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Bagged And Tagged: 1968 Chevelle SS 396 Project

Once a classic car achieves a certain level of value, it doesn’t take long before people are making clones and trying to sell them as the real thing. While the internet has helped with how to actually identify the real thing, that hasn’t stopped people from trying to scam. That’s why it’s so important that sellers provide detailed photos and as much documentation as possible. This particular seller does a decent job proving that their project Chevelle really is an SS 396. You can find this project here on eBay in Proctorville, Ohio with a current bid of $1,025.

The seller provided photos of the VIN, trim tag and the numbers on the engine block. Their photos aren’t the best, which might explain why it isn’t already bid up more. Cloning Chevelle SS 396s is a big money business, so I don’t blame bidders for being leery. The numbers appear to all lineup, so that’s hopeful, but I would still recommend inspecting it closely.

While the engine is apart, at least you have the numbers matching block. The seller states that the previous owner disassembled the car, put all the parts in bags and labeled them. So hopefully that means everything is still here, but it does make me wonder why the car hasn’t ever been finished. Was it too big of a project or is there something wrong with it that they aren’t telling us?

Having all the numbers is a good start to proving this car is an SS 396, but I would like to see some documentation. I try to be as trusting as possible, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially with big money cars like this. I truly hope it is the real deal, but I would do my research before bidding more than what a standard Chevelle project is worth. Then it if turns out to be real, go up from there. So what do you think? Is this a real SS or a clone?

Comments

  1. Avatar RayT

    Once someone has determined that this is a real 396 Chevelle, it’s time to wonder if the flipper recovered all the “tagged bags” from the former owner. Maybe it’s just me, but seeing the engine’s innards exposed to the elements is not exactly a confidence-builder.

    At the current price, I’d be tempted to take a shot. Even if it’s a clone, there’s a grand-worth of good parts there, I suspect. And if it IS a clone, I wouldn’t feel at all bad about beefing up the engine and slipping in a manual transmission, which for me would be a “must.”

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  2. Avatar JW

    I would like a closer look at the Mustang next to the Chevelle.

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  3. Avatar Sam

    You could, if it is a fake, turn it into a “Ledgend of Ricky Bobby” tribute car and tour auto shows and NASCAR events.

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  4. Avatar D-Ozzie

    In 1968, the SS was a separate model and can be identified by the VIN beginning with “138”. Starting with 1969, SS was a trim level and was not reflected in the VIN. This car (or at least its VIN tag) appears to be a SS.

    Also, the blank paint code is interesting and could be Carolina blue… or something else? Special order. Interesting find.

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    • Avatar D-Ozzie

      I just noticed that some of the pics show what appears to be Carolina blue on parts of the body. This is not a sure guarantee it was original, of course, but a good clue.

      I’d take a run at this one if I was in the market.

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  5. Avatar Vince Habel

    Vin starts with 138

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  6. Avatar JamestownMike

    The seller can’t even rotate the pics on ebay correctly (which they allow you to when posting)!

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    • Avatar Mark-A

      Seems like a lot of people don’t bother to Proof Read anything either, 90% of the problems with the Advert would be easily solved by actually reading the Advert before pressing Send!?? Or is that just someone like myself does nowadays? Folks rely on Spellcheck way too much!!

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  7. Avatar erikj

    It looks to be a real ss. As far as the selling price goes,It will go for a lot in the end. Don’t anyone get excited for a cheap sell,not happin.
    It looks very solid so even if it was just a reg. chevelle ,its a solid 2 door.Those bring big dollars .

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  8. Avatar Doug Towsley

    Well the seller does sucketh greatly at pictures, a result of morons who use their phones for everything. (Put DOWN the crackberry!) But the car looks like a nice project. Me & the Mrs have a 68 & 69 projects but eventually the 68 will be sold to finance her 69. Be interesting what this goes for. Ours are not anything special, Malibus but at these prices perhaps i should throw in a big block and go for the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

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  9. Avatar MARK BOYCE

    Rear swaybar is missing, but it does have bigger and smaller fuel return line, numbers on block look very correct… love to see the dash, 138 vin is big help :)

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    • Avatar Doug Towsley

      ALL the parts are available via catalog. Ive got a stack of them as well as the Fisher body service manual, 68 & 69 Chassis service & overhaul manual, Factory assy instructions, and restoration guides. Several excellent forums with everything you will ever need or want to know to restore concours correct or restomod.

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  10. Avatar jrc

    This listing is making me dizzy

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  11. Avatar Brian Scheel

    Yes, it appears to be real SS W/138 vin tag, 3/8ths fuel line! Also I’m thinking the L-35, 325horny motor from the pistons smaller some, having a 69 SS 396 Convertible! L34 350hp!
    You can rebuild any for these A body Chevelles, be nice if had protecto-plate/build sheet!
    Much easier project vs my 68 GS 400 Convertible
    Good luck to whomever picks up!

    Like 0
  12. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Sold for 8K. 52 bids.

    Like 0

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