Custom Paint/5.3 Liter V8/4L80E 4-Speed Auto/Digital Dash/Vintage Air

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Coupe

For decades much of the classic car world has been broken down into two distinct schools of thought: those who believe automobiles should be kept or restored to as original as possible, and those who are willing to mix-and-match drivetrains, trim, and features from a specific era in order to create the vehicle they want to drive. It's important to mention that the second group may include resto mods, however, this car borders on one that remains mostly custom.

Let's take a 1969 Chevelle and do a frame off restoration to it, and while performing the tasks that surround this process, add in some special touches, custom paint, a 5.3 Liter LS V8 with a tricky cam, and some extra creature comforts like a digital dash, A/C, and a custom interior. We have a classic looker that can hold its own up against most of the competition out there, and certainly the interest of the Chevelle Aficionado. One for those looking for just a bit different than the norm, but still, looking the 69 Chevelle part.

Exterior
Battleship gray covers very straight rust-free panels for this 2 door hardtop sport coupe version of the Chevelle. Dual wide silver stripes race through the center of this rebuild, and these continue to the back of the car on the trunk lid. Pristine would best describe the front grille and headlight bezels that have now been blackened. Just for the full effect the bumpers have been sprayed with the gray as well. To add to the menacing look and provide some extra cool for the passengers and this car, the windows are nicely tinted. 18-inch black powder coated 5-spoke wheels have wide polished lips on the edge, and are framed with low profile Nitto low profile tires. Suh-Weet!

Interior
Taking plenty of liberties inside, the passengers can experience complete custom interior surfaces starting with the gray door panels with angled stitching inserts also in the gray. Snazzy custom two tone buckets use the interplay with light gray suede and darker gray vinyl to create these artfully designed chairs for the front. In back the pattern continues with a bench derivation, and Toto I do not think we are in 1969 anymore. A custom fabricated center console very low and streamlined races for the dash from the back of the buckets. The dash retains its original angled rake with the deep set round gauges but these are now in digital form. Vintage Air has been added in as well as an AM/FM radio. Dark gray Berber carpeting now floods the floors, and a light gray tight suede headliner is now hovering above all this customization. Gnarly!

Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and you will see not what you are expecting but a new 5.3 liter V8. This has EFI and a 4L80E 4-speed automatic transmission. A 12-bolt with 4.11 gears is the rear axle designation. Bad Ass!

Undercarriage
Anytime I hear the words frame off, I know I'm going to be impressed especially when the builder is making improvements and upgrades it may even lend me to drool. You certainly will drool looking at the pristine black floor pans, rockers and frame. Hotchkiss suspension including front independent with coil springs and on back a 4 link with coil springs is on. Power disc brakes for all 4 corners, and headers with Pypes mufflers and exhaust are making their way from front to back. A new fuel tank, tubular front control arms, and stainless-steel brake lines are a few of the highlights underneath. Beee-u-it-fuel

Drive-Ability
An ass kicker if you will, it fired up with a mighty roar, and on the test track it did not disappoint. Plenty of unbridled acceleration, great handling with the tubular suspension, and excellent stoppage when pressing the woah pedal. I'll note the horn, wipers, and reverse lighting are not working. All comfy and customized interior can be thoroughly enjoyed by the new owner. Fun!

Just a fantastic build bordering on resto-mod but buttoned up enough to match the original, let's call it “pro touring” as noted by my partner in crime and information and spec co-worker. Just enough extra oomph and bling to be tasteful but harkening back to the 69 Chevelle…Is there any other year to have??

VIN DECODE
135379G332342
1-Chevrolet
35-Malibu 6 Cylinder
37-2 Door Sport Coupe Hardtop
9-1969
G-Framingham, MA Assy Plant
332342-Sequential Unit Number