The full-size Chevrolets received a significant redesign for 1969. The grille was now surrounded by a loop bumper with deep set quad headlights, fenders were flared, the rear bumper redesigned and vent windows deleted. The ignition switch was moved from the dash to the column and the steering now locked when the key was removed. Front seats now had built-in headrests and variable ratio power steering was introduced.
John Z. DeLorean took over as Chevrolet general manager in 1969 and Chevrolet produced 1,109,013 full-size models, with market share an even 25 percent. The 1969 Impala remained the top selling full-size model for Chevy, though sales slipped to 777,000 units. Caprice came second with 166,000 units, Bel Air found 155,700 buyers and 68,700 drivers chose the entry-level Biscayne.
The regular Super Sport was gone in 1969. Without an SS series or a straight SS option the only way to get one was to buy the Z24 SS 427 package, available on the Impala Custom Coupe, Sport Coupe and Convertible. It included vinyl interior, bucket seats and console gearshift, power disc brakes, base heavy-duty 3-speed manual gearbox, heavy-duty suspension, 15-inch wheels and red line tires.
With the 390 bhp 427 cid V-8, the Impala SS 427 package cost $422.35. A separate Central Office Production Order (COPO) meant SS 427 buyers could order the 425 bhp L72 V-8 with 11:1 compression and a big Holley carburetor. That was good for 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds and a 15.8 second quarter-mile. Only 2,425 buyers ordered the SS 427 package with either motor.
Base engines in full-size cars were the 155 bhp, 250 six and 235 bhp 327 V-8. Optional engines included the 255 bhp 350 ($52.70), 300 bhp L48 350 ($52.70), 390 bhp L36 427 V-8 ($237) and 425 bhp L72 427 ($447.65).
A 3-speed manual gearbox was the base gearbox and a heavy-duty 3-speed was fitted to the 427 engine. A wide-ratio 4-speed was available for 6-cylinder and small-block V-8s ($174.25) and a heavy-duty 4-speed for the 427 V-8 was $313. A 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission cost $163.70 with a six-cylinder engine and $174.75 with a V-8. The 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission cost $190.10 with a six-cylinder, $221.80 with a small block V-8 and $290.40 with the 427 V-8.
Extensive options were available including air-conditioning ($363.40-$463.45), power front disc brakes ($64.25), power steering ($89.55-$105.35), mag-style wheel covers ($52.70-$73.75), power door locks ($44.80-$68.50), console ($53.75), two-tone paint ($23.20), six-way power seat ($110.10), cruise control ($57.95), tilt steering column ($45.30), sport steering wheel ($34.80), wire wheels covers ($55.85) and rear defroster ($47.40).
Chevrolet offered 15 exterior colors for the 1969 Impala and six two-tones. They were Tuxedo Black (10), Dover White (50), Dusk Blue (51), Le Mans Blue (71), Glacier Blue (53), Azure Turquoise (55), Forest Green (59), Burnished Brown Tripoli (62), Champagne (63), Olympic Gold (65), Cortez Silver (69), Garnet Red (72), Burgundy (67), Fathom Green (57), Butternut Yellow (40).