The car was imported as new 1970, So from 1970 - 2021 it has been 23 owners. Manual Trans in the paper and a 200hp engine. But that could have been changed over 51 years.
The 250 cid straight 6 was sourced from Chevrolet. If it had the optional automatic transmission, it would have been a Powerglide 2 speed. The standard transmission was a 3 speed manual on the column.
I agree with Brad. If the series on the trim tag means for certain it was built with a six, then M31 most likely means the Chevy ‘powerglide’ two speed auto behind the Chevy straight six. If the trim tag series means it could have a v8 as an option, then it’s probably an L77 350/4 and M31 ST300 two speed. (The ST300 may have still been available in ‘69 especially on an export/knockdown. Anyone know from the ‘OS’ where it was built (or assembled from parts)? …And 51 51 means Twilight Blue with no vinyl top. 121 is the interior code and color, but I don’t know what exactly it is. 4B is second week of April ‘69. Patrick Also: does the car have any other metal tags on it? Some European countries required a manufacturer to attach one in that country’s format with their required info. Might shed some light on it.
Also-what is the VIN’s first seven digits? If a Special Deluxe was optioned up to the v8 the VIN should show that (43469), but what about the trim tag? Did the trim tag ‘series’ change or would it stay 43369? Patrick
43369 should indicate Special Deluxe 4 door sedan with a six cylinder (sourced from Chevrolet). 43469 would be a Special Deluxe 4 door sedan with a v8 according to the chart above but the factory books aren’t clear on that. Patrick
The info in post 21 is seemingly contradicted by this page from the GM parts book. It appears to indicate that 43369 could be built with a 350 and an ST300 two speed (unless I’m reading it wrong.) See attached:
I found this-an Oshawa built ‘69 Chevy that has V78 in its code line (and EXLD). I’m thinking the V78 means Delete Certification Plate (something about export not needing to meet a standard for US or Canada). Notice the bottom of the trim tags don’t say ‘General Motors certifies…’. If that’s the case, then L77 is the engine, M31 is the 2 speed (ST300) trans. Patrick
A BIG thanks Patrick and all the others for the help! Fantastic with people that don`t give up. Happy New Year!!