Bruce Springsteen’s Chevelle could be yours
It’d be right at home cruising “The Streets of Philadelphia” or tearing up “Thunder Road.” First, though, this Chevrolet Chevelle convertible formerly owned by Bruce Springsteen is cruising to the Mecum Indianapolis auction block. An SS tribute car configured with a 396-cubic inch big-block engine and a Hurst on the floor like the Chevy in The Boss’ “Racing in the Street,” this Chevelle is a rock star in its own right. Will Springsteen’s ownership elevate it to a sale price beyond the value of similarly-built models?
If more than one bidder has an attitude of “No Surrender” and raises their paddle with a “Hungry Heart,” chances could be good.
“Celebrity cars are always a draw and almost always bring a premium. The estimate suggests that this Chevelle might bring two to three times or more than the market value this car would otherwise bring if not owned by The Boss,” says Hagerty Price Guide editor Greg Ingold.
“But here’s the thing: Simply being a celebrity doesn’t necessarily equate to big premiums; it usually helps to be a massive car person as well. While Springsteen is undoubtedly that—nobody can argue otherwise—it’s not as big a part of his persona as it is for Paul Newman or Steve McQueen, for instance.
“Bottom line: How high this car will go is anyone’s guess.”
The Chevelle (VIN #136679B400523), which will cross the block on May 20 at Mecum’s Indianapolis Auction, has a presale estimate of $150,000–$200,000. Mecum confirmed that the vehicle is not a factory SS 396. Even so, the estimate is well above values for the 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle 396 SS convertible, which come in at $70,200 for an example in #2 (Excellent) condition and $90,600 for one in #1 (Concours) condition. (To read a breakdown of how we evaluate a vehicle’s condition, and 1-to-4 the scale we use, click here.)
The Chevelle was owned by the legendary rock star from 1981 until Christmas 1987, when Springsteen gifted it to Toby Scott, who worked as a recording engineer or mixer on 18 of Springsteen’s albums. A prolonged rotisserie restoration that started in 1988 and wrapped up in 2020 included returning the Chevelle to its original LeMans Blue from the Midnight Black it wore during Springsteen’s ownership.
Shortly after its rebirth, the car was delivered to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in August 2020 and displayed with the same surfboard that The Boss would put in back whenever he headed to the beach in New Jersey.
The 396-cubic-inch big-block V-8 in the classic GM A-body produces 350 horsepower and is mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Though the Chevy featured in “Racing in the Street” wears Fuelie heads, the real-life car does not—small-block Fuelie heads won’t fit the big-block 396—and Springsteen acknowledged that bit of creative license in a 1978 radio interview.
Other features include a white convertible top, white bucket seats, a white side stripe, chrome Cragar SS wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised white-letter tires, power disc brakes, electronic ignition, MSD tachometer adapter, serpentine belt system with polished alternator and water pump, ceramic-coated Hooker headers, and dual exhaust. The Chevelle also has a period radio, which has been installed but is not hooked up.
It also wears Super Sport emblems, SS-style blacked-out grille and rear panel, and a double-domed hood.
The sale includes a signed letter from Springsteen regarding his ownership, a document from his mechanic describing the purchase of the car on Springsteen’s behalf, and a photo of the license plate that the car wore while registered to The Boss.
Advertised as “America’s most popular mid-size car,” nearly 455,000 Chevelles—in coupe, convertible, sedan, station wagon, and pickup (El Camino) form—were produced in 1969. Only one was owned by Bruce Springsteen.
While Springsteen didn’t make our 2022 Power List of Musicians whose ownership adds significantly to the value of a car, there’s no denying his presence in American culture. We’ll be watching to see if his provenance tacks on a decent premium to this Chevelle, especially considering its sentimental ties to one of his most iconic songs.
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I think this car was on display at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a few years back when I visited. I said the same thing then, “cool car” owned by a Jerk !!!
I do think the celebrity ownership is valuable, YMMV. The Boss seems to add something, but if you’ve read about Bruce’ relationship with cars, you have to wonder–I’ve read that he didn’t really drive a car until this car was already in the hands of his mechanic—did he really ever drive it? 😀
I have never commented here before today. These have been the most entertaining comments of all time. “Worth more if he never owned it” and “Next up Ralph Naders bus pass” Priceless!
I’m just here for the comments.
It would be nice to separate politics from the hobby that I enjoy, but when certain celebrities use their wealth & influence to promote politicians that regulate and restrict that hobby, one had better pay attention at the ballot box and to those who in some way contribute to those persons on that ballot. There may come a day when regulations may require an old blue Chevy to be crushed or placed in a museum. At least for now, we have the freedom on what and where we spend our money. Just look at how that worked for Budweiser.
Looks like a Bud Lite with wheels
Grew up in N NJ. We had a good slang name for him. Replace RING with PERM was funny back in the day!!
I am thinking that none of you could afford to buy this car even if it wasn’t owned by Springsteen. But let’s see… The color was changed, as was the top, interior… Nobody cared about who had owned it previously. The car was gifted, and the new owner made it his own, or was it another owner… Nobody really cares here. None of you are buyers. On the + side, It’s still a big block Chevelle rag top with a 4 speed. As for America bashing, well… If one reads the replies here, I kind of understand where Springsteen is coming from. And. I am guessing that no one here would mind having his success, or even his old car, even with the repaint. Who cares if it is not a “real SS”. It has the same unit body and rolled down the same assembly line. The only difference was which engine was slotted in there, and a few options.
You know what I do when a musician comes on the radio that I don’t like? I just change stations. Or, I don’t buy his/her music, or I definitely don’t buy his car. Chevelle are not my favorite anyway. Even ragtops with a big block and a 4 speed.
Based on his outspoken political views, I would want a discount off the estimated market value. And then I would have the car painted red.
Exciting he owned it 36 years ago who cares. Does he ever venture away from the East Coast and ever do any touring? Never cared for his music. I guess it could be relevant if you’re over 65 😲
To each their own both music and car wise. Don’t get your shorts in a bundle…
I’m not the biggest Springsteen fan, especially his politics of late. That said, his seminal album Born In the USA was a reflection of a nation in denial; acting as if we didn’t turn our backs on our Vietnam veterans just 10 years before. His own personal demons of not being drafted and how he processed that as he aged, and how his WW2 veteran father supported him. I can speak to that myself, as I missed Desert Storm, Somalia, Kosovo, etc, but I served in combat during the Global War on Terror after my city was attacked.
Is he an asshole? Maybe. But he is a tremendous musician and artist.
If there were to be a “Celebrity” mark up, this one may not be the one to have a significant markup. If there were to be a markup, the car should be exactly as the way it was when the Celeb owned it. This one went through the rotisserie. That means everything, that needed it, were replaced, cleaned, repainted, or reconditioned. Nothing about it reflects the celeb, other than the VIN.
Wow. Sad the replies stopped being about cars based on the majority of comments. I have no idea what the car will sell for, celebrity or not, but it is a very nice representation of what drove around ‘back in the day’. The stance is perfect and if some artistic license was taken before or after, it matters not – it is tidy, well-restored, and a great colour combo! Good luck at auction
Fuelie heads??