1969 300 Deluxe Hardtop

[Keith Tedford]

This car came with the M21 4 speed, 4.10 posi.

[ruralrte66]

So the 300 deluxe option could be ordered on hardtop cars, was that just a different interior? Thanks for sharing.

Gregg

[combinefixer]

Originally Posted by ruralrte66

So the 300 deluxe option could be ordered on hardtop cars, was that just a different interior? Thanks for sharing.

Gregg

The 300 deluxe was its own separate series from the Malibu line. The 752 black bench seat interior had several variances. The main ones being the rubber floor mat, door panels and upholstery pattern.

300 hardtops still had the astro ventilation system.

[mockingbird812]

Originally Posted by combinefixer

The 300 deluxe was its own separate series from the Malibu line. The 752 black bench seat interior had several variances. The main ones being the rubber floor mat, door panels and upholstery pattern.

300 hardtops still had the astro ventilation system.

Indeed! FWIW, some other (minor) differences included the 300 SS’s non-hidden windshield wipers and the center sun visor pivot points were not included (boy, that must have saved them a bunch of $$!! ). Also, not confirmed but, I believe that the 300 SS’s may not have had the trunk mat - anyone confirm this?

I believe that a lot of hardtop 300 SS’s went unnoticed because to the uninitiated they looked like a Malibu SS on the exterior. L78 engines were blown as these cars were known to be good for racing and documents like BS’s were rare in ‘69 to ID these cars for what they were.

I disagree that these cars were “a few hundred pounds” lighter. I think they were nominally lighter (IMO less than 100 lbs). The post cars would have less twist, but of course not true for the hardtops.

BTW, love, love, LOVE these rare sleepers!

[Lee Stewart]

I'm confused. Isn't this a 69 300 Deluxe SS396?

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

I'm confused. Isn't this a 69 300 Deluxe SS396?

300 Deluxe is a model, you could get a post sedan or hardtop 300 Deluxe and get the SS396 package on both as well. 1969 Only

Ryan W31

[combinefixer]

They might have built less post cars back in the day, but the hardtop 300’s seem harder to find today.

“13427” vin is the Post Coupe 300

“13437” is the Sport Coupe 300

Here is my 13437 300 SS 396 car and PoP

[Postsedan]

Originally Posted by combinefixer

They might have built less post cars back in the day, but the hardtop 300Â’s seem harder to find today.

The reason they are harder to find is because they are camouflaged by the owners that have no clue as to what they have....these owners need to be educated. Once they obtain these cars, (besides the engine)..... the first to go in these cars was then interiors and once they realize that there is no aftermarket interior parts available for these 300 Models.... they would simply order the Malibu Interior or worse upgrade to Bucket Seats (such a Sin)

You can spot one or two hardtops camouflaged on eBay on any given time. They are out there.... you just need to know what to
Look for

The 1969 300 Deluxe Post Sedan or Hardtop model is among my all time favorite Muscle Car of all....when you add the SS396 option they become iconic

Dan

[69 Post Sedan]

Originally Posted by Postsedan

The reason they are harder to find is because they are camouflaged by the owners that have no clue as to what they have....these owners need to be educated. Once they obtain these cars, (besides the engine)..... the first to go in these cars was then interiors and once they realize that there is no aftermarket interior parts available for these 300 Models.... they would simply order the Malibu Interior or worse upgrade to Bucket Seats (such a Sin)

You can spot one or two hardtops camouflaged on eBay on any given time. They are out there.... you just need to know what to
Look for

The 1969 300 Deluxe Post Sedan or Hardtop model is among my all time favorite Muscle Car of all....when you add the SS396 option they become iconic

Dan

This is very true…..TLC Restoration is near me and I’m good friends with the owner…..I received pictures of a ‘69 Chevelle, including the trim tag. No one noticed that it was a 300 hardtop. Even the owner had no clue…..so I’m sure it happens all the time.

A lot of people see my car (non L78) and automatically think it’s a ‘68 or they think it’s a ‘69 with ‘68 doors…..

Kurt

[Bill Pritchard]

Being a one-year-only offering that was none too popular when new, they can indeed be confusing today.