BF Exclusive: 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396
- Seller: Daniel P
- Location: Clovis, California
- Mileage: 00000 Shown
- Chassis #: 138808Z107390
- Title Status: Missing
- Engine: 454 V8
- Transmission: TH400 Automatic
It isn’t uncommon to find a classic muscle car with a big block engine swap, but typically, the builder starts with a base car. In the case of this El Camino, it started life as a well-equipped SS 396 but is now packing a 454 V8. It’s a big project, but you don’t find these big block El Caminos often. The seller has decided to part ways with this project and hopes a fellow Barn Finds Reader can finish it. If you are ready to tackle this project, be sure to make the seller an offer!
When this one was built, the El Camino was based on the same platform as the Chevelle. While Chevy didn’t initially offer the El Camino with the Super Sport trim option, they decided to offer it in 1968. With it came the same front-end treatment and engine options as the Chevelle SS. The unique looks and lower curb weight meant the El Camino was a popular option for anyone serious about going fast. In ’70, the SS 454 was introduced and offered an incredible 450 horsepower. We don’t know the full history of this ute, but it’s entirely possible that someone wanted to the car to offer the same level of performance as an SS 454, or they simply found a 454 and thought it would go great in their El Camino.
It appears that the seller has a number of parts for the car, and they are included. There’s a spare hood, bumpers, grille, door card, and many other trim bits. There will likely be lots of pieces that will need to be sourced, but thankfully, parts supply is good, and you should be able to buy new or used replacements.
The interior is missing a few pieces, but major components are present. We also see the car’s original color—it sure would look good in its original bronze color. If the pictured door card is original to the car, then this bench seat might have come out of a different vehicle. As nice as bucket seats are, the bench seat is lighter and comfortable.
Here’s a look at the engine. The seller didn’t provide any of the numbers, so it’s difficult to say what this 454 came out of or what it’s specs are. The only visual cue we see to suggest this is a 454 are the valve covers, which have 454 stickers on them. Since 454 valve covers will fit on a 396, this may be a 396. If it turns out to be the original engine, that would actually be a massive plus in our book, but either way, this is clearly a big block V8.
According to the VIN, this is a genuine SS. Over the past decade, Super Sport El Caminos have become quite sought after, so while this is a big project, it’s one that is worth undertaking. Given its current condition and the unknowns about the engine, it would be worth taking a look in person or at least having someone inspect it. So, would you restore this Chevy? If so, what route would you take it?
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Comments
It can be a headache to get a title depending upon where you live.
Why is it missing? A project this worthy seems like it would be worth the effort to get a title prior to selling.
1968 was the first year of an SS Camino, you could get a 396 in 1966 and 1967 but they were not SS cars…
If buyer is in California as well, not too difficult to register without a title but other states it may be a headache. Prior to selling a vehicle, I’d put the effort in to source a title. Not having one will spook many prospective buyers and shrink your interest pool considerably.
Engine has the “long” water pump on it that was used on 1969 and up big blocks.. anyway I highly doubt this is a vin matched motor, the seller would have specified that for sure to get big $ .
No. That’s a short water pump.
Yes your right ACZ, should have noticed the tight space between timing cover
The seller claims the engine is a 454 so no chance it matches he VIN…
Kind of hard to tell for sure but appears to be a solid body but would need a lot more photos, maybe I missed them. Definitely a big project no matter which direction you go. Non numbers matching restoration or a custom resto-mod. The later would be the route I would take. Build a modern LS and 6 speed Tremec or a 8 speed automatic and upgrade the suspension and interior with a full off frame body restoration. Unfortunately that takes a lot of time, money, and skill set or really deep pockets.
Figure out the condition of the 454 and sell it. Never cared much for them when they were new.
Optional engine would be a 572 but adds to the weight and more money.
I definitely miss my 68 El Camino, that was my first car and in my heart I would like to have another but my brain says nope that was the past.