It is hard to find words beyond “simply stunning” to describe this 1967 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible. Wherever you look, you are confronted by spotless presentation, while the drivetrain package promises a potent motoring experience. The owner has decided to part with the Chevelle, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Boxford, Massachusetts, and the bidding has reached $43,611. Given this classic’s overall condition, I’m not surprised to see that the reserve hasn’t been met.
I like this car because, to me, it represents the automotive equivalent of a Q-ship. A Q-ship was an unassuming vessel that housed potent hidden weapons to be used in times of war. That is what we find with the Chevelle. There are no big wheels, no stripes, nothing to indicate what this car actually is from a distance. It’s only when you approach it that you can spot the badges that tell you that this isn’t your average Chevelle. Beyond those badges, what you find is a vehicle that is finished in Emerald Turquoise that presents beautifully. The panels are laser straight, and the paint shines beautifully across the whole car. Rust is not a consideration. The owner supplies photos of the Chevelle’s underside, and it is as clean and impressive as the exterior. All of the steel is said to be original. The SS has never received any patches or rust repairs throughout its life. The trim and chrome sparkles under the sun and the glass appears to be flawless.
The interior of the SS continues the story commenced by the exterior. It is upholstered in Black vinyl and features a bench front seat. The upholstery looks perfect, while the same appears to be true of the carpet. The dash is unmolested and is just as nice as the rest of the interior. The pad isn’t cracked or warped, and there are no signs of any problems with the chrome trim. The original radio holds pride of place, while the car is also fitted with the Code U16 tach on the left of the steering column, and the tunnel-mounted factory clock. There has always been some conjecture over the location of the clock, and why Chevrolet chose to mount it as they did on cars without a console. The most common school of thought was that it was mounted in this location instead of on top of the dash for safety reasons. However, given how hard the clock is to read on the transmission hump, that doesn’t quite add up. One thing is a fact, and that is that this location made them prone to being kicked and damaged. That fate hasn’t befallen this one, which is good news.
It isn’t clear is whether the Chevelle is a numbers-matching car. I do have my doubts about some aspects of the drivetrain. What we find nestled under the hood is the L34 version of the 396ci V8. This monster pumps out 350hp, which finds its way to the 12-bolt rear end via an M22 4-speed manual transmission. This combination holds the promise of some fast motoring. It means that the SS should be able to storm the ¼ mile in 14.4 seconds. My only question mark hangs over the transmission. I’ve checked through several resources when it comes to the Chevelle’s specifications, and I have found an anomaly. The M22 was offered as an option in this model year, but there are no records of any Chevelle being fitted with one. There are records and quantities for the M13, M20, and M21. That either means that the transmission isn’t original to this car, or that this car is a real rarity. Of course, it also could indicate that the sources that I am using are out-of-date, so if our readers can confirm this, I would appreciate it. If I’m wrong, I am happy to raise my hand and admit it. It is also great to report that this SS isn’t merely about looks. The owner states that you could drive it anywhere, which indicates that the car is in sound mechanical health.
I stand by my statement that I believe that this Chevelle SS 396 Convertible is simply stunning. I think that it is the automotive equipment of an iron fist in a velvet glove. A quick glance provides no glaring indication of just what hides below the surface. Exactly where the bidding goes on this car is a bit of an unknown. If it is a numbers-matching car, then figures north of $60,000 would be what I would expect. Of course, it also pays to expect the unexpected. If you are genuinely interested in this potent classic, then this is an auction that I would be watching very closely.
Beautiful car. I don’t know about the m22 trans or any others for that matter, but does it really matter, when you’re driving along changing gears in a classic of this nature you’re probably not drag racing it anyway. Ofcourse nowadays people buy SUV cars in excess of 60 grand and beat the daylights out of them. I guess it’s just a matter of perspective, if you’ve got the money to throw away that’s your business, but for me I’d much rather spend the money on a car like this and treat it with loving care.
God bless America
True enough, but you end up buying two cars so you don’t have to drive the nice one in bad weather.
Now she ain’t too good on gasoline, she burns a little oil
But she was built by union labor on American soil
Sweet little ’66 xxx67
One of America’s best lyricists!
My favorites that fit us teenagers in muscle cars back in the 70’s:
I ain’t askin for a miracle Lord, just a little bit of luck will do!
And:
I’m still the apple of my mama’s eye; I’m my daddy’s worst fears realized….
Love the color. My first new car was a 67 Malibu coupe and was the exact same color. This one looks great but a bit pricey.
My heart skipped a beat on this one .
All that’s missing are buckets and a console. Real nice car!
There were a few 1967 Malibu SSs that were ordered with a bench seat. My neighbor has one that his dad bought new and it looks just as good.
396 ,4 speed , 350 horses, convertible,ss trim can’t get much better than this.
I wish it wasn’t green, and hope it’s numbers matching.
Had a willow green 66 375 hp convertible. It had the close ratio 4 speed with 3.73 gears. Sold it in 87 and I regret it daily. The color on this one looks close. If the m-22 is the close ratio it would have 3.73 rear gears as the wide ratio came with 3.31. Of course anything could be built for the customer, but I don’t think any gears lower than 3.73 were available with the close ratio.
1-mac all gear ratios were available in 67 so the only difference is the 375HP engine needed for rpm so most had the 3:73 but standard gear was a 3:55 in that engine option. You could go as low as 2:56 if you wanted to do some top end runs but I sure would not with the tires they had back then.
That has to be 1 of the cleanest cars ive ever seen. Those underside photos, wow.
Very nice car and the guy selling did well on the photos.
Curious obviously as to the reserve as rhis one being a soft top is think should eclipse that green challenger, bit are Chevy people as off their nut as Mopar maniacs?
I have worked on a lot of Chevys and the 67 M-22 trans was only seen in the Corvette . They might be out there. Good upgrade even if it was not original . The sound they make is intoxicating to the ears.
My best friend’s big brother bought a ‘68 SS 396 when he came home from Vietnam. He ordered it without stripes and with a bench seat, so it looked like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, plus his girlfriend got to sit real close.
And I love this ‘67.
With respect to the M22, I suppose it is possible the seller erred, and it’s something else? M21 maybe?
Yet another non-Barn Find!
You got that right!
This site’s title is a joke, because a majority of the cars they feature are not barn finds.
You are right, but I love what they post anyway.
Steve, maybe they found the name for this site in a barn. Ever think about that? I think it’s kinda clever myself. When I was a teen, my H.S. Buddy and I would go on “Vintage-Tin” hunts. We found them all over the place…even in garages, sheds, lean to’s carports, pastures, backyards, and evening in junkyards!!!
We got a ‘40 Ford P.U. out by the local dump buried half up to the drivers window. Good luck getting that one loose. Probably nothing left on the bottom half.
and…..what…..you dont like reading about vintage iron? Or you’re a stickler for accuracy?
You could start your own page and let the rest of us enjoy this one.
If the dog is as attached to this ragtop as my dog is to mine, the seller is in big trouble when he sells it. Dog probably won’t talk to him again! :)
On eBay it states this item is no longer available
On eBay it states this item is no longer available
I’m a junkyard hunter and find Chevy drag cars like my 70 nova setting 6years. Hillbilly town