WILL IT RUN??? Time Capsule 1969 Camaro SS396 Discovered Hidden Since 1981!!!

1 of only 6,752 1969 Camaros equipped with the base SS396 L35 396 325 HP engine sees the light of day in West Virginia after being hidden away almost 40 years. Time capsule Camaro retains most of its original Glacier blue paint as well as its entire original drivetrain and interior. The car is also fully documented with the original purchase order as well as the and bill of sale.

[@tattedtinman5062]

Just last month I took my 69 out for the first time in 26 years. I had it parked in my garages all those years while I was raising my kids and dealing with family life. My Camaro is my first car my Dad have given it to me when I turned 16. He had bought that car new in 69 and I was driven home from the hospital when I was born in my 69. My Dad had been saving that car for me all those years and telling me to do better in school or he would sell it. Many times he told me that.. I have so many stories with that car and of that car. Its part of our family and will never be sold. Now that I am divorced and my kids are grownand my parents are gone I will enjoy my mom and dad's memeories in my 69 forever.

[@DaviniaLee-ww6yw]

Nice story !!

[@master335]

I backed these off delivery trailers brand new in 69, my father has a Chevy dealership in New Carlisle In. called Fish Chevrolet. We only survived from 65 to 71 but I saw the best years Chevy had. The first Z/28 was a mystery to me , it had no badges and only 302 cubes.Then I took it around the block. I told my dad to order more service option Z, 2, 8 cars. not really knowing that was the badge to be on the front fenders soon. There were tube headers in the trunk. the box said"must be installed by dealer".

[@googleusergp]

What was the address and what is there now, out of curiousity?

[@master335]

@@googleusergp I,d have to drive out their, I'm on u.s. 20 at South Bend Reginal airport, Fish Chevrolet was 10 miles west also on u.s. 20. It actually said that on the business cards. Along with "Super Service and a Whale of a Deal" next door was Dick Brennen Ford, who sponsored some factory race cars for Ford. We sponsored a 69 L88 nasau blue corvette. My memories of that time are special 65-71 , so I was 13 - 18 , prime age, prime cars. But my best is the 68 Chevrolet new car dealer convention. second would be the first 70 Chevelle SS 454 garnet red black strips cowl hood , hood pins sitting in front of parts counter when I walked in after school. 10 grown men , standing around it , just rubbing their chins and pointing. We had never seen anything like this.As far as whats their now? I believe last time I drove up it was called Bob's Garage. I walked in the service door, told the guy I was just taking a look for old times sake, he replied "are you a fish"?

[@c5back9]

greg fish: good story! Thanks for sharing!

[@LeftLaneShane]

A college buddy worked at G.M. in Detroit after he luckily survived his Vietnam tour for Chevrolet. He'd drag race his fellow worker buddy's in the huge parking lots after cars rolled off the assembly lines. Man what a great job!!! I worked for Audi,Volkswagon,Bentley,Lamborghini and Subaru on the rocks,i drove lots of cool cars over the year,but man I'd love a time machine to go back to the mid-60s to work with my bud any day!!!! I bet You and your family have some great memories of awesome cars like these coming to your dealership over the years! Good stuff.thanks for sharing your memories with us!!!

[@freebird7284]

thanks for sharing your story I could listen all day!

[@keithlane4343]

Wow ! 1969 Camaros are my weakness. I've had 7 of them starting in 1978. I had three at once and my Dad said "this isn't a junk yard. You can have two, maximum". I used to buy them broken, fix them, race them / cruise them, and sell them to build another one. We never knew how special these cars were / are. In hindsight, I should have kept them all original and built a dry warehouse to save them. This brings back lots of great memories. Thank you Patrick.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Lol, in the early 90's we learned to drive in dad's 77 Plymouth Volare' wagon, 225 slant six, dog leg burnouts down the gravel driveway or maybe on an uphill start in the rain. We could use the car but around their schedule and if we wanted our own we could buy it and all the required insurance, gas, oil, etc. our self. Was told I couldn't have more than one car at a time. I bought a 72 Dodge Demon 318 beater for $200 from a co-worker at McDonald's, snuck it out to work one night with no insurance, no speedo, no mufflers, no blinkers and earned my first ticket! Took me 3 months to get my SR-22 insurance and license back from the state unbeknownst to dad. Had it legal for about a week and slammed it in the back of a friends pickup after school. Back to my skateboard for a bit to save $400 for the primered 71 Monte Carlo and traded the Demon for 2 mag wheels and tires. Then found a 70 SS Monte with nice green paint and interior, console, buckets, missing the BB for a swapped 350 4bbl for only $750 in a back yard from an alley. Of course, the tranny blew from too many nuetral dropped smoke shows in the 71' so I was back to the skateboard till I saved the $750. Drove 400 miles on the SS and spun a rod bearing, probably should have changed the oil and not been rodding on it. Towed the 71 to my HS auto shop and pulled the motor, towed the 70 SS and installed it, swapped the intake and carbs, converted to HEI (bad fusible link wire kept burning through coils). Got it going just perfect finally and some drunk bitch in a 442 with no insurance slams me head on and cracked the frame, destroying 2 nice cars. Her boyfriend ditched the scene and she moved across the bridge to the other state so no real recourse from her court ordered payment to me. I pulled the motor again and traded both shells for a 77 Firebird set up for SBC but sold it out front of auto shop cuz I wasn't into it and was burnt but in the meantime I bought a 76 Tradesman customized van to drive that was groovy plus a Honda Interceptor crotch bike from the dude that got my Demon. I guess my point, I just laughed cuz I pretty much always had 2 cars at mom and dad's, going though 10 from 16yrs old to 20.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS Those first generation Monte Carlo SS's are worth some money these days since they didn't make that many of them. I have a non SS 70 Monte Carlo that I've owned for over 32 years. One of my favorite cars.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

@@Mr2004MCSS Oh I know, I think about 3500 of them made. Check out my Musclecar TV short video about it! Same color mine was.

[@saabtech3510]

I remember that key buzzer......I had two '69 Camaros. An SS 350 4spd and an RS 350 4spd convertible. Great find!

[@loul7350]

I was one of many that that did the day two mods for the customers in my Richfield ( full service station ) in 69 and 70.. Not just chevys , worked on the Big Three muscle cars. Can't replace those days. Thank You for sharing your finds.😊

[@cnyreview3632]

I think you shocked most of us when you turned the key. Great video.

[@davidblackwell6914]

Running like a sewing machine

[@l.johnperry4072]

I know i was floored when I heard it come to life. I thought she was dead. SPECTACULAR!!

[@mike5162]

He said that it had just been serviced

[@petehegger6320]

All I can say is " what a gem" !!. Beautiful find Patrick Glenn!! Thanks for sharing.

[@midnightrider5797]

another Gold Strike for PGN and his viewers unbelievable car thanks for the video

[@alshotrodgarage4779]

Thank you for documenting all these amazing cars!!!

[@thomasdavidson248]

I watched it third time. Glenn said "I believe it may start." Lol! You knew that beast was going to come to life! Perfect set up!

[@scotmandel6699]

No suprise there

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Great Find...Thank you for your work. I have a 65 396 425 Corvette that I had stored since 1982. I am so happy I never sold. BB Cars Rule.

[@kurtzimmerman1637]

you lucky dog!🐕

[@stuartb9323]

I know the feeling. I own a 67 Vette 427/400 since 86. In and out of storage for years. Could've sold her so many times...so glad I didn't. Just got her back on the road after 6 years. Yes, BB cars rule!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@stuartb9323 C-2 BB Corvettes #1 Nothing like them.

[@stuartb9323]

Hey Rocco Some guy made a video of my Vette on KZbin. If you want to check her out, look up fasssst, and you'll see the blue vette. These two guys were bugging me about selling her...no way : )

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@stuartb9323 Nice... Love these cars, Yours looks real nice. Heres mine.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHWnZ2R-gs2EnKc.

[@tonyroig1932]

One sweet SS 396 ! Thank you

[@atp1962]

Love this body style, I had a chance to purchase one like this for 2000.00 back in the 70s I should have bought it. I was a Chevrolet Parts Manager in the early 80s through the early 90s. I kept alot of the old parts books when we went to computer. Love working on old cars. This is one I would have loved to own. Thanks for posting.

[@briansmith3232]

To the fortunate owner of this car, PLEASE DO NOT RESTORE THIS CAR!!! Incredible time capsule!!! Thanks for the video Patrick!!!

[@MrBrombomb]

Wow! It’s great to hear it run & how well it runs.

[@gregsly1247]

Sweet Camaro Patrick 👍👍 Thank You for sharing.

[@ronalds2080]

You did that on purpose Patrick.!!! I heard the ignition switch warning buzzer go off and my eyes got as wide as dinner plates then you turned the key, it started and my jaw hit the floor . Thank you so much for this. That car is from where my wifes family is from. Wow.

[@davidlandeck9566]

Holy cow!!! So cool hope that stays as is...LOVE IT enjoy all your videos!!! Good job!!!!!

[@sparenothing1487]

AMAZING FIND!!! this is what dreams are made of! Great Video sir

[@toddwhittaker4418]

Very very nice well done walk around of that fifty-year-old beauty Pat. And...it runs👍

[@Dany-oj2jv]

Motor support got an after market strenght cable at 19:26 i remember that from the 70's... another great video,thanks for sharing!!

[@kennydemartini2169]

That's a factory recall tether from 1971. The drivers side mounts were breaking, causing the throttle to stick.

[@davidignatiusbalestreri1737]

Great find Mr. Nichols. Although you said it runs, I did not expect that start up nor was I ready for that key buzzer. Very cool indeed.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

I think it's Nickles

[@Anth4044]

If only everyone knew what they had back then.These cars were just Beautiful 💪💪 💪

[@Anth4044]

@port nut I get what you mean Bro

[@LeftLaneShane]

I think you should start every car that runs when possible,nothing like that lovely song of a happy healthy big block!!! Definitely a sweet ride! I'm a big guy and always felt bad for little camaros and mustangs when I'd get in,i didn't want to hurt the poor little cars. Sweet ride indeed!!!! Thank y'all for sharing her with us and I'd love to see that frame off restoration when that other beauty is finished!!!!

[@jeffreytaska]

Thank You Mr Patrick , it is a very good experience following Your work . Very nice presentation . You have made My day more informed and that , has value . Thank You for Your time good Sir & Brother ... Have a great day .

[@stevesadusky8634]

Thank you for sharing. Love that 69 Camaro in it's original condition!!

[@Ticonderous1]

I have learnt so much from your videos brother...thanks heaps from Down Under.... I have a 69 Camaro ... please do more Camaro finds ....although i do love a Chevelle ...

[@hpelisr]

Yes I think you are right, I would not restore that car. I would fix what needs to be and put it running condition. Nice street classic.

[@scotmandel6699]

Problem is it needs to be taken totally apart to see what is truly wrong and why do a job half assed. Just restore it and have a great car again that can be driven anywhere. I'm not talking resto mod, factory original.

[@markurbancowboy]

@@scotmandel6699 I agree. Restore it and bring it back to its original condition. Neglect is why it's in the condition it's in now, why leave it like that? I can understand leaving it alone if it was not neglected.

[@apollomorris9920]

@@markurbancowboy I would live the paint and fix the rest.

[@WIDESIDE72]

This reminds me of the car my late brother restored in the 80’s. It was a 69 Camaro SS 350/300 hp with a four speed and a 12 bolt rear. All numbers matching. Miraculously it was never molested or hot rodded. It was factory black with red hockey stripe and black deluxe interior ac ps power disc brakes and the base steel wheels and poverty caps. He sold it for $10,000 in the 90’s when he got married (and later divorced. It was a nice car and now i know it was pretty rare in black.

[@Rieju-Sherco]

Who ever owns this car this is now, you got a SCORE! I think I would lean on a restoration because of that quarter panel issue

[@andrewashington6462]

Thats a super nice find..right on Patrick..😀😀!!

[@dalelewis1016]

I haven't seen a purse key chain in year's... beautiful car...

[@rogerchevelle7231]

Great find..👍.Thanks for the video

[@dandorris8531]

Thanks for the show.

[@tflick41]

I always have trouble justifying leaving these cars as is. Someone cared enough to keep her intact but still neglected her. She was beautiful rolling off the assembly line and should be that way again. No reason she can’t be original AND shine like new. If asked, she would say the same!

[@duncandonovan5270]

Yea they let it sit outside for 35 years and then all of a sudden they want it too look brand new 😂

[@kickit59]

If it was mine I would make it look like new again! Back in 1985 I bought a 1970 Red 442 convertible. It had 100k miles and ran decent but smoked a bit. The paint looked ok better than this Camaro but not super by any means. Anyhow i did a 2 year restoration of the car and made it look & run like new again. It won best muscle car in my hometown several times. Anyhow I think making them look like new is pretty cool as well!

[@will7its]

What part of original dont you understand??? lol

[@scottbaker7532]

Damn sounds like Matthew macanahay is selling Camaros now not just Lincoln's!

[@toddclark332]

thanks for sharing Patrick one of my favorites

[@michellariviere4911]

I love your videos. You have so much knowledge!

[@mikeblock3214]

You all probably wouldn't agree but I would fix that rust on left rear quarter panel where it rusted thru..i hate rust but would leave the rest like it is.

[@richs7362]

Is that a former fiberglass repair around the rust hole?

[@keithlane4343]

Definitely would cut out the rust so it doesn't spread, but like you said, just clean up the original blue and black hockey stick as best you can without reshooting the car. Awesome find.

[@allenmax8995]

I agree totally, clean up the obvious deterioration,do what is necessary to be roadworthy...good survivor car.

[@gregleuze6657]

Agree as well, rust will continue to spread if not put down. The dust doesn’t do anything for me either. I would clean and preserve. If it didn’t leave the factory with it, and they did not leave rusty and dirty, I would clean and preserve. The thinking of the paint in some areas adds to the character of the car.

[@user-bg5nv4ri8m]

Awesome survivor like this should not be restored. Truly a great car just the way it is.

[@xp8364]

What and continue to let the rust create more rot and the existing rot to grow. You do know that rust is a living organism don't you since it requires oxygen to continue to grow.

[@scotmandel6699]

@@xp8364 true. Such an awesome car deserves to be restored to her former glory.

[@johnlonadier2328]

The reason the ten thousands and thousands numbers are showing like that is because the tamper tab in the odometer is broken. That can be seen by the white line showing between the numbered wheels. So there's really no way to tell how many actual miles are on it since when that tamper tab is broken those wheels will no longer move.

[@Ericdz302]

Thank you for these videos!

[@archiebunker6059]

Tires, brakes, belts and hoses, fresh fluids, let's go for a ride!💪

[@davidblackwell6914]

Glad this car was well taken care of and given a good home!

[@tommymcdonnelljr1582]

That Glacier blue is an awesome color👍

[@donaldmoore920]

Great videos keep up the good work bro

[@kellytransportexcavating839]

Great video!

[@shaunschoppe9324]

Thanks patrick beautiful car love it and it started right up

[@nickrice7535]

Great journey on the Camaro. My mom had a new 68 rs and then a new 71 rs. I had a year old 70 ss/rs 350 auto, loaded. Nice cars but I also prefer chevelles and had a 67 chevelle ss396.

[@freebird7284]

is the stripe on the door still a decal instead of paint?

[@owen33333]

another great video, THX!

[@l.johnperry4072]

WOW!!!!! SPECTACULAR!!! What a beautiful 396 Camaro.....

[@coachtomsvolleyballchannel2286]

Car was not sitting long before it was previously started - those old Q-jets leak down after a few hours of sitting and require you to crank them for a while until the float bowls fill back up. Rust on lower quarter is significant in my book - will require trunk extensions, and inner wheel house is likely toast too. Still a nice, intact car.

[@keithperry8098]

She's a Beauty. May she find her way to restoration.

[@BriansFarmingVideos]

Keith Perry I feel like that would be a shame. That car is perfect the way it sits

[@gordonstroup1741]

@@BriansFarmingVideos , except for the big, nasty, ugly rust hole.... that, in my humble opinion would have to be fixed.

[@cew142]

What exhaust system is on that? Is that original? Chamber mufflers?

[@troy6977]

Nice Find.. Take Care Mr. Nichols

[@scottosborn4820]

Awesome find!

[@thomasosullivan3405]

beautiful car thanks for sharing it.

[@richardfulmer5279]

Nice. I well remember these cars. I was poor so others could get them for a few years. I had to get older used units.

[@xp8364]

People have wacked and hacked the true meaning of car terms for so long now that hardly anybody knows the true meanings anymore. For example the term matching numbers. For the point of this comment is the term restoration. This car is a prime candidate for an authentic restoration to preserve it's value and to insure the protection of the investment. To leave this car as a survivor would be to allow the car to continue the rust to rot process losing any investment potential. It is also worthy of NOS panels, parts, and pieces. I hope it gets preserved the right way by knowledgable folks.

[@patrickglennnicholsmusclec1674]

Knowledgeable folks say no way this car should be restored. Thanks for watching,

[@c5back9]

Disagree, sorry. This car is special and there are darn few of them left. I might give attention to the serious rust, and clean up the engine bay and interior, but I’d definitely not completely eliminate exterior patina. Most important would be to keep it in climate controlled building. From the looks of things, they might have that much covered already.

[@billfunk3168]

Interior very nice !

[@rodneybrand8521]

My favorite year camaro..i had a 69 Chevelle SS 396..350 HP THM 400..bought from the origonal owner in 76..

[@paulbetka2966]

Awesome find 👀✌️👍

[@mattbrawner7888]

Everyone says not to restore it, but this model is so attractive because of how it looks when it’s in top cosmetic condition. I could see a old pickup as having character or something but this car deserves a nice paint job.

[@davidkovach2484]

I know where there is a rust free original SS396 4 speed numbers match. 69 also. Ohio

[@will7its]

Lots of clear coat and........ruined

[@lyledrake7760]

Thanks very much, hope I can own one soon, selling my 63 Vette convertible with 500 Miles since motor and transmission was rebuilt

[@googleusergp]

I would say it was ordered/written up on May 2, 1969, built the first week of June 1969 and then delivered on 6/27/69 or shortly after the final invoice was typed up. That would make sense time wise. I don't think it would have been ordered in late May and built that close to the order date.

[@gaydes1012]

that is one amazing sounding car

[@CorvetteStingRayLane]

Very nice vehicle and well preserved 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport 396 C. I. , Big Block V8 325 Horsepower with the Turbo-hydramatic 400 Transmission.

[@craighansen7594]

I really appreciate the effort put into these videos. That aside I just can't get on board with the patina popularity. A car this nice, in my opinion, needs a minor restoration. At least paint with body panels repaired, not replaced. Maintenance on the mechanicals. Then drive it a lot!

[@alphaone101]

Was this car produced without the emissions equipment like was on my 69 Z28? The exhaust manifolds didn't look like they had the cast round, flat spots for the emissions tubes that ran into the exhaust manifolds.

[@alexgolovchenko3791]

Great commentary. Nice car!

[@patrickglennnicholsmusclec1674]

Alex Golovchenko thank you sir for watching.

[@davidborges3543]

Nice car. Why is the staple shifter so high?

[@rockyarchambeau5820]

Love your videos brother!!👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸love the 69 Camaro ,but the 1970 Chevelle SS LS6 454 is my favorite 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Great find on the 69 SS Camaro....

[@rockyarchambeau5820]

Sorry for the double post ...

[@richs7362]

Is that a fiberglass repair around that rust hole?

[@jeffreyuzarski710]

Very nice! I’d give it a 10 if it had a standard transmission

[@1972davidt]

That is an amazing original classic! And it fired right up! Thanks for sharing your awesome adventures with us!

[@Ray-fc8bo]

On Chevelles, there were no chrome valve covers or air cleaner lids in 325hp,,,,are Camaros different?

[@rockyarchambeau5820]

Love your videos !!🇺🇸🇺🇸👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻great find ...love the 69 Camaro,1970 Chevelle SS LS6

[@randyjones7818]

Nice car patrick.. I'm a sucker for a 69 ss. camaro. My fav.color too...glacier blue..rj.

[@juniorthird7952]

Car was only 12 years old when parked.

[@rontucker1086]

What a beautiful specimen of a factory hot rod!

[@patrickglennnicholsmusclec1674]

I agree

[@downrange7715]

Man you sound like Mathew McConaughey let’s hear an “alright alright alright” in your next video!!

[@MrDjh66]

Can a 70 SS 396 chevelle have cowl induction and hood pins?

[@maassauto]

How many miles on that fine machine?

[@Cartier_specialist]

I was in my teenage years when these were just a used car and some of my friends had 68, 69 and 72 Chevelles with various engines and let me tell you the 325 hp SS396 was nothing to sneeze at and I know it from firsthand experience. My neighborhood friend had a 68 Chevelle SS 396 325 horsepower and a 4 speed and that thing would seriously spank the 72 Chevelle SS 454 LS 5 I believe it was. It wasn't even close. One other friend had a 69 Chevelle SS 396 which I don't remember what build it was but it was the glacier blue just like the Camaro in the video and it was immaculate and he never pushed it that I'm aware of. He might have punched it once and it scared the shite out of him so he never did it again. It was also a 4 speed car.

[@shaneadkins4323]

Leave alone tend to the drivetrain and drive that jewel. Epic find

[@kcason]

Very nice!

[@oldschoolmechanic-it8nv]

Curious about the floor pan and trunk rust. Definitely leave the rest alone. Some now clear coat the patina.

[@larrylewinski3086]

Another awesome find Patrick, how much did they purchase it for?

[@Cartier_specialist]

I'd imagine this is one of those cars that if you have to ask how much it cost then you can't afford it.

[@RoyalTDynoman]

I have a barn find 69 camaro in my garage awaiting restoration Its a RS/SS model has a dealer installed 385 hp 427 options include PS, PW, AC, 4speed ,cowl hood Custom Deluxe interior w/blk/wht houndstooth. fold down rear seat console and traction dispenser, Ir was a dealer promotional car say on showroom floor until mid 70 I bought the car in 77 owned in thru high school and sold it after college grad for 2200, 25 yrs later I ran into the guy that bought it after a yr of negotiations I now have the car back in my hands rust under the vinyl top pretty severe along with the sides of the qtr panels other than that the car is in great condition , looking forward to taking a step back in time and taking the same girl i dated back then out on a date and hopefully get lucky in it again!! she still is a hot as the car was back then, Patrick I love your posts and look forward to what you find next KEEP THEM COMING !

[@c103110a]

How many miles? Did I miss that?

[@doorboyyy]

Was the date on the yellow paperwork for parts dated 1993?

[@19c1071]

WOW, What a find ....!

[@harryharry3193]

nice car. why woulndt someone air up the tires?

[@PastorwithoutaPulpit]

Thoroughly clean the car, go through the Drive Train, put new rubber on her, do some rust stop/prevention, give a coat of clear and be done. This cars a work of art and there's absolutely no reason to restore it that I can see in the video. Thanks for sharing her with all of us...

[@ronvance4687]

So awesome!!

[@adriangarza8849]

Love these stories 👌

[@alancrash]

I guess I wasn't the only one to put mud guards on my muscle car back in the day. Lol

[@c5back9]

You definitely weren’t. Around my area we had lots of tar and chip roads. No guards wasn’t just messy, it led to premature rust.

[@Jeff-xn1ew]

The sound of the beauty. I like it. I would fix it and run the rubber on the street. Thanks for the video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@jeffreybertolis3476]

You should have shown more trunk detail on an unmolested original car like that Pat . Those don't come too often . I would have been interested to see the original General Moyers spatter paint in the trunk area . I am sure any one restoring one of these examples would have been interested as well .

[@kirkpatterson4037]

I like the cables from motor mount to the control arm

[@dietersmythe9649]

That was GM recall item, broken engine mounts could shift the engine and jam the throttle open. So they cabled the engine down.