Although the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 is undeniably a muscle car, the right paint shade can give these cars a classy air. Such is the case with this SS, and when you add spotless presentation to the equation, there’s much to like about this classic. The only thing it appears to need is a new home, because I guarantee it could turn heads in its current form for all the right reasons. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Chevelle listed here on eBay in Strasburg, Virginia. The seller set their BIN at $62,000 with the option to make an offer.
I have always considered the First Generation the most attractive version of the Chevrolet Chevelle. Marketed from 1964 until 1967, the crisp styling looks aggressive and has aged rather elegantly. This final-year example is the ultra-desirable SS 396, which presents superbly in Tropic Turquoise with a Black vinyl top. The seller describes the car as unrestored, although they admit to a repaint in the original shade in the 1990s. The paint holds a mirror shine, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. I see no evidence of rust to spoil the ownership experience, with the underside images revealing no nasty surprises. There are no bubbles beneath the vinyl, which appears to be perfect. The trim and tinted glass are comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle, while the redline tires are a classy finishing touch.
As the model designation suggests, lifting this Chevelle’s hood reveals a 396ci V8. The big-block produces 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque, feeding to the road via a four-speed M20 manual transmission. The first owner’s decision to order this classic with power steering and power brakes should provide an effortless driving experience. It appears that the Chevelle’s engine was refreshed during the 1990s refurbishment, with the block decked then. Therefore, confirming its numbers-matching status is impossible. However, the motor wears the correct casting number, which is encouraging. It seems that it has also received a transmission transplant, with the M20 coded as 1969. The seller states that this SS is ready to roll as soon as the buyer hands over the cash. The indications are that they could fly in and drive this baby home.
The theme of impressive presentation continues inside this Chevelle. Trimmed in Turquoise vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, a tilt wheel, and a pushbutton radio. The images reveal a cracked dashpad, but with color-correct reproduction pads retailing for approximately $250, rectifying the problem won’t break the bank. Otherwise, the vinyl is spotless, the carpet is exceptionally clean, and there are no signs of abuse or neglect. The interior is another aspect of this Chevelle that should receive plenty of praise.
It is sometimes impossible to determine the desirability of certain classics, but tidy examples of the 1967 Chevelle SS 396 are always eagerly sought. The listing statistics for this SS confirm that via the View and Watch List tallies of 240 and 49, respectively. People like what they see, and even though it isn’t cheap, recent successful sales suggest the price is realistic. Do you think it will find a buyer, or will a compromise be required to achieve sales success?
The interior color really sets this one apart.
Son of a ,,oh oh, filter alert,,,the author always does an excellent job, but how do you really explain someone what a phenomenon this car was, Chevy folks may disagree, but the 396, 4 speed Chevelle, finally told the world Chevy meant business. No more hoaky sing along truck motor songs, this motor changed everything. Here’s a stat for ya’, when introduced in ’65, only 201 , 396 Chevelles were sold. It didn’t take long to realize it was the hottest stick out there, and a whopping 72,000, 396 Chevelles sold in ’66, and 37,000, were sold in ’67. It started a chain reaction of speed from all the car makers, we’ll likely never see again. Naturally, in 1970, the 454 came out to up the ante again, but nothing, I feel, is more iconic than this car right here. The 396 Chevelle.
Yeah, here it comes, RIP original owner,,,pass the torch, I suppose. A guaranteed smile with the right foot down! :) They’ll see, the old man knew what to drive.
Just a correction on your info on the 1965 Chevelles Howard. While 1965 was the first year Chevy put a big block in the Chevelle, there were over 386,900 standard Chevelles sold in ’65, but, there were 201 of them built – 200 hardtops and 1 convertible which was gifted to a General Manager and not sold. These special 201 cars were called the Z16 Chevelles.
Not just anyone could walk in and buy one. You had to be someone who could actually promote the cars in a favorable way. The most famous Z16 was owned by Hollywood actor Dan Blocker. If you’re an old timer like me, you may recall Mr. Blocker in that Z16 during Bonanza commercials – Yellow, black vinyl roof, black interior. Most of the others were allocated to big name Chevy dealers who specialized in performance cars like Nickey Chevrolet and Yenko Chevrolet. They were then sold to VIP’s and prominent racers of the time.
I was the Museum Manager the last 2 years Muscle Car City Museum in Punta Gorda, FL was open. Former owner, Rick Treworgy (RIP) owned one of those Z16s as part of his huge and special collection. It was prominently on display on a turn table in the museum. While many people thought it was Dan Blocker’s former car, I was asked about it so often I had Rick verify that it was not, for me. But it WAS verified as Z16 #32 of the 201 cars built. Before retiring to Florida in 2018, Had worked as a GSM in a few of the larger Chevy, Olds and Cadillac dealerships in SE WI for about 15 years. (80’s &90’s) I was also President of the Milwaukee Region Porsche Club of America for 4 years and several other automotive related businesses.
Thank you, Don, for your knowledge. Sometimes I may not know my rear from 3rd base, but I try and get a conversation going from people that actually do know, and might otherwise not hear from you. I grew up in Milwaukee, you know, NW side, McDonalds Appleton & Capitol, John Marshall, and yes, the “lakefront/Wis. Ave.” cruisin’. I don’t recall a Porsche club, however.
Small world Howard. I grew up on 39th & Hope. 1969 Custer grad. MIT (Before it became MATC!) UWM, and UW LaCrosse. Hung out with kids from Washington HS at that McDonald’s you mentioned… I worked at Evinrude for nine years as a machinist then realized I needed to get sober to stay alive and self admitted to a treatment center in Wauwatosa for 33 days. Got out in August, 1981 and been sober ever since. 45 years next week.
I started selling cars at the then brand new Amato Olds on Appleton & Congress. Did very well and got an offer to “move up” to Cadillac at Nodell Cadillac in Glendale. Tripled my income and was promoted to Sales Mgr. In ’88 John Amato called me to ask if I’d be interested in returning to his organization as Sales Manager at their new location on 76th st and I accepted. But after 3 years I saw the real money was with Chevrolet. I’d get offers all the time…GSM at Apple Chev., Boucher Chev. Hall Chev. but I was burned out on the car biz and started selling industrial equipment as a manufacturers rep. Traveled all over the country… And yes, Milwaukee PCA was the 27th oldest Region of PCA in the Nation (PCA is the world’s largest, non-factory sanctioned car club) I joined them briefly in “78 -’79 when I bought my first 914. Got too busy learning how to do things sober and left. But joined PCA again in 2000 when I bought my 2nd 914. Between the 914s were Corvettes and various GM muscle cars. Plus I had been involved with SCCA road racing since the 70’s. Not to drag on here but my automotive experience is pretty extensive and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people along the way (like having diner with Brian Redmond and Vic Elford at a couple PCA events)
In cars, product knowledge was my forte so to speak. So I don’t chime in here real often unless I see something I can correct. (Yeah, I chime in almost every time there’s a 914 that pops up here. Most people love to make comments on those and don’t really know s**t) And I’ve not only owned 3 but won back to back Autocross championships in ’09 and ’10 with the last one. That car I got some driving instruction from professional racer Randy Pobst, on 2 different tracks. Blackhawk Farms in Rockton, IL, and Road America. He drove my modified 914 while I was President of the Milwaukee Region in 2010. I was President from ’07 to ’10.
My experience with managing large GM dealerships years ago led to the position I didn’t even want at Muscle Car City Museum. I had just retired sold our home in Mequon, WI and moved to El Jobean, FL. The museum was only about 25 miles from home and I went to check it out. The owner happened to be in that day and I met him. Once he found out about my dealership experience he wouldn’t let me leave until I agreed to take over and run the place for him, part time. It was one of those opportunities that looked like too much fun to pass up. He had over 200 cars in the museum and another 100 or so in another warehouse. The most mind-blowing Corvettes, big block Chevelles, (including the Z16) COPO Camaros, big block Impalas, and more. I had to know those cars as I occasionally did tours of the place and was available to answer questions.
So yes, if I do throw in a comment here once in a while, it’s because I have some real experience with them. Cheers!
Ford fan, but here is the kind of Chevrolet anyone must love. Howard’s right on about the big 396 motor. It was a great recipe for success. Seller not sure what happened to original transmission.. I have a hunch. PowR-shifts. 🏁😲
Do not forget the classy 455’s from Buick
Very nice . I Have a original 1966 chevelle malibu except for engine
My favorite, now way beyond my ability to purchase. Not a huge fan of the vinyl top, but looks good on this car.
I agree these are the best looking Chevelle, which says alot as the 68-72’s were gorgeous.
What’s not to love? A beautiful, very desirable car for sure. The only issue I see is that something is going on with the fit of the trunk lid. Hopefully just an adjustment is needed.
steve, that’s because the owner had it open showing the inside of the trunk. PLEASE, view the ebay listing.
a white painted roof would really look good and keep the inside cooler. if its unrestored it really looks good. can’t restore it for the sale price.
Here in the south east , a car without A.C. is just not practical .from April to September its in the 90s , usually . Although its a beautiful car . Its just not viable as a driver .
Tilt too, love it.
Ad says “Original unrestored”, and says original interior. But it then says it was repainted, and the door panels are obviously PUI repros. Front seat covers look to probably be PUI as well. And the windshield must have been out when they repainted it because the top of the dash (between windshield and dash pad) has been painted the lighter turquoise interior color, while it should be a much darker zero-gloss paint.
Also, he says “the four speed transmission was replaced with a 69 m20 for unknown reason”. Well, there is a disconnected TH400 kickdown switch wiring harness hanging from the firewall, which suggests it was originally an automatic car, which would explain why the 4-speed transmission is not original!
It’s a nice looking car, but just not exactly what it is described to be. But that could be said about 90% of eBay cars, I guess …