When Chevrolet released the Second Generation Chevelle in 1968, it moved away from coke-bottle styling. The new body gave the Chevelle a more muscular and purposeful appearance, and when the buyer ordered the SS 396, the car possessed the performance to match those looks. This 1968 Chevelle SS 396 is a numbers-matching classic that presents well. The seller states it isn’t perfect, but its overall condition would still allow it to turn heads and receive positive comments. It needs a new home and an owner ready to appreciate a legendary muscle car. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Lewisville, Texas. The bidding sits at $28,900 but remains short of the reserve. I must thank eagle-eyed Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this stunning SS.

Chevrolet offered Chevelle buyers a choice of fifteen colors for their new toy in 1968, with 37,000 selecting Matador Red. That’s a significant figure but falls short of Ash Gold’s total of 80,812. However, the Trim Tag suggests this car’s Matador Red may not be original. The Tag is hard to read due to reflection but seems to indicate that this was 1-of-22,419 ordered in Seafrost Green. The seller doesn’t indicate if or when a color change occurred, so that may be a matter for potential buyers to pursue. The car presents well, with paint that shines richly and panels that are as straight as an arrow. The seller says it carries a selection of chips and marks, but none show in the supplied photos. If potential buyers don’t crave perfection, it could be considered an above-average driver-grade vehicle. One of the key considerations in any classic purchase is the presence of rust, and the Chevelle is no exception. This car appears rust-free. The panels are clean, and the floors are rock-solid. There is no evidence of prior repairs, and the seller doesn’t mention any in their listing. The current owner purchased the SS in 2008, and its overall presentation suggests they have treated it with respect. The trim sparkles nicely under the sun, and the glass is spotless. I believe the Rally wheels might be a later addition, but it is common to find them on Chevelles of this vintage. If they don’t suit the buyer’s taste, sourcing appropriate replacements should not prove difficult or expensive.

One aspect of this SS that needs virtually nothing is its interior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in Black vinyl, selecting a bench seat in preference to buckets. The upholstered surfaces are flawless. There is no wear or physical damage, and the carpet and headliner are equally impressive. The dash presents well and has no aftermarket additions. The painted surface on the dash has a few marks and scratches, and the buyer may elect to refinish that surface to achieve perfection. One of the coolest features is the barrel tachometer, while the original owner paid an additional $133.80 for an AM/FM radio. This Chevelle is also 1-of-7,450 equipped with a tilt wheel.

There is plenty of good news when we turn our attention to the Chevelle’s drivetrain. The seller admits the 12-bolt Posi rear end isn’t original, but it is date-correct for this car. I can also see aftermarket headers, but they appear to be the only changes. Occupying the engine bay is the L34 version of Chevrolet’s legendary V8. That big-block would churn out 350hp, which feeds to the Posi via a four-speed M20 transmission. The engine and transmission are numbers-matching, positively impacting the car’s potential value. It shouldn’t lack in the performance stakes, with the ability to romp through the ¼ mile in 14.4 seconds. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s the case with this SS. I could tell you how well it runs and drives, but the seller supplies this YouTube video. It provides a walk-around and allows us to see and hear this classic in action. I’ve watched it several times and never tire of the tune sung by the 396.

If anything surprises me about this 1968 Chevelle SS 396, it is the subdued bidding history. Given its overall desirability and condition, I expected more than seven bids in this auction. However, plenty of time remains, leaving scope that things may heat up as the listing draws to a close. We can only speculate on the reserve, but I doubt the bidding will hit that before passing $35,000. If two or more people want this classic badly enough, the closing action could push the price to $40,000. I suspect this will probably happen, and the bidding could become pretty frantic. Even if this SS is too rich for you, watching the listing could prove fascinating.