Mark Donnally's 69 L78 Chevelle......

[Belair62]

Bob,
This is my 1969 low mileage 3 owner L78 SS. It was ordered new from Benson Chevrolet in Brooklyn, NY by a fellow named Leo Vita who is alive and well and still living in Brooklyn. The mileage today is 13, 855. It is extremely original and still retains its original (born with) engine, transmission and rear gear. The original factory documentation indicates it came with bucket seats, console, accent stripe, H. D. suspension, 4.10 rear gear, pwr disc brakes, 375 hp 396, M21 4 spd, 8 track stereo tape and AM radio along with the SS 396 conversion. It is finished in LeMans blue with a parchment interior. Although Mr. Vita ordered the optional gauge package, when delivered, it was absent. Leo told me he didn’t want to park the car in the lot where he worked, so, he purchased a used car to drive to work. By 1979, he had quit driving the car altogether. It sat in his garage until 2004 when he sold it to Mr. John D’Angelo of Seaford, NY. John had intended to restore the car, but, after a year of ownership, decided to sell. After unsuccessfully trying to sell on eBay, I made an offer that was accepted. The car was shipped to the Super Car Workshop where Brian and Joe gave it a complete inspection.
The original shocks and springs were changed after a local mechanic told Leo it would handle much better. I asked him if they were still around but unfortunately they were not. The carpet was changed. But, the original was kept and will provide cut patterns for the restoration. Other parts, including the water pump, battery, master cylinder, air cleaner element, etc., have been changed, however, the water pump and master cylinder came with the car when I purchased it. Overall it is a beautiful original example of a 69 Chevelle SS 396.

Regards,
Mark Donnally