Modernized Cruiser: 1969 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe – SOLD!

December 17th Update: We just confirmed the private seller of this ride deleted their Craigslist ad, so we’re now able to call this one “Sold!”  While this one got away, if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

November 11th Update – We just discovered a second new Craiglist ad for this ’69 Impala. The same pictures, description, and the price will likely yield the same no-sale result.

October 16th Update – We just came across a fresh listing for this ’69 Chevy Impala we first featured in September 2020. Despite not being able to sell the car thus far at $16,500, the seller remains firm on that figure in their latest ad.

The term “Coupe” traces its origins back to horse-drawn carriages using a fixed roof with room for two people and a driver. As cars evolved, manufacturers used the term to identify the two-door versions of their sedans, whether they relied on a fixed or convertible top.  So while German vehicle manufacturers currently get ridiculed for calling their sloping roof four-doors Coupés, in the late 1960s Chevrolet applied the term on their two-door pillarless hardtop.  A prime example is this 1969 Tuxedo Black Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe first listed in September 2020 on Craigslist in Union, New Jersey with factory air conditioning and an asking price of $16,500.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Impala priced between the #1 “Concours” appraisal of $21,700 and the #2 “Excellent” estimate of $15,900.

The full-size Chevrolets received a significant redesign for 1969. Designers surrounded the grille with a loop bumper and deep-set quad headlights, flared the front fenders, redesigned the rear bumper, and removed the side vent windows. Engineers moved the ignition switch from the dashboard to the steering column as part of the new anti-theft locking device. Front seats now had built-in headrests while variable ratio power steering was a new feature.

John Z. DeLorean took over as Chevrolet general manager in 1969 and Chevrolet produced 1,109,013 full-size models, with market share an even 25 percent. The 1969 Impala remained the top-selling full-size model for Chevy, though sales slipped to 777,000 units.  Extensive options were available including air-conditioning ($363.40-$463.45), power front disc brakes ($64.25), power steering ($89.55-$105.35), mag-style wheel covers ($52.70-$73.75), power door locks ($44.80-$68.50), console ($53.75), two-tone paint ($23.20), six-way power seat ($110.10), cruise control ($57.95), tilt steering column ($45.30), sport steering wheel ($34.80), wire wheels covers ($55.85) and rear defroster ($47.40).  The 1969 model year Impala production topped Caprice production by 611,000 units. Impala station wagons were renamed Kingswood, a name which would continue through 1972.

Here’s a 1969 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe commercial we came across on YouTube:

While the optional hide-away headlights and back-over-black paint scheme first attracted us to this listing, finding out this Impala now relies on a more modern 350 cubic inch ZZ3 crate motor, a 700RH four-speed automatic, and has working factory air conditioning sealed the deal for us.  This is a great cruiser that’s been very subtly modernized in the right places for you and five of your friends or family to enjoy cruising in once the need for social distancing subsides.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Two-door coupe body style
. Rear wheel drive
. New exhaust system
. Factory AC
. ZZ3-350 performance motor with headers…less than 6000 miles on it
. Transmission-700RH 4-speed automatic
. New front and rear suspension-new shocks and springs front & rear
. Front end alignment
. Seals and rubber goods replaced
. Hideaway headlights
. Just tuned up…all fluids changed
. Black interior in excellent condition
. This car has it all…Classic style…muscle…luxury.“

Do you have a Chevy Impala story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!