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The Battle-Barge To Lust After: This 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS Is The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of


The Battle-Barge To Lust After: This 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS Is The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of

Let me just take a moment and explain why this 1969 Chevy just makes it for me. Most people would dismiss it as a stocker missing two of the headlights. The color looks dead-stock. The interior is stock (if you ignore the new audio system) and looks amazing. The stance has just enough of the tail up in the air…not stinkbug, not slammed, but just enough. Black steel wheels, poverty caps, and white-letter BFG’s, with an exhaust pipe dumping out of the side. Even to the casual car fan, there is a lot to miss about what has gone on with this Impala, but this is Nirvana. You walk up, let your fingers glide over the ridge of the front fender, and grab the substantial handle to let yourself in. Sit down, admire the expansive dashboard. Hit the key, let the rumble intoxicate you, and off you go.

The full-size Chevy might be big enough to create wake turbulence and even with a modern five-speed drink gas like a college kid slams Jäger shots, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s not stock, but you would never know it. That’s how I like cars, and that’s how Rob, the owner, likes his Impala. He treated the big girl to a full frame-off restoration, but look closely at the custom bits and the subtle tweaks here and there. It’s an absolute beauty, and /drive got the chance to spend some quality wheel time in it on some California backroads.


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10 thoughts on “The Battle-Barge To Lust After: This 1969 Chevrolet Impala SS Is The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of

  1. Rand Breitbach

    Great Car and article describing something that has been lost with all the new age muscle cars out there. Having FUN driving a throaty, seat of the pants experience. Full sized 4 speed muscle cars are great!

    Fully understand this guys like of the car as I have a similar car, a 65 Olds Jetstar 1 425 CU / 370HP 4 speed driver. Fun Ole Boats

  2. Weasel1

    Great build, great story. My favorite GM vehicle of the 60’s is the ‘65/66 Impala SS. I’ve had a few, built them, slammed them, put on a lot of flash. My current build is about the same as Rob’s 69. Big and beautiful, I love them

    1. Dave

      Had a chance to buy one with the 47 in went to bank to get money came back it was gone guy sold it 800 cash on the spot. I WAS PISSED!!

    1. Bowtieguy_76

      I really miss all of the Big Muscle features wish it was still a series! Mike is a great story teller

  3. drivindadsdodge

    if there was only a way to have a car like this with the correct exhaust note to play sleeper and use a turbo LS in it

    67-68-69 &70 are the best bodied full size chevy’s

    back in the day .. this his how shine runners were set up
    Giant trunk… huge engine sleepers running full exhaust out the back bumper running Cadillac mufflers so they didn’t attract attention

  4. Derrell

    Yes sir, no check engine lights, no computers. no air bags, big block, manual tranny, PERFECT!

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