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Big Block 4-Speed: 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

With the ongoing popularity and desirability of the Chevelle SS 396, finding a numbers-matching project car is akin to striking gold, but that’s precisely what this particular car is. The Chevelle also comes with an impressive catalog of documentation verifying that it has covered a genuine 81,000 miles. These factors, combined with the solid condition of the car, would all seem to justify the opening bid being set at $20,000. Located in San Francisco, California, you will find the Chevelle listed for sale here on eBay.

I said that the Chevelle was solid, and this appears to be no idle boast. There is a spot of rust present above the rear wheel arch on the driver’s side and a small spot in the bottom of the fender. Apart from those two small areas, which could be repaired with patches rather than replacing either panel, the rest of the car is said to be solid, including the frame and all of the floors. The driver’s door has been replaced at some point, and the car underwent a repaint in its original Matador Red back in 1988. The chrome, trim, and glass all look good, so this is looking like a relatively straightforward restoration project at this stage.

The black interior must have looked fantastic when it was new, but time has taken a bit of a toll on it. The dash is partially dismantled, so there is some work to be done on that, along with replacing the cracked pad. The floor console is present and looks like it is in pretty reasonable condition, along with the door trims and kick panels. The seats will need new covers, while the carpet will also need to be replaced. The rest of the vinyl trim looks like it is okay, and while some of it appears to be slightly creased, I really think that it will stretch back into shape.

There are no decent shots of the engine, but there is a shot to give you an idea of the volume of documentation that is included with the car. The engine itself is the L34 396ci V8, pumping out 350hp. Backing it is the Muncie M22 transmission, and the great news is that this is a full numbers-matching car. Even better is the fact that the car runs and drives as it should, and the transmission shifts smoothly and cleanly. The Chevelle has recently been fitted with a new exhaust, and a recent compression test has shown that the engine is still rock solid, returning good figures. Another aspect of this Chevelle that makes it an attractive proposition is the fact that due to its solid nature, both physically and mechanically, it is a project car that you could drive immediately, undertaking the restoration as time and money permitted.

Our regular readers here at Barn Finds are well aware of just how popular the Chevelle has become, and how desirable the SS 396 is. Finding a solid, numbers-matching project car is a bit like striking gold, and it feels about as good. This car seems to meet all of these criteria, and it also looks like the restoration work is not going to be either difficult or particularly expensive. The simple fact is that you will be hard-pressed to find a decent SS 396 today for under $32,000, while a pristine example can cost twice that figure. When you consider the work that is required to whip this one into shape, it does appear to be a really good buy.

Comments

  1. Avatar Ben

    Spelin’ is knot a spectator sport! At least try to get the words correct.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar Retired Stig

    That san Fransisko Skuul sistim did A reel goo job ejamicshun sure Was 1 of 1000!

    Like 1
    • Avatar Jeff

      It seemed as if I were reading an advertisement from “Hee Haw”!

      Like 3
  3. Avatar Steve R

    It’s rough and has spent a lot of time sitting outside. The sellers story doesn’t add up and he’s priced it at the top of the market for a 68 SS in this condition even if you assume everything he said it true. I’d be inclined to sit this one out.

    Steve R

    Like 7
  4. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Good points Steve R–between the broken English, poor spelling and grammar, plus zero feed back-Caveat Emptor.

    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Del

    I agree with Steve.

    This looks like it could be hiding a lot of problems. Including rust.

    Have to see in person.

    Certainly way over priced

    Like 2
  6. Avatar TimM

    Every one thinks they have gold!!! At least this has a motor and transmission and runs not like the super bee yesterday for $25,000 with no motor no trans and every body panel looking like it was spring training batting practice!!!

    Like 1
  7. Avatar KevinLee

    He found a Witch that fixes exhaust manifolds…?!?

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Hans

    Decent looking Chevelle, but pretty sure M22’s were only available in solid lifter cars (L78/L89/L72/MO or DZ302’s). As this is a L34 (350 HP, hydraulic lifter engine), only the M20 or M21 were available 4 speed options.

    Like 0

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