1969 SS3396 LeMans Blue L78/4sp on BaT

[mockingbird812]

OK, I foraged thru my legacy files and found that Big Bill is Bill Hendry. I have his email and will drop him a note to see what he has to say about this cool ride.

[Xplantdad]

Originally Posted by mockingbird812

Nice ride. I am pretty sure this is the Chevelle that “Big Bill” from Scottsdale (am forgetting his last name at this time - Bruce, help me out here) had back in mid 2000’s. I remember him telling me his L78 was from L.I. and that the original parchment seats were preserved because the OO placed T-shirts over them. I knew it was low miles but thot it was more like 10-15K (but that is awhile ago!). This should be interesting to watch.

Sam, I know who you are talking about but I couldn't remember his name? Sorry we were out of town, too!

[Bill Pritchard]

Originally Posted by GotGrunt

Judging by the wear marks on the axle tubes, this car had ladder bars on it at some point.

That, plus the non-smog exhaust manifolds (probably repops), MIA smog pump & tubes, and Hurst shifter all are indications of a true Day-2 warrior. Nothing wrong with that, as many of our beloved rides received the same treatment. Given that the seller is a dealer and has only owned the car 2 1/2 yrs, the car's backstory may be lost to history

[mockingbird812]

Originally Posted by Bill Pritchard

That, plus the non-smog exhaust manifolds (probably repops), MIA smog pump & tubes, and Hurst shifter all are indications of a true Day-2 warrior. Nothing wrong with that, as many of our beloved rides received the same treatment. Given that the seller is a dealer and has only owned the car 2 1/2 yrs, the car's backstory may be lost to history

Bill,

Am pretty sure the “backstory” is available still. I am waiting to hear back from Bill Hendry and will let you know what he says. If I were a betting man, I’d say the original mileage, as I recall Bill H. told me, was 13K miles. We’ll see......

[L72Chevelle]

BaT Essentials
Lot #44905
Seller: 4HuntingCars
Location: Jackson, New Jersey 08527
Chassis: 136379G349556
5k Miles Shown, TMU
396ci L78 V8
Muncie M21 Four-Speed Manual Transmission
4.10:1 Positraction Differential
LeMans Blue Paint
Parchment Vinyl Upholstery
Power-Assisted Front Disc Brakes
Protect-O-Plate & Build Sheet
Private Party Or Dealer: Dealer
Additional Charges From This Dealer: USD $0

[L72Chevelle]

5K Miles shown TMU Total miles unknown

[Sean]

Do not like the stamp at all........

[tom406]

The stamping in the listing

[mockingbird812]

Just heard from Big Bill. I sent him the link to the BaT auction...

“This is not my car but very close! I still have mine and it was orinally purchased at Benson Chev in Brooklyn, NY. Have complete owner history on mine and two original build sheets. My car has 14K original miles and i have talked to all owners and have statements on the mileage! My car is also a Farmington car also”

So, close but no cigar!

Sorry for the false start.

[Bill Pritchard]

Thanks for the follow-up, Sam Interesting that two practically identical low mileage cars from the same neck of the woods exist 52 yrs later.

Regarding the engine stamping, I'm no expert, but aside from the difference in the two zeros in the Tonawanda stamping, I don't see anything of particular concern