When new, the 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 Convertible offered its owner a potent wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. Little has changed in more than five decades since the car rolled off the production line, except the Chevelle SS 396 has become more desirable with each passing year. Our feature car presents extremely well for its age and appears to need very little. The seller indicates that it has a few cosmetic imperfections, but it could conceivably be driven untouched as a survivor. It is set to go to auction, but he hasn’t confirmed a date at this point. However, interested parties can add it to their Watch List to strike when the opportunity arrives. Located in Sun Valley, California, you will find the Chevelle listed for sale here at Salvage Seller. There is no indication of a reserve for this Convertible, but I do need to thank Barn Finder Larry D for once again spotting a desirable classic for us.
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that this Chevelle is anything but 100% original. The paint that graces its panels does not appear to be from that model year but seems to be very attractive LeMans Blue. The seller indicates that it has imperfections, but few are visible in the supplied photos. The paint holds an impressive shine and appears to cover panels that are as straight as an arrow. The panel gaps are tight and consistent, and there’s no evidence of accident damage or previous repairs. The owner supplies no solid information in his listing, but it appears that this classic could be rust-free. There is nothing visible in the lower body extremities, although we receive no underside shots in the listing. If it has spent its life in California, there is a good chance that it could be structurally sound. The white soft-top is in excellent order, with no stains, marks, or physical damage. The exterior trim is as impressive as the panels and paint, while the wide Rally wheels add a muscular finishing touch to the exterior.
The mystery with this Chevelle deepens as we lift the hood. The engine bay is occupied by what appears to be a big-block V8, which is backed by a four-speed manual transmission. It seems that this classic also features power brakes. It isn’t clear which version of the 396 occupied this classic’s engine bay when it rolled off the production line, but even the base L35 unit punched out 325hp. With a manual transmission bolted to this big-block, the SS 396 Convertible could cover the ¼ mile in 15 seconds. However, plenty of evidence suggests that this motor may churn out considerably more power. It appears that it now wears a set of aluminum Edelbrock cylinder heads, along with an intake from the same manufacturer. There is no information about whether there have been any internal changes to items like camshafts or pistons, but this Chevelle should have the power to burn. The seller indicates that the car runs and drives but does not elaborate on how well it performs either task. If the presentation of the engine bay is indicative of this classic’s mechanical condition, the news should be pretty positive.
The seller supplies a couple of interior shots in his listing, and they tend to paint a pretty positive picture. It is upholstered in White vinyl, and apart from some discoloring on the armrests, it appears to be in good condition. There is no evidence of physical damage or stains, and no signs of sun rot. The dash and pad look to be in good condition, as do the carpet and console. Aftermarket additions include some gauges mounted under the dash, a radio/cassette player, and speakers fitted to the kick panels and rear seat trims. The overall presentation is acceptable for a vehicle of this age, and it would take more time than money to lift it to the next level. It would entail tasks like tidying up the speaker installation in the kick panels and tying back some of the gauge components under the dash. Otherwise, the interior seems to need very little.
This 1968 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible is a mystery machine. While it features a big-block under the hood, its specifications are unclear. However, it could still generate plenty of interest when it goes under the hammer. Its overall condition would seem to suggest that bidding may climb beyond $40,000 before the auction ends. I am surprised that only ten people are watching the listing at this point because a classic of this desirability would usually generate significantly more interest. However, that could be to the advantage of potential buyers. It means that if there are fewer watchers, there could be fewer bidders. If that’s the case, it may open the opportunity for somebody to score this beauty at a reasonable price. If you are looking for an SS 396, it might be worth adding this one to your Watch List.
They do look fast sitting still don’t they? Nice.
A friends’s dad at the time had an SS396 hardtop , along with a ’67 fastback Mustang with a 289 and 4 speed. Definitely the coolest dad on the block.
Uh ANOTHER Chevelle. Seems like every 3rd classic that we see has to be som sort of ss chevelle. Cool, but tiring after a while
Better than seeing another Corvette
Well, Nolan…you should probably just unsubscribe from Barn Finds and go elsewhere instead of putting yourself through so much torment…..have you thought of that?
136 VIN. wonder what the back story is?
Not a real SS396, like you point out. But, that could mean fun driver, without the guilt!
A 136 VIN would indicate it is not an SS.
Love the std. stick shift in any convertible car.
Yeah, as Butch points out, a 136 VIN means it’s just a clone. Chevy only made 2,286 of the real thing and a SS396 Convertible. Glad I have one in my garage.
Front looks like a 68 from the back.
My mistake, I though it was advertised as a 69.
It very well may be a pieced together car, but it’s still a head turner and tire burner.
It’s an auction car so I wonder where it will hammer at.
Theft recovery?
I had I in the early 90s red and black int.and top. Very nice. I had it for 12 years. The bad, my 1st wife and i where on our honeymoon and the morning we left to go home, leaving cannon beach i turned onto highway 101 in front of a Toyota Landcruiser. Hard hit to the rear qt. I changed the blown wheel and got it home. Matters worse my classic didn’t cover it. since i didn’t let them know i was leaving Washington state(state ( didnt read the small print)It cost me almost to the penny to fix mine and pay for his.I paid $8000, all the repairs $7800.The marrage lasted little over 1year. and the chevelle was never the same sold it a year or so later. many other fun times with it.
Looking at these cars always makes me a little sad those days are past. Just the stance screams “ don’t f—— with me”. Makes me long for Friday night racing on the back roads!!!
Lol
I’m curious and wonder why it is being sold by an insurance company, when I look at their other listings at t he bottom of their page there are some classics there but all have some damage so I wonder why an insurance company is selling this and what damage is there.
No obvious damage may mean flood survivor.
I have a 138 Chevelle SS. Bought it ten years ago out of Texas. It was setting under the only tree for miles off the highway in a field. The car was stripped of the engine and tranny, but every thing else was intact. Located the owner, and we dickered back and forth under that shade tree. Got it for 750 dollars and brought it home, and put away in storage, where it sets today, along with other projects. Last guy that saw it offered me 8500 dollars for it. I decided to keep the car awhile longer, glad I did now. However, one thing that stills bothers me to this day, how in the world a Chevelle SS ended up under the only shade tree, in the middle of this guys field?
Not an SS, obviously a pieced together “frankencar”, but I don’t care…I want it!