PAIRED PERFECTION: These two Chevelles offer great options

January 6, 2020
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Chris Griggs

Selling as a pair with No Reserve during the 2020 Scottsdale Auction are two award-winning 1969 Chevelles: one a coupe (bottom, Lot #1312.1) and the other a convertible (top, Lot #1312).

It’s a dilemma that’s plagued car enthusiasts for nearly as long as the car has been around: coupe or convertible? If you want more performance, the coupe is usually the go-to. The fixed roof provides for a sleeker and sportier profile. They also weigh less than their convertible counterparts, since they can forgo all the extra body-bracing. The fact that coupes are usually less expensive adds to the appeal.

A convertible, on the other hand, can provide the ultimate driving experience. What you may sacrifice in a few extra pounds and dollars is more than made up for when the top is down, the sun’s shining in and wind’s blowing in your hair. Convertibles are synonymous with sunny days and good times, foregoing practicality for pleasure.

When you get right down to it, there really is no wrong choice; it’s a matter of personal choice. It can be a big choice nonetheless – after all, you can only pick one, right? Wrong. With these gorgeous 1969 Chevelles selling together as a pair with No Reserve at the 2020 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, you’ll find yourself asking, “Why not both?”

Lot #1312.1 is the hardtop of the pair; a 1969 Chevelle SS finished in orange with a white vinyl top and stripes. Under the hood, it packs a potent 396ci big-block pushing out 375 horsepower and paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. The seats and door panels are wrapped in the highly desirable parchment material, providing a pearlescent sheen. The interior features options like bucket seats, center console and a simulated wood wheel. The car rides on Rallye wheels wrapped in red line tires and sports a factory-style dual exhaust. With just 51 miles since a ground-up restoration in 2014, it spent the majority of its time being displayed at shows.

Lot #1312 is the convertible counterpart to the coupe, a 1969 Chevelle convertible built to identical spec. The body is finished in the same shade of orange with white stripes and white convertible top. Under the hood also sits a 396ci engine rated at 375 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed manual. The interior features the same parchment upholstery, bucket seats, center console and simulated wood wheel, but there are a few other creature comforts as well. It’s equipped with power windows, power top and a tilt steering column. It rides on the same style Rallye wheels with red line tires and has the correct chambered dual exhaust. The restoration was completed in December 2017, and with the goal being to build a car identical to the coupe, and as many New Old Stock (NOS) parts were used as possible.

There’s no question these two cars are top-notch, and they have the awards to back it up. The coupe is a Best in Class winner at the Classic Chevy International Show, scoring 997 out of 1,000 points, earning it a Platinum award. From there, it took First in Class at Antique Auto Club of America, followed by both Junior and National Senior First in Class at the La Jolla Concours, then ultimately First in Class and tied for Best of Show at the Benedict Canyon Concours. Though the bar was set high, the convertible didn’t disappoint, with first-place finishes at the La Jolla Concours and Benedict Canyon Concours. As if all the individual accolades weren’t enough, both cars were honored by gracing the cover of the June 2019 issue of Muscle Car Review with an accompanying four-page spread.

No need to engage in the coupe vs. convertible debate in this case! For one lucky bidder, the choice will be made easy as these two beauties cross the block together with No Reserve on Saturday, January 18, during the 2020 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction.

For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles headed to the 2020 Scottsdale Auction, click HERE.