The market prices of ’68-’72 GM A-Body cars have reached, and stayed, in nutso territory. And it doesn’t have to be a popular muscle car variant, the ordinary bread-and-butter versions have stepped into the fray too. And it’s those commodity-car versions that are often the ones that get modded – the genuine article, i.e. an SS396 Chevelle, Pontiac GTO, Oldsmobile 442, or a Buick Gran Sport have become too valuable to remove from the stock reservation. Well, that’s not the case today as we have a genuine 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 that looks, and acts, quite a bit different than it did when new. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, this one is definitely worth a look-see. It’s available, here on eBay for a no-reserve current bid of $16,100 with 41 bids tendered so far.
We’ve covered an almost immeasurable number of ’68 Chevelles here on BF so let’s skip the history lesson and just study this subject. The VIN’s second and third digits of “38” verify this Chevelle as originally being a Super Sport model, the SS being a uniquely identifiable model from ’64 through ’68. The original stainless trim, which would have followed the lower character line has been removed though the seller claims to have some of it, and the lower fender, quarter panel, and rocker panels are now finished in the same vibrant green body color, not satin black as they would have been when new. The grille should also be finished in satin black, and maybe it was at one time, the paint appears to have faded away with age. The twin domed hood has either been replaced or the domes covered over with a cowl-induction scoop – not a great move in my subjective estimation. The body of this Chevy appears to be extremely straight with no indication of rust or corrosion – the bane of this generation of A-Body. Back to that vibrant green finish, it’s sorta, kinda similar to Grecian Green but it has a lot more pop to it – and of course, I’m a sucker for green so it works for me. There are no closeups of the black vinyl roof covering but from what can be spied, it looks fine. American Racing “Torque-Thrust” wheels round out the exterior.
The original 396 CI engine, which is no more, was offered in three different flavors for ’68 – 325, 350, or 375 HP. Occupying the engine room now is a humongo 632 CI big-block style V8 that the seller claims is good for “almost 900 HP“. I refer to the engine as a big-block style because I believe it to be a Merlin or World engine that is based on Chevrolet’s Mark IV architecture. The seller adds, “Way too much list. Everything is brand new with around 100 miles on the car. Runs and drives great and more power than you ever need“. Harnessing all of that more-power-than-you’ll-ever-need is a GM 4L80 automatic transmission which in turn is connected to a Moser nine-inch style Hotchkiss rear axle.
The interior, which is a bucket seat/center console arrangement and was an SS option, looks a bit worn but is in reasonably good nick. The radio is missing and the aftermarket steering wheel is minus its horn kit. There is a pretty gnarley aftermarket gear selector in place, mounted atop the original center console – the original Chevy horseshoe unit is way neater and can be detent modified for an O/D automatic. Of course that said, it may not work well with a transmission that has undergone significant modification. The instrument panel gauges look like digital aftermarket pieces and the act of installing them appears to have left the instrument bezel a bit askew – a minor matter.
Fast? I bet! Original? Not hardly though I am surprised at using a genuine SS396 model as the platform. Being a no-reserve auction, someone’s going to end up with a beast of a Chevelle, wouldn’t you agree?
I like it, I cannot explain exactly why, but I like it! The stance, color, wheels, all of it fits very well together, even the green paint. Did those seats really recline that far in 68—or are they bent from that torque monster under the hood? 900 HP—Talk about putting you back in the seat!
They’ve blocked the seats. They are original just blocked up. Had a pair I bought out of a 68 chevelle for a 41 Chevy I was building in high-school. kid with no money. The car is clean but check the underside before you leap. I live about a 120 miles north in Indiana. Lots of salt. Now they spray the roads with some calcium based stuff. Just as hard on cars it’s like it eats paint off your undercarriage.
900HP and A/C too? Sounds great, I like the ’68-’69 Chevelle body style, very nice lines. Looking at the pictures, it appears that a lot of cash went into this car and it isn’t quite done yet. 100 miles on this build, why sell it? What else does this car need? Does it have problems? I’ll bet it does.
Simply iffy to me. Work in progress. Good luck!
Iam sure there are some bugs to be worked out, but could be a hoot to drive when it’s all sorted out. I am pretty sure it was well used up before the builder got hold of it as most of these were. Definitely has spent some money on some go fast hardware, someone will have some fun.
How do you test a high horsepower engine like this to get some level of confidence in the build before hauling it away? Rev it to 6 grand and hold it for 5 minutes?
Broke people want everything for nothing that a fact
WTF are you talking about?
Vbroke people don’t buy toys they can’t afford. That’s why their broke. People on a budget complain all the time that’s how they stay on budget. Get it right. When I buy a car I set a total budget like every intelligent person should do. If you want to blow all YOUR money and have nothing to fall back on feel free. Me I’ll watch every penny so I can buy another car next year. That’s how you end up with a polebarn full of cars and a nice retirement fund you can enjoy.
Oh, well, I feel honored you’d take time out of your highly successful life to pass on your great words of wisdom! I am getting that tattooed on my forehead so as to never forget this moment the god of Automotive Life blessed me, oh lowly creature that I am, with a moment of attention. Yes, I know tattoos are foolish and a waste of money, but you already knew mankind before you descended to earth..
I worked construction for 35 years. Was diagnosed with leukemia in 2017 bone marrow transplant 4mos later. Had to learn a new career. Had both legs broke last year bone plate and 12 screws in each leg. Haven’t had a blessed life. But I’ve never let anything stand in my way. Neither should anyone else. Tattoo that on your chest so you can see it every day brushing your teeth. Have a nice day
In that case I’ll forego the tattoo and petition the government to create a day in your honor. Perhaps give you a plaque erected next to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier…or would you rather your plaque replace the tomb of the Unknow Soldier? I’ll see what I can do. Thanks and you have a nice day too. Of course every day is a nice day when you’re in the world!!
As a Corp vet I find your comments offensive. And I’ll wish you a good day
Both you and Trent stop! If you have issues with each other take it offline and not here on BF.
JO
YAY! A non numbers matching car that can be driven and enjoyed. Love this car! Looks like a great build, I’d almost call it a sleeper. Probably blow the doors off any stock muscle car of the time. Hopefully suspension is updated too. My ’70 Chevelle wasn’t a good handling car.