Original 396: 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Finding a solid and clean Chevelle SS396 hiding away in a garage could never be classed as a bad thing. Discovering that it an unmolested, numbers-matching car has to make the experience even better. The seller of this particular Chevelle purchased the car from its original owner, and after undertaking some work to return it to its best, he has now decided to part with this stunning looking car. It is located in Trinity, North Carolina, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner is asking $19,500 for this muscular classic. I really have to thank Barn Finder Pat L for referring this beauty to us.
The Chevelle is finished in Fathom Blue with a Dark Blue vinyl top. Giving the exterior of the car the once-over, it is hard to find anything to be terribly critical of. The panels appear to be nice and straight, with no signs of any significant dings, dents, or ripples. I don’t think that the paint is completely original because I believe that I can spot some evidence that the vehicle has received at least a partial repaint at some point in its life. The vinyl top looks to be in very nice condition, with no signs of any fading, or any bubbles below the surface. The owner says that the floors and trunk are solid, and the photo that he supplies of the trunk area shows little more than some light surface corrosion. The panels show no signs of rust, with all of the usually prone areas appearing to be clean. The external trim and chrome shine nicely and is free of any obvious damage. However, the grille extensions to the outside of the headlights are silver, and they should have a blackout treatment. If the next owner is a perfectionist, this is one item that will need to be changed. Having said that, this SS396 just has the appearance of being a clean and original survivor.
The news with the Chevelle just keeps getting better, with the numbers-matching 396ci big-block nestling in the engine bay. In addition, the next owner will receive an automatic transmission (although it isn’t clear whether this is a Powerglide or a Hydramatic), power steering, and power brakes. The presentation under the hood is quite tidy, with no signs of any problems or issues. Regardless of which transmission is fitted, this is still going to be a bit of a performer, capable of putting down a sub-16-second ¼ mile ET quite easily. The owner says that the Chevelle has recently been fitted with new tires and that it drives very well. He also claims that it has covered a genuine 56,000 miles, so hopefully, he is able to verify this.
Opening the doors and looking around inside the Chevelle might seem to be a bit disappointing, but there’s no need to feel this way. Sure, the interior is looking pretty tired, but the news is actually quite positive. This is an older photo because since it was taken, the SS has received new covers on the seats, a new dash, new door trims, and new carpets. I wish that the owner had supplied a photo of the interior in that state because this one doesn’t do the car any favors. The rest of the interior appears to be original, with the exception of the fully-functioning dealer-fitted Chevrolet 8-track player mounted under the dash. In addition, the Chevelle is fitted with factory air conditioning, which should make life that bit more pleasant on those coming hot Summer days.
This 1968 Chevelle SS396 is a car that I would really love to subject to a personal inspection. It looks clean and solid, and if the description and photos paint an accurate description, then it also represents a great opportunity for potential buyers. It is extremely rare to find a clean and solid genuine SS396 in the market for below the $20,000 today, let alone one that presents this well. So, if this one is all that it purports to be, then I suspect that someone is going to snap it up pretty quickly.
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Comments
The CL posting was already deleted when I went to look. The deal seemed too good to be true.
If the car is as it appears it was a good deal. It’s more of a cruiser than an all out performance car, but the seller wasn’t asking an arm and a leg. Hopefully someone bought it and will enjoy it in the future.
Steve R
The driveway and garages looks familiar. If memory serves me this guy is a flipper and a good one. He has had some really nice ones. Think he sticks to or favors GM stuff as he probably know it well.
Patrick Glenn this car is bla,bla,bla,right that guy is a dick.
Isn’t his name Patrick? Dick or Patrick?
“Is he gonna sh&t or kill me? First he’s gonna sh&t, then, he’s gonna kill me”.
It’s confusing.
As I recall, all 396 motors had chrome valve covers and the lowest hp engine had the chrome lid and snorkle. The higher hp models had open elements. The article references a “Hydramatic,” but that makes me think of the original auto box introduced in 1940 for Olds and Cad. The “Turbo” Hydramatic was available as a THM400 in 68 with the THM350 coming in 69, replacing the Hydramatic. I “think” only 6’s and small blocks had a powerglide available. By 1973 THM transmissions were about it, with a few exceptions.
Since I can’t find my car keys, this could be wrong too.
The Powerglide was the base automatic for the 1968 SS 396, the TH400 was an extra cost upgrade when an automatic was ordered.
Steve R
In ’68, the only automatic transmission available for the SS396 was TH400. As stated above, Powerglide was available for 6 cyl. and small blocks.
It looks like it was never intended to be anything more than a mid sized car with a big engine that made spinning the AC compressor easier. The first buyer certainly treated it as such, which is why it hasn’t been hacked up.
Makes me wonder if it was a dealer demo car that the buyer got a great deal on when the 69s hit the showrooms.
Not necessarily a demo. A guy who worked for my Dad bought one just like it new, Only difference I recall was color Grecian Green?
I agree with Dave, you’d never know it was a performance car by looking at it. And it really isn’t one, not with that set up.
Decent Chevelle that made day to day driving experiences more enjoyable, that’s how I see it.
Nice car
Too bad no buckets or console
So many were purchased this way when new. Many people wanted the larger engine because they though they needed it with a/c. What’s rare is for an original BBC with ss package not turned into something more muscle car like. It’s nice to see it as they were bought and nice to see an ss priced reasonably. Not sure if I would leave it that way,,,but it’s cool in that it was typical in 1968
It was probably ordered by an older gentleman that didn’t have to SHOUT out to the world “look at my fast car”. I bet it had no troubles eating up those highway miles.
If I had it I think the only change would be the wheel/tire package, either something period correct or rally wheels, and the factory instrumentation. Gotta love the 68 tach! I like the bench/column shift, it stands out in the sea of bucket/console cars.
Steering wheel looks original, yet it looks black. hmmh.
Always to late to the party!!!
Why’s the pinstripe going downhill on the LF fender? Never saw a factory one like that.
I called guy made ampt. come see it & buy and everything was on plan was 2 1/2 hr drive! He said would hold it till got there Then he called me said hold off that his son in-law going show that he didn’t know? Never called but texted late too say sold it got $1500. More & said LoL ! Sold” Guess money better than words!
Ad deleted by author. Didn’t even get a look at it… :(