The Chevelle is a mid-sized automobile that was created by Chevrolet, and made its debut in 1964. It would become one of General Motors’ most popular and successful cars as the Chevelle SS represented Chevrolet’s entry in the heated musclecar battle between the Big Three.

For the 1969 model year the Super Sport became a performance option. Near the top of the performance list was RPO L78. It is reported that most dealers were unaware of this “magic” option code that opened the door to the most powerful and respected big-block in the Chevrolet arsenal. Unless you were in the neighborhood of one of the famous performance-oriented Chevy dealerships, finding an L78 example on the showroom floor was said to be “somewhere between slim and none.” The process included getting ahold of a Special Product Order form, filling in the proper information, and then have the dealer place the order for you. It was an approximately six to eight week wait until the transported would show up with your special L78 Chevelle.

The L78 is a 375-hp version of the 396-cid V-8 and it only took a back seat to the L89 which had aluminum heads, but was rated at the same horsepower. The L78 was an expensive option at $252.80, but was much more affordable than the L89 option weighing in at $647.75. The RPO Z25 optional Super Sport package was now an option on any Chevelle V-8 hardtop or convertible. Along with specific badging on the grille, front fenders and the blacked out taillamp panel, the SS package also featured a domed hood and power front disc brakes. Sales of the 1969 SS option were strong, with 86,307 rolling out of dealers' doors.

Part of the L78 SS 396 package was the F41 heavy-duty suspension. The F41 offered firm springs, a large stabilizer bar and stiffer shocks on the front, backed with a four-link coil spring rear layout, also with firm shocks. The rear lower control arms were boxed by a plate welded across the sides for reinforcement. A rear stabilizer bar was bolted to the inner sides of the control arms. The upper arms were braced to handle the impressive torque of the L78.

This invigorating Chevelle SS 396 is reported to have been restored in a frame-off manner by General Motors musclcar specialists at Thornton Autoworks located in Telford, Pennsylvania approximately two years ago. Finished in Tuxedo Black with Black interior and highlighted by striking red stripes; this Chevelle is stated to be powered by its original L78 396-cid, 375-hp V-8, Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission and 4.11:1 Posi-traction rear end. All are reported as being correct to the car and all have been rebuilt during the course of the expert restoration. The L78 utilizes four-bolt mains, forged steel rods, 11.0:1 domed aluminum pistons, a solid lifter cam and a Holley four-barrel carb on top of a dual plane aluminum intake manifold.

The interior is said to be impressive to any SS aficionado. It features Strato bucket seats, center console, factory gauges that are SS-specific with a 7,000-rpm tach, AM pushbutton radio, Soft-ray tinted windshield, dual chromed exterior mirrors; power steering and brakes with front discs. Air conditioning has been added and the Super Sport wheels are by SSI, which are fitted with Firestone Wide Oval tires. This iconic big-block platform has been driven few miles since the restoration was completed and continues to be very well detailed throughout. The Chevelle looks stout and impressive and is ready to be enjoyed at car shows or accelerating along your favorite boulevard.