Buying any secondhand car involves a degree of risk. That is especially true when the vehicle is a classic, because these typically represent a luxury purchase. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the car in question is all you expect before handing over your hard-earned cash. That is why I am a staunch advocate for in-person inspections, which is the path that I would follow with this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396. It shows promise, but the listing images and lack of concrete information leave us begging for more. There is plenty of time remaining to cast an eye across this classic before the listing ends, making it a question worth asking. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the SS listed here on eBay in Summerfield, North Carolina. The seller set their BIN at $28,500, and judging by the listing statistics, this Chevelle has generated reasonable interest.
Chevrolet introduced its Second Generation Chevelle range in 1968, and this first-year example is the SS 396 variant. Its history is unclear because the seller is sparing with their information in the listing text. The Green paint shows significant age deterioration, and stripping the panels to bare metal would be the most appropriate approach to address the minor bumps and bruises and to achieve a high-end result during the build. I believe that there is penetrating rust in the lower rear quarter panels and at least one lower front fender. However, we’re left flying blind because there are no underside shots and no mention of potential rust issues in the floors, trunk pan, or other typically-prone areas. Most of the trim appears to be intact, and there are no glaring glass issues.
Lifting this Chevelle’s hood reveals a 396ci V8. The big-block’s specifications are unknown, but it should send at least 325hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The curb weight of around 3,650 lbs and the mountain of power generated by the V8 make this a genuine muscle car with performance credentials. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this Chevelle is numbers-matching. They state the vehicle isn’t driven regularly and that it needs work. Whether those tasks are mechanical is unclear, because they may refer specifically to the car’s cosmetic shortcomings. However, the clean engine bay and spotless Red paint are positive signs, leading me to wonder whether the big-block may have undergone a relatively recent rebuild.
This Chevelle is consistent, with its interior requiring as much attention as its exterior. The Parchment vinyl has deteriorated significantly, and the dashpad is cracked. Therefore, investing in a high-quality trim kit would seem to be the best alternative to recapture this car’s youthful good looks. However, it is worth noting that following the interior restoration, this Chevelle’s air conditioning, bucket seats, and console would provide a comfortable motoring experience.
I want to state categorically that I don’t believe that the seller is being deceptive in their listing for this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396. The problem is a lack of clear images and concise information, making it almost impossible to draw firm conclusions surrounding subjects like the potential presence of rust. However, an in-person inspection would provide the answers that most buyers would seek, and asking that question would be a worthwhile first step. It is worth noting that the seller’s feedback suggests that they are approachable, which is always a positive sign. The listing has attracted over 280 views in the last day, and 26 people have added this SS to their Watch List. That suggests that they see the potential in this Chevelle as a project candidate. Do you share those feelings?
More, clearer images and information is definitely needed to get a better understanding of this chevelles condition. That and an in person inspection would be very wise for any potential buyer.
I spoke with the seller today Nov 26th.. Was told is a numbers matching car.
He also said it’s been repainted.
I was looking to see if he wanted to trade a 69 Chevelle SS but he’s just interested in selling his.
JC, I would take the sellers comment with a grain of skepticism. Without a build sheet and or a protecto plate there is no sure way to back up that statement.
Sorry if I old & cheap….but I think new this car was like $3k and $ 28.5k is alot of money for a common Chevelle with a big block that needs work. My 1st car in 1976 was a ’70 Impala with 350 engine and 48,000 miles. It was not rusted out, but had rust in common places Chevys had rust…..front & rear quarter panels, windshield frames and front of hood under trim. If this car had paint job…..was it’s rust really completely repaired? I did most of the body work, paint shop did windshield frames when paint. My father had brake shop so able to use orbital sander , sand blaster and bondo. I got it looking good….probably not prefect. How much work & money above its 28.5k price would it take for this car to look & drive good…..or to restore?
Feel the same way just too much money. Just the paint and body work you are looking at 15.000-20.000 before even whatever the power train needs along with a complete interior refit you would be underwater in no time.
The VIN 138xxxx proves it’s an SS, matching numbers won’t be hard to determine. The text of the ad is useless, it was either written using a template by someone that knows nothing about cars in general or this car in particular, possibly by AI. Everything in this ad is overly generalized gibberish, any ad that includes “sure to bring joy to any car enthusiast” can’t be taken seriously.
The BIN of $28,500 seems overly optimistic.
Steve R
Steve, please explain to me how you can determine that the drive train was born with this car without the build sheet and or protecto plate !! Casting numbers are only useful once you know exactly what you are looking for.
The partial VIN is stamped into the engine block in front of the passenger side cylinder head, same with the transmission.
Steve R
Same line I get when I check what my eBay ad would look like using AI.
where have all the plain jane 68 Malibu’s gone? that’s all i want. no ss models
They show up here on BF every now and then. Every single one of them overpriced for a family based car with a measly 307.
Being a 138 vin chevelle, it also has a barrel tachometer… wish I could see the redline. This car is definitely worth an In person look over. I’m tempted but I already have two SS convertible chevelles 396 with rock crushers, 68 & 69. Good luck who ever wins this.
The gauge package and the tach were an option. Not all SS cars had it.
68 was the last year 138 cars were built as supersports specifically. 69 cars were optioned as super sports and gauge package.
Steve R, I do understand your explanation however: with so many blocks decked ( some numbers removed ), CE blocks ( blown engines still under warranty ), re-stamped blocks ( it happens more than you & I would like to believe ). I stand by my initial comment about a build sheet and or Protecto Plate needed to verify beyond doubt that the drive train was born with the body of a Chevelle SS from this year.