Looks are sometimes deceptive, which is undoubtedly the case with this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Deluxe. At first glance, it looks like a mild-mannered survivor wearing its original paint. However, the wider wheels offer a subtle hint that there might be more to this classic than meets the eye. The 454ci Crate Motor hiding under the hood is the first of many changes that should bless this classic with exceptional performance. The seller has listed the Chevelle here on eBay in Addison, Illinois. Those who feel that the BIN of $41,900 is beyond their reach may find the thought of submitting an offer irresistible.
Chevrolet released its Second Generation Chevelle range for the 1968 model year, with its latest offering radically restyled. It remained on sale until 1972, with our feature car a first-year example. The seller claims that it retains its original Grecian Green paint, except the replacement hood which was refinished to achieve the same look as the rest of the exterior. The paint is peppered with minor flaws and imperfections, and the panels sport a range of small bumps and bruises. However, that is as bad as the news gets, because the floors and frame are flawless following a frame-off build. The seller indicates there are no patches or other issues, and that the car is structurally sound. The trim generally looks good for a survivor-grade vehicle, and the glass is clear. However, the wider steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps suggest that this Chevelle might be hiding a welcome secret.
The original owner ordered this Chevelle equipped with a 307ci V8, a two-speed Powerglide, and a 10-bolt rear end. Its performance would have been respectable, although it wouldn’t have left the opposition quaking in their boots at the local drag strip. However, the story would be very different today, courtesy of the documented $50,000 the seller has spent below the surface. This classic now houses a veritable who’s who of desirable mechanical components, including a 454ci Crate Motor, a four-speed 700R4 transmission, a 12-bolt rear end, a Weiand intake, a Holley carburetor, and an MSD ignition. Throw a stainless steel tank, headers, a 3″ stainless exhaust, power front disc brakes, Bilstein shocks, and a range of other new components into the mix, and this Chevelle is a potent classic with no mechanical needs. The specs of the motor are unclear, but it would make the 200hp provided by the original 307 look pretty anemic. The seller supplies this YouTube video in their listing. It provides a comprehensive walkaround, allowing us to see and hear the Chevelle in action. That big-block sounds clean and tough, with no evidence of smoke or odd noises. The car drives well and is ready to hit the road with its new owner behind the wheel.
The positive news continues when we focus on this Chevelle’s interior. Some painted surfaces show signs of minor chips and marks, but this build included a retrim in Black cloth and vinyl. Beyond the paint, nothing deserves criticism. There is no wear or signs of abuse anywhere, and enough updates to make life aboard this classic enjoyable. It features vintage air conditioning and a retro-style stereo, while the driver monitors the car’s mechanical health via a retro-style aftermarket gauge cluster.
The new owner of this 1968 Chevelle 300 Deluxe faces some choices. They could leave the car untouched, enjoying it as the sleeper it has been transformed into. Performing a cosmetic refresh but retaining the sleeper look is a viable choice while transforming it into an SS tribute is another option. I am partial to its current appearance, and would probably enjoy this classic as-is. That is a personal choice, but what would yours be?
No mention of ring and pinion. Won’t really matter w the h.o crate big block.
OD trans is bonus. Agree w you Clarkey, drive it as is.
Stan,
Please go read the ebay listing.
The owner has a well articulated description of everything that has been done to the car. Plus more pictures.
This is a very nice example of the ultimate sleeper.
I read the article and ad closely Billy. Did I miss it ?
What’s the final drive ratio then.. ?
Cool Chevy.
Stan,
12 bolt posi, 3.73.
Ebay is kinda funky. But if you scroll down it will come to description. Hit the arrow and all the stuff he’s done to the build will be right there.
Happy hunting.
With the amount of money the seller spent on the crate 454, they should have upgraded to a 496 or 540 stroker for not much more cash.
Maybe the person who converted it had something like, “let’s get better than 5 mpg” in mind. A crate 454 gives plenty of usable power on the road and will still pass a gas station or two.
Well thought out and executed. The builder made some good choices with the AC and OD, the GM 454 HO in stock form is pretty mild. Even though it’s not inexpensive, due to the dealers willingness to accept offers it will likely find a buyer in the near future.
Steve R
Cool ’69. My wife’s favorite year Chevelle. The only thing I would change is the valve covers and air cleaner with factory style pieces, and add a 396 decal to the air cleaner to keep more inline with the engine options of 1969. Other than taking the engine compartment to a more “stock” form, I would happily drive it as is. Pretty steep asking price, but it’d definitely make for a fun ride.
I would put old stamped steel valve covers and a stock air cleaner on. Put a 307 decal on the air cleaner and 307 emblems on the front fenders. See how many people you could fool into thinking it was only 307 cubic inches!
I don’t think an air cleaner sticker will fool anyone. As soon as the hood is open you can see its a big block. Looks like a fun car.
CT Dave
Obvious to an old hot rodder Dave, but you could still fool someone that has been into Japanese or German cars all of their lives.
Near as I’m able to view, 307 is on the fender’s side marker.
It’s a 68 not a 69 !
The ad clearly states that it’s a 68!!!
Except this car is a ’68.
Subtle differences between the two. But the vent windows eliminate any doubt that this is a 68.
It’s a ’68!!!!!
The ad clearly states that it’s a 68!!! The grille and taillights are dead giveaways
The nicest thing about this one is it’s a three hundred.
With all due respect, personally speaking, if I had the body off this machine would have proceeded in getting everything nice and straight and laying a fresh layer of the factory green paint back down. I think this style is cool on old pickups, but not the sexy lines that grace these Chevelles! I love the nonchalant look of the wheel, tire setup!
Final vent window year.
Not exactly, the 1969 Chevelle 300 2dr used vent windows. But it was a post car and used the same windshield as the El Camino, 4 doors and wagons, which continued to use vent windows through 1972.
Steve R
First thing I noticed was no post. 300s were all post cars and as Steve said, ’68s all had vent wi dows, and I’ll add except for Caprice coupes if memory serves me correctly. Hmmm.
As others have said, taillights and grill make this a ’68, although grills can easily be swapped out and I suppose the rear fender extensions could be possibly changed if you really wanted to bs people.
The interior photo may not be current. The 4 speed transmission shifter is missing and the power glide shifter is there. Also there is only the large brake pedal. After market AC with no visible compressor.