Before the Pontiac GTO, American performance cars were on full-size platforms. Pontiac was one company that applied the GTO’s formula to the full-size 1965-67 2+2, but the public was not as interested. Curiously, Chevrolet introduced the SS 427 well after mid-size cars took over the performance market, though for some reason the manufacturer carried it through 1969 despite low sales. Our Pick of the Day is one of these full-size muscle cars, a 1969 Chevrolet SS 427 convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Depew, New York. (Click the link to view the listing)
Chevrolet was as much a performance brand in the early 1960s as Pontiac, but it was Pontiac that ushered in a new performance era with the GTO. Thanks to a mid-size platform with a distinct image, the GTO caught on while other brands were left scratching their respective heads why their cars didn’t have the same appeal. Buick and Oldsmobile both introduced mid-size big-blocks in 1965 that followed the GTO’s formula, but Chevrolet did not, instead relying on the Malibu SS with a surprisingly strong L79. However, the SS was not a performance model, and smart racers were only too happy to use the Chevelle 300 as a building block. Chevy fans were given a preview with the Chevelle with the Z16 option, a premium Malibu SS that showcased the new 396, but only 201 were built. For 1966, a Chevelle SS 396 was introduced, putting Chevrolet on equal parity with other GM divisions.
For 1967, Chevrolet applied the SS 396’s formula to the Impala SS Sport Coupe and Convertible with the Z24 SS 427 package. Included with the package were the L36 385-horsepower 427, three-speed manual transmission, hood with special engine-like ornamentation, special V-flagged emblems with 427 badges, SS 427 emblem on grille and rear deck, Super Sport wheel covers, special redline tires, Strato-bucket front seat with console or Strato-back conventional seat with center armrest, and more. Interestingly, it was possible to order a Super Sport with a 427 that was distinct from a Super Sport with the SS 427 package.
The Z24 package returned for 1968, but there were several changes. For one, the L72 427/425 engine was added to the option list. Plus, the new Impala Custom formal coupe was available with the Z24 package. Trim was reshuffled to reflect model year adjustments, such as a new domed hood and front fender louvers. And, as the SS now became an optional package, the Z24 package was available with or without Super Sport equipment.
For 1969, Chevrolet killed the Super Sport yet carried on with the Z24 package. Once again, it was available in three body styles, though the redesigned full-size Chevrolet eliminated the sleek fastback style of the Sport Coupe. The L36 427 was upgraded to 390 horsepower but mechanically it was pretty much identical. As before, a three-speed manual was standard. A black-accented grille, SS identification throughout, special suspension, redline tires, and 15-inch wheels were some of the features with the package. The L72 continued to be an option but only 546 were installed among all full-size Chevrolets. After 1969, it could be said the 1970 Monte Carlo SS 454 was the successor to the SS 427.
Out of 2,455 SS 427s built in 1969, it is not known how many were ragtops, but this LeMans Blue 1969 Chevrolet SS 427 convertible features a special twist that makes it much more special and unique: it’s equipped with the standard three-speed manual on the column. Who would order such a powerful engine with such an imprecise mechanism? In a convertible, no less? Unbelievable! Seller claims it was originally sold new in Virginia and went through three owners before moving up to New York several years ago. By then, “the numbers matching engine had already been rebuilt and the top had also been replaced.” The fourth owner installed a factory-correct power steering assembly and in-dash tachometer. Rally wheels are another addition, though the original hubcaps come with the car. “All chrome emblems are in as new condition and both front and rear bumpers have been rechromed.”
If ever there was a “1 of 1” car, it would be this but, without documentation, it would not be right to state such a claim. But if you’re a Chevy guy and get tired of people calling Chevrolets “belly-button cars,” all you have to do is whip this one out and they’ll shut up. It’ll take $59,969 to have that pleasure.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
You and others can call this an SS427 and add mystic to it but isn’t this really an Impala Super Sport with a 427. Even some of the marketing literature at the time didn’t jive on what it was, Impala Super Sport or SS427, just because it didn’t have an Impala emblem doesn’t make it not an Impala Super Sport with a 427.
There was no Super Sport in 1969. It’s all explained in the article how an SS 427 was distinct. Give it a read for a learning moment.
From the 1969 Chevy SS brochure – the Impala SS427. It’s in the 1969 Super Sport booklet.
Is an SS not a Super Sport?
https://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1969_Chevrolet/1969_Chevrolet_Super_Sport_Booklet/1969%20Chevrolet%20Super%20Sport%20Booklet-08-09.html
Again, the SS and the SS 427 were two different things. The SS (which was not around in 1969) was a buckets/console thing from 1962-68, while the SS 427 was a performance package.
I owned a ’68 Impala SS427 coupe. It had a razed hood and a lot of other options I don’t think this car has. I think it’s homemade. Bradford Johnson
That 3 on the tree is a total turnoff, clunky junky, car like that needs a Hurst shifted 4 speed w bucket seats and a console not to look like an old man’s car, very rare very undesirable
Again you’re amazing, sir. My first car was a ’67 Impala SS396/325 with a TH400 auto.
I like this cuz it would take a weekend to put a Tremec 6spd behind that 427, and save all the stock parts. Good pick!
The 65 ss chevelle not a performance model lmfao ok if you say so.
It must’ve been a screamer with that standard inline-six or 283 two-barrel!
I was able to drive a new 69 SS427 390 hp 4 spd for a weekend in 1969. It was well made and a torque monster. It would easily run 115 in 3rd gear, it must have had a really high rear gear. It drove well and had good brakes, GM quality back then was quite good and much better than mopars of the day. These were performance family cars, for the dad that needed the room for the kids. The convertible would be fun and what a hoot to row the big block through the gears with that e on the tree!
I read the article before I posted my comment. That was the reason for my comment.
Maybe a reread can help?
>You and others can call this an SS427 and add mystic to it but isn’t this really an Impala Super Sport with a 427.
There is no mystique–it’s an Impala convertible with the Z24 package, turning it into an SS 427.
>Even some of the marketing literature at the time didn’t jive on what it was, Impala Super Sport or SS427, just because it didn’t have an Impala emblem doesn’t make it not an Impala Super Sport with a 427.
The last year for the Impala SS was 1968, and it was a package and not its own model. The only association the 1969 Impala had with Super Sport equipment was with the Z24 package. There was no “regular” SS in 1969.
These are the facts.
Well, rare is one thing and desirable is quite another. The seller’s $60K price tag demands that the car be BOTH rare AND desirable. Further, if the fact that a car has the wrong options makes it even more rare than it would be otherwise then, in my opinion, that negates any increase in value that it would otherwise have. Frankly, I would rather have a 1965 Impala Suoer Sport with the optional 396 and a Muncie 4-speed. That is a collectable car with the proper options that the owner can enjoy driving.
2 things:
1. The other day I was watching an episode of Bewitched in that episode Darrin’s parents came to visit their new born grandson. I’m not going to go into details but Darrin’s mom got upset with what was going on between her and Samantha’s parents because of the grandson, all of a sudden she came down with a headache and demanded Darrin’s dad take her home so they up and left as they were driving home they were talking about what happened back at the home of Darrin’s and Samantha’s and the ride they were riding in was a 1969 Chevy Impala SS or Caprice Convertible.
When I saw that ride I had to play back that scene.
When all of a sudden Darrin’s mom realized she was wrong and had Darrin’s dad down a u-turn and go back to their son and daughter- in-laws house again they showed that car making a u-turn and got a full shot of that 69 Chevy Impala SS or Caprice Classic Convertible.
But before that i remembers in a few episodes when Sam was pregnant they to had a 69 Chevy Caprice Classic 2Dr Coupe but with Hideaway Headlights and the directional hi beam and front headlights and taillights warning sensor indicator lights on top of the left and right front Fender’ where they can be seen by both driver and passenger when they are in use. Also that ride was Fully Equivalent Fully Loaded and Fully Powered with Factory ? Driver Side Remote Control Mirror and Rally Sport Mag Wheels.
Back in the day a lot of tv ? shows used Fords, Chrysler and GM’s as sponsors to help push their brand of automobiles on the public market to sell.
Not only on tv but also movies ??? as well. At least you had a chance and a choice you knew what you wanted back then and what you had and driving back in the day.