1969 Chevrolet Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala, and Caprice

1969 Chevrolet Impala convertible
Styling changes to the 1969 Chevrolet Impala
and other full-size Chevys gave
the line a bigger, more imposing look.

The 1969 Chevrolet Impala and other full-size cars were redesigned to give them a sculptured look on their bodysides and a slightly longer appearance overall, but kinship to prior models was obvious. Wheelbases remained at 119 inches -- just three inches longer than four-door Chevelles.

Reshaped fenders bulged around each wheel well. Rectangular taillights went within a thinner rear bumper. A freshened grille flanked by four deep-mounted headlights were framed by a thin bumper.

"We're out to put everybody on Easy Street," the sales brochure insisted. Impalas had Hide-A-Way wipers and vinyl-insert bodyside moldings. Biscaynes and Bel Airs again rounded out the full-size lineup, which also included the posh Caprice. Impala and Caprice coupes had a new option: an electric rear-window defogger. Ignition switches were mounted on the steering columns.

Base engine remained a 155-horsepower, 250-cubic-inch six, but the bottom-end V-8 grew to 327 cubic inches and 235 horsepower. Once again the Super Sport was an engine/trim package that cost $422. A total of only 2,455 were ordered on the Impala Custom Coupe, Sport Coupe, and convertible. A 390-horsepower, 427-cubic-inch engine gave each Super Sport model an SS 427 designation.

In-between options included 255- and 300-horsepower versions of the 350-cubic-inch V-8, as well as a 265-horsepower 396.

1969 Chevrolet Impala convertible interior
The 1969 Chevrolet Impala was the only
full-size Chevy with a convertible option.

1969 Chevrolet Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala, and Caprice Facts
Model
 Weight range (lbs.)
 Price range (new)
 Number built
Biscayne3,530-4,170
 $2,645-$3,169
68,700 (approx.)
Bel Air
3,540-4,230
$2,745-$3,345
156,700 (approx.)
Impala
3,640-4,285
$2,911-$3,465
777,000 (approx.)
Caprice
3,815-4,300
$3,294-$3,678
166,900 (approx.)

For more picture-packed articles about Chevys and other great cars, see:

  • Classic Cars: Learn about more than 400 of the world's finest classic and collectible automobiles.
  • Muscle Cars: Look back at tire-smoking Chevys and scores of other machines from the golden age of American high performance.
  • Sports Cars: Discover the pleasure of sports motoring at its purest in these captivating articles on the best sports cars from around the world.
  • Consumer Guide Automotive: Here's your source for news, reviews, prices, fuel-economy and safety information on today's cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickups.
  • Consumer Guide Used Car Search: In the market for a used Chevy or virtually any other pre-owned vehicle? Check out these reports, which include safety recalls and trouble spots.
  • All Chevrolet Impalas: For even more information about the Chevy Impala, see these up-to-the-minute ratings, prices, specs, and more.
  • How Chevrolet Works: Get the inside story of one of America’s greatest automotive marques in this lavishly illustrated history of Chevrolet, beginning with its founding in 1911.

­