The 1969 El Camino received only a minor facelift from the previous model year. A new finned grille decorated with three horizontal chrome moldings was the most notable change. The reverse lamps were also moved into the tailgate and red reflectors filled up the rear bumper indentations. The SS396 was made back into an option instead of a separate model and a new 396 big block engine with 375 horsepower was added to the lineup.