With the exception of one major change and one minor change the 1969 Chevelle was basically the same as the 1968 Chevelle. The minor change was the way in which General Motors marketed the Super Sport. Previously the Chevelle SS 396 had been a separate model. However, for 1969, the Super Sport was an optional package and could be ordered with the base model Chevelle 300 Deluxe Coupe, the 1969 Chevelle 300 Deluxe Sports Coupe, the 1969 Malibu Sports Coupe or the 1969 Malibu Convertible. The Super Sport option costs approximately $440 over the price of these base models. The new marketing program worked very well for General Motors. In 1968, GM produced 57,600 Chevelle Super Sports. In 1969, the Super Sport option package was installed on 86,307 cars. It was a very successful program.
The major change for 1969 was the very limited availability of a 427 cubic inch big block V-8 that could be specially ordered under the Central Office Production Order (COPO) program. These engines were very rare with only 358 being hand assembled. Most all of those went to Don Yenko and were installed at his dealership in Canonsburg Pennsylvania. These 1969 Yenko Chevelles are very rare today and incredibly expensive.
Just like the 1968 Chevelle, the 1969 Chevelle came in four different models. The base model was the 1969 Chevelle 300. This was the most basic Chevelle and came with such standard luxuries as seat belts, dual speed windshield wipers and vinyl interior. The largest engine available for the Chevelle 300 was a 250 hp 327ci small block engine. However, most of the cars were equipped with a 155 hp in-line six-cylinder power plant. The next model in the Chevelle line up was the 1969 Chevelle 300 Deluxe. The main difference between it and the Chevelle 300 was improved vinyl seats. The third model and in the Chevelle lineup was the Malibu. The 1969 Malibu included extras such as Hide-a-way windshield wipers, a deluxe three-spoke steering wheel, nicer interior fabrics, and carpeting. Engine choices remain the same with buyers have a choice between in-line six-cylinder engine and the 327ci small block. The last model was the 1969 Chevelle SS396.
1969 Chevelle SS 396
As stated earlier, the Super Sport was no longer a separate model but instead an option that could be added to any Chevelle. All the buyer had to do was select the Z25 option and he received Super Sport. The standard engine for the Super Sport option was the 325 hp V-8 big block engine with a displacement of 396 cubic inches. Three other optional upgrades were available for the 396. The L34 version produced 350 hp and added about $121 to the price of the car the next version called the L78 up the horsepower to 375 and added $253 to the overall price tag. For those looking for a big increase in power there was the L78/L89 engine option. Although it was also rated at 375 hp, the actual output was considerably higher thanks to special hardware like a pair of high-performance aluminum cylinder heads.
Besides the big block engine, buyers of the 1969 Chevelle SS 396 received dual exhausts with oval tailpipes finished off bright tips, a black painted grill, Malibu tail lights, a twin power budge hood, special SS 396 emblems on the grill as well as the front fenders and rear deck and 14x7 inch Super Sport wheels with wide letter tires. The interior featured a special black steering wheel and steering column and special SS 396 nameplates on the instrument panel. Finally, bucket seats and a center console where available options.
The 1970 Chevelle would receive minor styling updates along with an engine upgrade. Chevy decided to change the muscle car world by offering the mighty 454ci big block as a regular option for the first time.
