This Chevrolet Chevelle was about as good as a buyer could hope to find in 1968. The fact that it is an SS 396 makes it extremely desirable, but the first owner’s decision to pair the L78 big-block with a four-speed “Rock Crusher” transmission gave the Chevelle unquestioned muscle car credentials. However, this classic requires significant work before it can return to its rightful place on our roads, as the dreaded tin worm has attacked it. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the SS listed here on eBay in Apex, North Carolina. The seller set their price for this project at $25,999 OBO.
Chevrolet released its Second Generation Chevelle range in 1968, with the company’s latest offering delivering styling that was bolder and more aggressive than its predecessor. It won instant acceptance among buyers, resulting in extremely healthy sales figures. The SS 396 retained its spot as a desirable muscle car, and this first-year example would have been stunning in its prime. It left the line finished in Tripoli Turquoise with a Black vinyl top, but time hasn’t treated it kindly. The tired paint and trim deterioration are the least of its problems, because this classic has some very significant rust issues. The vinyl top functioned as an effective moisture trap, and the roof has paid the price. There are significant holes in various areas, and the buyer may need to invest around $550 in a replacement roof skin. It doesn’t end there, because there are holes in the driver’s-side lower front fender and door corner, and evidence of small, developing holes in the floor pans. Returning this classic to a structurally sound state will require many hours of cutting and welding, and a very significant financial outlay. However, the car’s mechanical specifications might make it worthwhile.
Given this Chevelle’s model designation, the presence of a 396ci V8 under the hood is a no-brainer. Since the first owner selected the L78 version, it delivered an impressive 375hp and 415 ft/lbs of torque when this classic left the line. However, there is more good news: this car is 1-of-1,049 examples of the SS 396 from that model year ordered with the four-speed “Rock Crusher” manual transmission. Add a 12-bolt rear end to the equation, and this was once a very tough classic. The seller believes that the existing big-block is a warranty replacement unit, but the remaining mechanical components are numbers-matching. Unsurprisingly, the car doesn’t run or drive, but the foundations are in place for the buyer to restore the Chevelle to its role as a potent muscle car that demands respect.
The Chevelle’s interior is largely complete, with the driver’s door trim the only obvious missing item. Someone added a column-mounted tachometer, but the interior is, otherwise, unmolested. However, it is far from pristine: the Black vinyl trim shows rips, splits, and significant deterioration, and the carpet is worn. However, it isn’t all doom and gloom, because the dash and pad look quite nice, and the car retains its original radio. It will require a retrim, but the ready availability of complete interior kits makes that task a piece of cake.
At a touch below $26,999, this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 is not a cheap project candidate. The significant rust issues will leave the buyer with no choice but to adopt a nut-and-bolt approach to its restoration to ensure the car is structurally sound before it finds its rightful place on our roads. It will require deep commitment and a healthy wallet to achieve that goal, and won’t be for the faint-hearted. Even with such a long list of obstacles to contemplate, are you tempted to take this classic home?
This isn’t in much better shape than the blue 67 Impala SS listed here earlier this week. These are bringing up to $72K in good condition for an L78. Sooo…with the $70K plus you will spend will put you well past upside down. Along with the time and busted knuckles over the next couple of years. Also, the engine situation needs to be checked really good to determine it is the real deal. Did they really replace it with the exact engine? This thing was once a beauty and a real screamer, and it is sad to see it in this condition.
There is likely more structural rust in the rear bulkhead and trunk area than shown. All the water that leaked in through the holes in the roof and rear window would have acted as a sauna until the trunk rusted through allowing the trapped water to drain. The bottom of the trunk lid has rusted through, there are no clear pictures of the trunk floor, though what you can see has a lot of holes, who knows what else in that area has rust.
It may have an M22, how much value does that bring to the car by itself?
Steve R
The car is definitely worth the price considering what is and the options it has regardless of the rust it has anything is restorable.
Hard hard pass at that very high price.
The question I always ask…why was it parked so long ago? This engine is probably shot too. Chirping wheels, overheating it, abuse… Etc. The after market tach tells me that this had very hard miles.
So easily 50k and a boatload of time just to get it to a nice restoration. Plus the ask?? No way. Very nice ones can be had for less than you’ll have in it.
78 motor is valued but how much is real and in what shape to.restore..it mite. Need a motor..lots of speculate
.body is real rough..lots of money if it needs roof and all panels.
If it’s a Ce motor..no way is it worth 28k…it’s too much gone away.in parts..roof damage. Panels.damage and under carriage.rust bucket..it would take another 60 k.
Ha ha ha. Sad fact is some idiot will buy it
Not worth the money being asked. If it is the correct L78 and an M22, the racer in me would want to try. However, even doing all the structural work yourself, you would have over 50K in it. I live a short drive from Kissimmee, there will be nice cars available for less money.
Doubts about the motor and undiagnosed rust issues, plus a very optimistic asking price. All it takes is money, right?
Maybe a talented DIY with a ton of extra $$ and time could do this SS justice. Once involved multiple issues will pop up. CE engine will need an extensive rebuild, rust issues to this extent are more than cut and weld + the unknown issues surely exist. There is no mention of a build sheet and or a Protecto plate which in my opinion is the only way to confirm born with originality. Hard to imagine many car guys lining up for this project.
If the vin is 138 all you need to validate it is an original SS car….that would be the basic foundation for the rest of the car
This is another one of those “only if it has 40 grand in the glove box”deals.
if you go in for 27k you are in deep. lot of structure rust that you see but what can’t you see that’s hiding. great car for endless pockets but for the average guy forget it. cost prohibitive.
“IT WILL BUFF OUT” ??
Was once a nice car, value is in drivetrain and data plate. I know it’s wrong but not sure this car is savable. 10 grand and find a donor body
I had one of these that was almost identical to this one back in the days of my mis-spent youth. Unfortunately, it’s a long way from home base and right now beyond my pay grade.
Rock crusher?? Prove it.