the SS decals are in perfect position as
well. Upon closer inspection you will not find any flaws
in the paint or any detail missing from the exterior.
The engine in this model is truly amazing. Not only did
they include the standard wires and heater hose but they
also put in the vacuum lines for the master cylinder as
well. The turbo jet sticker displaying the 375 HP is
clearly visible on the air cleaners as well as the 396
decal. The battery has the authentic Delco etching and the
window washer tank has a line running from it as well. The
design engineers on this project did not overlook even the
smallest details.
As you open the door
the interior is just as finely crafted as the outside. The
fold down seats have the original buttons available where
the fabric was held together and the lap belt s are aligned
level with the seat and its mate is draped nicely along the
console. Most of us are drawn to the long shifter standing
almost upright in the center console. The gages and
controls on the dash are all authentic although a little
hard to see with the naked eye at this scale. They are all
perfectly proportioned along with the gas, brake, and clutch
pedal. This model is carpeted but the Franklin Mint went
one step further and included a complete set of matching
floor mats. This adds another layer of detail to this model.
The underside of this car contains a large amount of detail
as well. The first thing that caught my eye was the
inclusion of metal brake lines. The lines are not only
correctly placed on the undercarriage but they also fit into
the wheel cylinders as well. This was a nice
additional detail for this car. As you continue to
look at the underside of this car you will notice the rear
shocks and the detail that has been used on the starter as
well.
Franklin Mint has lived up to its reputation for producing
precision models with this limited edition Chevelle SS 396.
I am truly impressed with this car and it is a must have for
any serious collector. I hope that they use this car as the
standard for all their future production runs.
Thank you Bob for your insight and
Knowledge of Chevy's....
With kind regards,
Franklin Nichols