I saw a 1969 Chevelle SS 396/375 4 speed at a classic car dealership today. I didn't have time to look the car over but was told it has the original drivetrain. Does anyone know how many 69 L78 Chevelles were built? The car has a cheap paint job and needs body work. From what I saw, the rest of the car looked ok. Any ideas of the value? Thanks in advance for any help.
James

One source gives a "GUESTIMATE" of 7,877 L78's in 1969 (not including El Caminos or L89's) of which 6,568 were 4 speeds. The actual number is really not known for sure.

Hope this helps.

According to Dan Carrs production poster 8876 Chevelles/ElCaminos were equipted with the L78 in 69.This is a known figure and not a guesstimate.A guesstimate is to break it down into manuals vs.automatics.

I think that the numbers out there that are generally quoted are based on the number of engines built in Tonawanda. This may not reflect the actual number of cars built. I've seen a number of just over 9000, but that might include all the COPO cars as well. Rather vague and confusing.

FWIW a book I have says 9,486.

FWIW, here are some L78 engine suffix codes to look for to see if it's original:
KD ~ 396/375 L78 std trans
KF ~ 396/375 L78 TH400
KG ~ 396/375 L89 (L78 w/alum heads) std trans
KH ~ 396/375 L89 (L78 w/alum heads) TH400 trans
KI ~ 396/375 L89 (L78 w/alum heads) std trans, HD clutch

If the suffix code has a 'C' in front of it (CKD, CKF, etc.) it's a 402/375.

JD is also a suffix for non L89 L78's with 4 speed.

Chevrolet SS Muscle Car 'Red Book' quotes

L-35 396 325HP= 59786 COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE
L-34 396 350HP= 17358
L-78 396 375HP= 9163
L-89 396 375HP= 400 Aluminum head
L-72 427 425HP= 323 COPO special

All together, they made approx 87030 Supper Sport 396 cars in 1969. Not a rare bird by any standard.

yes, but the L-78 396/375 Hp is "kinda" rare don't you think?

I would think that if it has the original driveline in it, it would be pretty rare.

Just goes to show,, nobody knows for sure we have 4 pretty sharp guys on this post with 4 different sets of numbers and all different,,, any L78-89 car with original running gear is a great find,,, but be very carefull,,,, the counterfitters are very very good out there today,,, check for original paper work and have it verified by an expert before shellin out the mega bucks ,, JMHO

I would check over VERY carefully any car found at a classic car dealership. especially one advertised as an original 375 horse car. also realize you usually seem to pay a premium at these type of dealerships. do plenty of research. mike

Thanks for all the info. I plan to check the car out better in the next few days. I'll post the info I find.
James

I got the cowl tag info for this car. Now I need help decoding it.

ST 69 13637 ATL209472
TR 756 53 LB
01D

Engine code is TO312ID, Not 100% sure about the last 2 letters, but looks like ID. I could read the rest of the numbers on the pad. It is supposed to be a numbers matching car. Checked the casting numbers on the exhaust manifolds. They are for a 71-72 car.

The car has lots of rust under the vinyl top especially between the trunk and back glass. The body work looks bad. The interior is in good condition. Trunk and floor pans look solid. I didn't find out which 4 speed the car has. The engine compartment looks pretty good. Looks like it would make a nice car to restore. I think the asking price of $16,000 is high for the condition of the car.
James