In 1969, the baddest Chevelle you could get through normal channels was the SS396 with the vaunted L89 396. Not widely advertised, the L89 offered aluminum heads atop the L78\'s stout short block. Of course, at almost $650, there weren\'t a lot of takers, so if you want one today be prepared to spend a fortune or take home a beautiful tribute like this LeMans Blue hardtop. In building this tribute to one of the gnarliest Chevelles ever, these guys went all-out. They found an ultra-solid \'69 hardtop and restored it practically down to the molecular level. First off, that\'s original sheetmetal, so you know it came from somewhere pleasant where cars had nothing to fear from the tin worm. Then it was stripped, straightened, and smoothed before any of that deep LeMans Blue paint went on. Sticking to the factory recipe, they kept the stock hood instead of choosing a repro cowl-induction unit, and just a single black strip adorns the flanks. Of course, all the genuine SS emblems are in place, plus a blacked-out grille for an authentic look, and even if you didn\'t know what was under the hood, this would not be a car to trifle with on the street. Black buckets and a center console are the highlights of the freshly restored interior. Correct seat covers, complete with new headrests (mandated for 1969) and beautifully rendered door panels give it a factory fresh feeling inside. There\'s also a stock steering wheel, nicely presented gauges, and a stock AM radio in the dash (although there\'s an FM conversion hiding inside). In fact, aside from the Hurst shifter with cue ball knob, it\'s shockingly stock inside, which is even more useful when you go out hunting with the built L89 under the hood. No extra frills, however, since this car is about performance first and foremost, but I doubt you\'ll miss the power windows and thumping stereo when you crack the throttle. Even the trunk just sticks to the basics, although it does include a full-sized spare. The engine is a date-code correct 396 with 4-bolt mains, casting number 3955272, making it a legit 396/375. It\'s been stuffed with an Eagle forged rotating assembly, Speed Pro pistons, and a Comp Cams valvetrain with roller rockers. The heads are genuine Winters aluminum pieces, which must have cost a fortune, and it\'s topped by an Edelbrock Air Gap intake, Holley Street Avenger carb, and MSD ignition system. Dressed in Chevy Orange and sporting all the correct details, it\'s obvious someone was sweating the details when this one went together. Everything under the skin is fresh, including the Muncie M21 4-speed and the 12-bolt out back, which has been stuffed full of 3.73 gears on a Posi. Long-tube headers and Flowmaster mufflers give the potent L89 a fantastic race-ready voice, and you won\'t find a trace of rust or damage while you\'re looking around underneath. Perhaps only the 15-inch Torque Thrust wheels and staggered tires give it away, but they look right for the period and certainly don\'t advertise. The L89 is the biggest dog this side of a COPO or Yenko, and you can own this predator for a fraction of the price of a real one, and never once worry about hurting it. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Atlanta showroom. For more information, please call (678) 279-1609 or toll free (877) 367-1835.