Presented here is a 1969 COPO Chevelle in its original color of Tuxedo Black (10 10) with its original drivetrain (L72, M21, KQ 4:10) in largely unrestored condition other than a repaint in or around 1979.
Sold new from Landers Chevrolet in Hurricane, WV on July 12, 1969 to Gary Clary of Lesage, WV. After returning from Vietnam, Gary purchased the Chevelle for $3317. A $317 deposit was paid and his parents signed the finance agreement. 3 years at $95.83 per month.
Initially the car was a daily driver while Gary worked at the Amherst Coal Company for 21 years. In 1990 he started working for Gallagher Ford, which became Turnpike Ford of Huntington.
4 owners:
Gary Clary 7/12/1969 - 2/24/2002
James Clary 2/24/2002 - 6/15/2019
Randy Greathouse 1/23/2020 - 7/1/2020
Marty Snyder 7/1/2020 - present
NCRS Shipping Data Report states the GM official production date was 7/1/1969. Other than the COPO option and an AM Radio this is a very plain Malibu. No side stripe, gauges, power steering, tilt steering, vinyl top, etc. The original black bench seat interior remains completely unchanged. Other than the cooling hoses, plug wires, master cylinder, and exhaust, the drivetrain remains original. Other notable original items: shocks, fuel pump, radiator, trunk mat, and spare tire. Well, and everything else.
The OO and his brother had several race cars and hot rods. They enjoyed modifying and painting their race cars and show cars. Luckily this Chevelle was left alone. It mostly was stored while they enjoyed their other rides. At some point it was parked in the corner of a garage/barn until it was purchased by the 3rd owner (Randy Greathouse) from the estate of James Clary (2nd owner and brother of OO) with 38,547 miles on the odometer. Randy did hire Patrick Glenn Nichols Musclecar Barn Finds to make a video of the Chevelle.
https://youtu.be/qzxdGY9kuu8
In June of 2020 I placed a wanted ad on this site for a 1969 Chevelle and I got a call regarding this COPO. I discussed the car with Phil Wojnarowski, as I knew he and Van Hurst had previously inspected the car. Shortly afterwards I was on my way to the border of Ohio and WV to close the deal. To say I was excited and full of joy is an understatement.
Over the next 2 years, 7 months and 3 weeks I carefully brought the car back to being road worthy. No matter what happened in life during that span of time, each day when I walked past the car in the garage it always brought a smile to me. In March of this year it made its first return to the streets since being last registered in 1988. During my ownership I have made contact via the internet with several people that knew of the car and were close friends with the brothers.
What does the future hold? I plan to keep the car in its current as found condition as much as possible. I want to honor the original owner and his brother who were extremely proud of this Chevelle. This is a real dream come true scenario for me. Purchasing an untouched COPO, learning the history of previous owners and making some great friends along the way has truly been a pleasure and an honor for me.
Last but certainly not least, I want to thank some folks that have given advice, knowledge, parts and encouragement along the way. Phil Wojnarowski was the first call I made. I genuinely don’t know if I could have done this without Phil’s knowledge, help with some parts and all around support. Thank you!!
Ray Hurst, Eric Jackson, Dave and Dan Schutzbank and Rob Zallo were also great help with knowledge, encouragement and some memorabilia. And to my wife Marion for understanding what this has meant to me and for being the voice behind so many encouraging conversations.
Cheers!!
Marty
