1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396
A-body · 1969 was the last year for the second-generation Chevelle bo... · The definitive mid-size muscle car at its peak
Ultra Rare
Production & Overview
Total Production
86,307
Original MSRP
N/A
Assembly Plants
Baltimore, MD · Atlanta, GA · Framingham, MA · Kansas City, MO · Leeds, MO · Van Nuys, CA · Oshawa, ON
Wheelbase
112 inches
Body Styles
Sport Coupe · Convertible · El Camino SS
Curb Weight
3,550 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
COPO 427 L72 — COPO427
427ci 425hp via Central Office Production Order — not available through normal ordering
6-10x base
323
produced
396/375 L78 — L78
Solid lifter big block — most powerful standard SS engine
2-3x base
9,486
produced
Available Engines
L35 396ci — V8
Base SS 396 — 2-barrel
325 hp
L34 396ci — V8
SS 396 — 4-barrel
350 hp
L78 396ci — V8
SS 396 L78 — solid lifter, most powerful standard SS engine
375 hp
L72 427ci — V8
COPO 427 — available only via Central Office Production Order. Extremely rare and valuable.
425 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: COPO 427 matching numbers enormous value — documented COPO cars worth $150,000-400,000+. L78 matching numbers add 40-60% premium.. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Decode cowl tag — confirm SS396 package and engine code
Check VIN for COPO designation if claimed (VIN alone does not confirm COPO — need order paperwork)
Verify engine suffix stamp for L78 or L72
Inspect front frame rails for rust — common failure point
Floor pan rust front and rear
Trunk floor rust and battery tray area
Cowl induction hood — verify originality if present
Confirm Muncie transmission tag for 4-speed cars
Convertible — frame inspection for rust and sag
Verify SS-specific badging, grille, and hood
Known Problem Areas
Frame rail rust — most common structural issue
Floor pan and trunk rust
Clone COPO — regular SS cars with COPO appearance
Clone L78 — L35 engines converted to appear as L78
Missing cowl tags
Rust in lower rear quarters
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
COPO 427 with documentation
L78 matching numbers 4-speed
Low production colors
Convertible SS L78
Cowl induction with L78
↓ Decreases Value
Clone COPO
Frame rust
Non-matching engine
Missing cowl tag
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Medium
Parts Availability
Very Good — A-body parts widely available
Driver Quality Cost
$18,000 – $40,000
Show Quality Cost
$55,000 – $130,000
Key Suppliers
Classic Industries · Ground Up SS · Chevelle.com parts · Ames Performance
Pop Culture & Legacy
Consistently ranks as top-5 most searched classic car
1969 Chevelle SS was Motor Trend Car of the Year candidate
Last year of second-gen body before legendary 1970 redesign
COPO cars campaigned successfully in NHRA Super Stock
Other Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Years