The 1969 model year Chevelle saw some subtle changes. The vent windows were gone, the metal grille was replaced with one made of plastic, the tail lights had a more box-like appearance, and the side marker lights were smaller.

The year is 1969, Richard Nixon is inaugurated as President of the United States, the Federal debt was $365.8 billion dollars, and after you left the four-day festival called Woodstock, you probably pent 15-cents to see Easy Rider at the theaters. 

At Chevrolet, the 1969 lineup packed a lot of excitement into their cars. This was the last year that the Impala would be offered with the SS option until it reappeared on a production Impala in 1994. Unfortunately, this was also the last year that the high performance big-block was available in the full size models. A big block was still available but was not designated as “high performance”. The 1969 Camaro was the recipient of the optional 425 horsepower L-72 and 450 horsepower ZL-1 engines. These options made this the most powerful year for the Camaro until the new 5th gen was introduced. If you ordered a Nova, it was available with the L-78 big-block, and in some rare cases, a dealer-installed L-72. Chevelles this year had the option of the available L-78, L-89, and L-72 engines. Under the hood of the Corvette, you could get a high performance 427 with either a single carburetor, or a trio of Holley two-barrels. Nader finally got his way, and 1969 was the last year for the Corvair.

 Truck guys also had a great selection to choose from as well. Even though inclusion of the 327 ci small block ended in 1968, its replacement, the 350 ci was now the small block of choice. Along with the new, physically-larger small block option, the big block was still available.

Minor changes were made to the 1969 models; a new grill featured the Chevrolet nameplate through the center, while the Bow Tie logo moved to the front and center of the hood. C-10 models could be ordered with either a Fleetside or Stepside. Although grossly under-powered for a truck, the standard engines included a 155 horsepower 250 ci six-cylinder.

The CST (Custom Sport Truck) option could be identified by the CST/10 nameplate on the front fender. This option gave the owner custom wood grain inserts, and front side marker lamps with chrome trim.

All full-sized Chevrolets, this included the 1969 Impala, got new slab-sided bodies. The addition of a small “upsweep” at the lower edge of the rear quarter window was designed to give them a more formal appearance.