Looking to buy a '69 Chevelle SS. Ran the VIN and it shows to be a Malibu. Looked up NADA prices and the Chevelle SS is considerably more. What's the difference and here are the numbers:

VIN 136379Z316538

POP INFO:

R 136379Z316538 756
N CX1031B T0831JK
(Bowtie Logo) 1 5 69C304


I was able to decode much of the codes but not sure what the 5 1 is for that's on the third line.

Car is highly optioned: Tilt, Fiber Optics, Blue Dot AM/FM Stereo, 4 Speakers, Power Windows, Tach W/Gauges.

My main concern is why the SS Chevelle is more expensive and how this particular car, a Malibu stacks up. The 2nd and 3rd digits on a Chevelle SS are "38" and the Malibu is a "36". Thanks

This page (http://www.geocities.com/don111ca/page994.html) on my website should help.

The JK suffix on the engine code identifies the engine as a 396 325HP with TH400 transmission. This Malibu has the SS396 option. It is a SS396 according to protectoplate. The VIN doesn't indicate a SS396 in 1969 (SS396 was an option, not a model), so the POP is good documentation. '38' was last used in 1968 as the model identifier for SS396.
Bruce

Where on the protecto plate does it designate that this is an SS?

Danny,

You cannot "run the VIN" on a 69 Chevelle and determine whether or not it's an SS. That ended with the 1968 Chevelles. Starting in 69, the SS396 was an option package on several models of the Chevelle. That POP appears to be from an SS396 due to the 'JK' designation of the engine code, which signifies a 325hp 396 with Turbo 400 transmission. If that's a 'real' POP (not a reproduction) and it goes with the car you're looking at, then it's a real SS396 :hurray:

Where on the protecto plate does it designate that this is an SS?

It doesn't. But since the 396 was only available in an SS, and that POP is for a 396 equipped car, that makes it an SS by default.

Thanks. Highly optioned car but has a color change from blue to Daytona Yellow. What is it worth? I'd rate it a mid #2 car.