by This 1969 Chevelle Convertible was once a part of Bruce Springsteen’s car collection. Endearingly nicknamed ‘The Boss’, Springsteen used this gorgeous Chevrolet for much of the 1980s as his daily before donating it to a friend. This muscle car was so important to the rock star that he even mentioned it in a song – Racing in the Street, from 1978’s Darkness on the Edge of Town album.
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In addition to this, the Chevelle is a beautiful classic car and packs big block performance. We can understand that for some Springsteen fans, this may be the dream car. There is no doubt that it was his, as it comes with documentary proof of ownership signed by Springsteen himself. This Chevelle Convertible has a very interesting Springsteen ownership story. Even more astonishing is the long restoration period of 32 years after the car changed hands from the iconic American rock star.
Updated April 2023: We have updated this article with more interesting information on what makes this 1969 Chevelle Convertible an American icon’s special car. The ex-Bruce Springsteen muscle car is also going the hammer soon, which will give hardcore fans the chance to own one of Springsteen’s priced possessions.
This 1969 Chevelle Convertible Was Springsteen’s Daily Driver
America’s most celebrated rock star, Bruce Springsteen, has an interesting collection. He is a passionate driver who loves his American classics. He owned this Chevelle for almost a decade. In particular, it was his daily driver from 1981 until 1987. That year, Springsteen donated it to Toby Scott, a recording engineer who worked on 18 of his 21 albums.
If you know Springsteen’s music, this car will not be new to you. In fact, in the song “Racing in the Street” he sings about her: “I got a sixty-nine Chevy with a three-ninety-six, Fuelie heads and a Hurst on the floor”. The car was fully restored in 2020, bringing it back to its original condition of the 1980s. In August 2020, it was brought to Ohio, to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, alongside the surfboard that Springsteen used to put in the back when he went to the beach in New Jersey.
But how can we be sure that it is the Chevy that belonged to Springsteen? Well, the car is accompanied by an official letter, signed by Springsteen himself, certifying its authenticity. The document states: “The Chevy Malibu was a gift to my long-time engineer and great friend Toby Scott for the Christmas of 1987. I got this car in 1981 and virtually lived in it for many summers down here at the Jersey Shore. It’s a great piece and holds a sacred place in my heart”.
Springsteen‘s 1969 Chevelle Convertible Packs Big Block Muscle
In addition to being owned by one of the greatest living rock stars, this car also stands out for its performance. The 1969 Chevelle was one of the most beloved and iconic cars of its time, thanks to the engine that had under the hood. It is a 396 CI big block V8 engine, mated to a 4-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter. This was capable of generating 350 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, ensuring the driver a fun and satisfying experience.
This Chevy Chevelle can do 0-60 mph in just over 6 seconds. It is impressive even today but exceptional for a car released more than 50 years ago. It is also equipped with disc brakes, a serpentine belt system with a polished alternator, and water pump. This helped improve engine performance. It is also equipped with electronic ignition.
The 1969 Chevy Chevelle Is A Masterpiece Of Design
In terms of design, the Chevelle is truly legendary. Its look is tenacious, imposing, and aggressive but also fluid. It has everything a muscle car desires to be.
During the period of Springsteen’s ownership of this Chevelle, it was painted in Midnight Black. The extremely long restoration that it underwent has changed its appearance, and the new paint is a gorgeous shade of LeMans Blue. This new paint makes it perhaps more modern and sporty. The front of this car is iconic, with the typical Chevrolet grille carrying the SS. On the side, we find a white shoulder stripe, which accentuates the muscular form. The Chrome Cragar SS wheels help give the Chevelle an aggressive look.
Sure, the new paint may not be original, meaning it won’t hold the same value. But we find that it goes very well with the interior. The white convertible top perfectly matches the LeMans Blue, as well as the seats. The contrast with the color of the bodywork, complimented by the black steering wheel and dashboard, looks cohesive.
In conclusion, the 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible is definitely an iconic car. It has been a popular choice for many young Americans, and the fact that it also belonged to Bruce Springsteen makes its story even more fascinating.
How Much Is A 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Worth?
But if things go as anticipated with the auctioning of Bruce Springsteen’s ex-Chevelle, then it might sell between $150,000 – $200,000, making it the most expensive 1969 Chevy Chevelle Convertible ever.
