For Sale 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS427 Convertible L72! *SOLD*

[Matt Harwood]

*SOLD*

 

Well, it's the Fourth of July, and what could be more American than a Chevy Impala convertible with a massive 427 cubic inch V8 under the hood? There's a lot of story behind this car, but the important facts are these: One, it's a real-deal L72 427/425. Two, it's 100% matching-numbers. Three, it's fully documented with Protect-O-Plate, original dealer paperwork, and photos. Four, it's got a show-grade restoration that's less than 500 miles old and cost close to $110,000.

 

Now, the thing with the L72 is that they aren't supposed to exist. Chevrolet never advertised their availability in any of their promotional materials and it didn't show up on any dealer information, so unless you knew which boxes to check on your order form in 1969, it wasn't really available. Only 546 L72 engines were built and installed across the Chevrolet line, mostly in Corvettes, so the number of Impala convertibles that received the engine can probably be counted on one hand. For numbers guys, this car lights up all the right buttons and it's a blast to drive, too!

 

The restoration is extremely fresh and beautifully done. It has been repainted its original Olympic Gold and by using modern paints, it probably looks a lot better than new. As far as we can tell, all the sheetmetal, including the floors and trunk, are original to the car and in spectacular condition--this was never a rusty car. Gaps are exacting, the hood fits right, and the doors close so easily that you tend to slam them too hard the first few times because you expect a GM car of this era with heavy doors to be, well, sloppy. This one is NOT sloppy. Chrome and trim are show-quality, save for one of the wheel molding pieces which has a few dings in it--I don't know if replacements are available, but that's the only real demerit I can find on the entire body. It's incredibly sharp.

 

The interior was changed from its original Parchment to black, and I'm kind of bummed about that, but there's no doubt that it's well done. Correct materials and patterns are used throughout and it feels and looks like new inside. This car is optioned with power windows, a tilt steering column, and a rosewood wheel, all of which came on the car when it was new, and interestingly enough, A/C was not available with the L72, so don't look for it here. The gauges are restored but the mileage was not rolled back--we strongly believe that the 43,000 or so miles shown on the clock is authentic. There's a modern AM/FM/cassette radio in the dash, but the original AM radio is included with the car. The black power convertible top is new, and I believe I'm the first one to ever put it down--it works flawlessly and latches easily without a fight and offers a tight-fitting black boot to match. The trunk is dressed with a reproduction mat, but the spare tire is MIA--we're trying to track it down and we're pretty sure it's still at the restoration shop.

 

The engine is the original, numbers-matching L72 427 with 425 horsepower. It was fully rebuilt to stock specs and runs superbly. The big Holley is a little cranky when it's cold, but get it warmed up and this big car moves like it's two weight classes lighter. There's a thump to the exhaust that suggests big firepower under the hood, but it's content to idle all day and sits in traffic without getting hot. The engine bay is fully detailed for show, with correct fittings, hardware, and decals, with the only real demerit being an Optima battery instead of a repro Delco, but that's easy to fix if you want to show it. The TH400 3-speed automatic is fully rebuilt and shifts crisply and it has unusual 3.55 gears out back, a reasonable compromise between acceleration and highway-friendly. The exhaust is a custom-made stainless steel system that has some of the most beautiful welds I've ever seen and definitely gives this big brute a great soundtrack. A few suspension bits, including the sway bars and rear control arms are from Hotchkis, but I've removed the decals and it would take an expert to spot them. And again, original stuff is easy to find if you want 100% original. Original painted steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps is how this one came from the factory, and they're now fitted with fat 235/75/15 redline radials, so it handles great.

 

The mythical L72 is a pretty big deal. The last 427 Impala convertible we had sold in about three weeks, and this one is nicer, faster, and with a far better pedigree. Probably the finest of its kind anywhere and extraordinarily rare, it's pretty exciting to have it in our showroom. We're asking $69,900 and we're always open to reasonable offers. Thanks for reading!

 

Edited November 24, 2015 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)

[TerryB]

A real dum question, but is it a true SS car? The lack of bucket seats, floor shift and dog dish hubcaps on an SS is sure an unusual combination. Certainly is beautiful regardless of SS heritage or not. I remember them when they were new and this one is a stand out.

Terry

[Matt Harwood]

No question it is a real SS. Bucket seats and a console weren't standard in 1969 as they were in earlier SS models. The Protect-O-Plate decodes as follows:

 

164679S (037146) Production #
1= Chevy
64= Imp 8cyl
67 Convert SS
9 = 1969
T0907LS
T= Tonawanda
09= Sept
07 Day
LS= TH 400 for Imp SS 427/425 Hi Perf L72

69Y275 = build date of the TH400 trans, October 1st of 1968 (275th day of 1969)

DK1015G
DK + Pos 3:55 Large Ring
G = Detroit Gear and Axle
1015 = Oct 15 1968

 

1 = Power steering

1 = Power brakes

3 = AM radio

3 - Disc brakes

 

You'll note that the VIN on the Protect-O-Plate matches the VIN on the engine block, which matches the VIN on the cowl.

Edited July 5, 2015 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)

[real61ss]

"A real dum question, but is it a true SS car? The lack of bucket seats, floor shift and dog dish hubcaps on an SS is sure an unusual combination."

 

That's not a dumb question at all, actually it is a very good question and not easily answered. I don't see anything that stands out as incorrect on this car (except maybe the air cleaner, most L-72 cars had open element breathers) and I'm certainly not implying that the car is anything but 100% correct. However, the 1969 Impala SS 427's were not identifiable by the VIN and this makes them very difficult to verify. The 67 in the VIN does not translate to Convt SS as stated, it translates to Impala Convert. The SS 427 option was RPO Z24, an option available on three models, the Impala Sport Coupe, Impala Custom Coupe or Impala Convertible. If the original paperwork is available as stated it should show the Z24 option and that would be the key to documenting this car because the option isn't shown on the cowl tag or the Protecto O Plate

[Matt Harwood]

More photos.

 

[Matt Harwood]

SOLD. Thank you!