1969 300 Deluxe Hardtop

[combinefixer]

Originally Posted by Bill Pritchard

Being a one-year-only offering that was none too popular when new, they can indeed be confusing today.

Was it unpopular or unknown? I was -10 in 1969, so just asking for some historical perspective.

[Keith Tedford]

The 300 Deluxe SS396 got the SS emblem in the steering wheel and in the trim above the glove box door. The rest of the interior was regular 300 Deluxe including the base rubber floor mat. The exterior was all SS396 trim.

[Bill Pritchard]

Originally Posted by combinefixer

Was it unpopular or unknown? I was -10 in 1969, so just asking for some historical perspective.

I guess you could say both. The Chevy Super Sport models (regardless of body style) prior to 1969 were always a top-of-the-line model with more upscale interior trimmings. So, when these 300 Deluxe models with the SS396 option came around to try and compete with the Plymouth Road Runner and Dodge Super Bee, many of the Chevy faithful were unimpressed and wanted to stick with what they were familiar with in the past, hence ordering or buying the Malibu-based SS396. As others have noted here, many of these 300 Deluxe models were ordered with the L78 (or even L89) engine, 4.10 rear axle, or other maximum performance equipment when your only interest was to go fast at the least cost. Others were ordered in the Road Runner/Super Bee concept, with the base 396 engine and minimal other options, so that a cost-conscious buyer could have the muscle car look and some performance at minimal cost. Whatever, the sales numbers were unimpressive so Chevy pulled the plug.

[chevelleheart]

Im lucky enough to have a 13427 car, 4 speed , L78.

[NorCam]

Now that is sweet. I need to see that one some time.

[combinefixer]

chevelleheart,

Did you add the passenger side mirror or was it optioned that way? Also, no antenna? No radio?

Black with the white accent stripe really pops!

[Too Many Projects]

Over the years, it seems many of the post cars I have seen came with the L78 engines, probably for racing. They were a few hundred pounds less in weight with less body twist when launched.
Friend of mine from school bought a Silver 300 coupe with L78/TH400 right after graduation. I don't recall if it had 3.73 or 4.10 gears.

He installed one of the first shift kits to come out and they had steel detent balls, which hammered the valve body out in short order. He swapped the kit back out and took it to the dealer. GM replaced the trans, but said they would not warranty it again.

[Woj]

Sam,

Grady and I have discussed the trunk mat issue with the 300s and I don't think we came to any solid conclusion. We thought maybe the SSs might have had them regardless since they came with most standard features. Maybe Dan knows. The 3 300s (non SSs) I have/had no trunk mats or remnants of trunk mats, but, that may have just been a coincidence?

It would be nice to know.

[L78M22Rag]

My 300 Deluxe Post Sedan SS still has it’s original trunk mat. It wasn’t listed on any of the documents that I can see?

[mockingbird812]

Cool data point. Nice docs. Tuff looking car. Did this have a 427 transplant? Cool that you have a build sheet. This must have been an Atlanta built car and I believe pretty rare to be found in ‘69. Thanks!!