No Rust Survivor: 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle

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Some classics leave potential buyers with decisions to make. Such is the case with this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle. The seller describes it as a rust-free vehicle, and its presentation is good enough to justify preservation as a genuine survivor. However, some readers will view it as the ideal foundation for an SS tribute. Whatever camp you fall into, you will find the Chevelle listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Englewood, Ohio. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ted for spotting a 1960s classic that could be yours for $25,000.

The 1968 model year was transformative for the Chevelle, with the Second Generation hitting showroom floors after production began in 1967. The latest model shared virtually no styling cues with its predecessor, and while the Coupe and Sedan rode on a slightly shorter wheelbase, the more sculptured look gave those cars a more prominent physical presence. This first-year example is claimed to be a survivor. The prevailing light makes it hard to nail down the paint shade, but I am leaning toward Ash Gold as the most likely candidate. The seller doesn’t mention a history of restoration or repairs, and when we turn our attention to the interior, this classic carries the hallmarks of a car that has been treated respectfully and sheltered from the worst that Mother Nature could throw at it. The paint retains a consistent shine, although an in-person inspection would undoubtedly reveal imperfections. The panels are straight, and the seller states that the Chevelle is rust-free. The trim and glass are in good condition for a vehicle of this vintage, but the Rally wheels are a later addition that could be swapped if the buyer prefers authenticity.

The Chevelle’s interior, trimmed in Green, is in exceptional condition for its age. The seats are free from wear, with the remaining upholstered surfaces in better-than-average condition. The dash and pad are free from UV damage, and the carpet looks surprisingly good for its age. Aftermarket additions include a radio/cassette player and a column-mounted tachometer. The seller supplies no engine bay photos but confirms that the Chevelle features the entry-level V8 with a capacity of 307ci. It should produce 200hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the rear wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The performance should be reasonably respectable for a vehicle of this type, although squeezing more from the drivetrain should be possible if the buyer isn’t concerned about originality. Some readers will look at the figures and have visions of a more powerful engine swimming in their heads. That could form part of a general mechanical upgrade that might include replacing the four-wheel drum brakes for improved safety. The seller supplies no information on the car’s mechanical health, although when a Chevelle with this drivetrain combination is offered within this price range, I would expect nothing but positive news.

So, the big question is what you would do with this 1968 Chevelle once it was parked in your garage. Its overall condition and originality make preservation a viable option. As someone who prefers originality, that option would be tempting. However, finding a worthy candidate for an SS tribute that doesn’t require thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of rust repairs can be challenging. This gem offers that opportunity, although it is worth noting that the seller’s price makes it a relatively expensive candidate for such a project. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback and to learn how the percentages fall in this case. It will also be interesting to learn if we have readers who might consider grabbing the bull by the horns and approaching the seller. I wish you luck if you do.

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Comments

  1. CamvetteMember

    Ok, I know that these cars are popular and have value. But 25k for a base chevelle? The things that need done to even think about making it a tribute SS is alot. I guess it just depends on how bad you want a base survivor or make it into something else.

    Like 16
  2. 2001LexusRX300

    That’s a lot of scratch for a 307. As an old ‘un, I remember driving these, and they were very slow. So I don’t think you could really maintain this fully original if you wanted it to be at all fun. Or even not scary to drive in today’s traffic.

    Like 11
  3. Moparman MoparmanMember

    I personally prefer the revised look of the ’69 models, and as has been stated $25K seems a bit of a stretch for this base model. GLWTS!! :-)

    Like 9
  4. Ryder

    My mother purchased a similar 307 in1968.. White exterior/black interior with bucket seats and an automatic console shifter. It drove well, looked sporty but no power. Hard to believe this car can be worth north of $20,000. Nice example.

    Like 7
    • oldrodderMember

      It’s hard to believe that it is worth north of 20 K because it isn’t, pure and simple.

      Like 13
  5. Michael Tischler

    We’re dual exhaust standard on this car ?

    Like 1
    • CharlesMember

      Nope.

      Like 6
    • CharlesMember

      Nope.

      Like 2
  6. Forrest

    Wouldn’t there originally be a callout for the 307 as part of the front fender marker lights? Sure was on my neighbor’s ‘68 Chevelle back in the day.

    Like 0
  7. Bad Brad

    Nice car. Can’t believe the number of people that consider the engine a deal breaker. I’ve always thought that starting with good bones ( rust free and straight) was more important than the stock cubes.
    Just my opinion. Thanks for sharing.

    Like 7
    • Wademo

      The price is the deal-breaker!

      Like 3
  8. Nelson C

    Not exactly a base model but sure isn’t a Malibu. Wasn’t until I saw there wasn’t an armrest in back. I like the ’69 appearance but prefer to have the vent windows. Tach on a 307/glide?

    Like 4
    • Philbo427

      I like the vent windows too but they bring back bad memories of how someone broke into my ‘67 Cutlass. A good elbow to the vent window in the right spot broke off the window lock. JC Whitney had nice accessory vent windows locks which was cool.

      Like 2
  9. E PacificarMember

    A couple of quick observations. Why no V8 call out next to the front marker lamp? All V8’s (yes even the 307) had the call out, the 6’s looked like this car’s front markers. Second, this car came equipped with factory AC. The center vent and ball outlet on dash ends are obvious clues and looking at the fan switch on the control head confirms it is a factory AC car. Why no info on the AC system?

    Like 4
    • Bob C.

      Absolutely right on the call out badge E Pacificar. I noticed that too. Maybe it began life as a six?

      Like 2
    • Jon Rukavina

      I went to Wikipedia to look, and, good eye. So… if it’s a 6-popper under the hood, that’s quite the rarity.
      Which also makes the dual exhaust a bit of a head scratcher.
      May be a reason for no engine pics and poor quality pics overall, with sun on the finish and no trunk pics, one interior, and no underside. Weird.

      Like 1
    • Jon Rukavina

      Yeah, good eye for the marker lights. A 6-popper with a/c & duals. Also, no engine, trunk, or underside pics. Only one of the interior. Who knows? Weird.
      My Dad had the 307 in his ’68 Impala. That’s fine with me.

      Sorry, didn’t think the first post went through.

      Like 1
    • Steve R

      I had a couple of friends install these front market lights on their 68’s when they had them repainted. If there was pitting or the engine call out had faded these were less expensive and looked better. There is a good chance that was done with this car.

      Steve R

      Like 1
  10. David Cook

    I’d leave the powertrain as is. I will agree that the 307 with Powerglide is not the most desirable but it’s better than a stovebolt 6 with 3 on the tree. Millions (seemingly)of these were around in my youth.

    Like 2
  11. ken

    hopefully it doesn’t turn into an ss. there are more ss chevelles now than there were new. i am short on cash elsewise i would snatch it up. hard to find these o/e unbutchered chevelles anymore. shame the price on these plain janes have climbed so high.

    Like 4
  12. John

    Love this model Chevelle. I had a 69 L78 that I sold when I married in 77. Wish I hadn’t! It’s a move that I’ve regretted ever since!!

    Like 3
  13. Ron from MnMember

    The FB ad said green exterior and interior. I hate green. I don’t think $25K is too far out of line. No rust. ’68 and ’69 Chevelle are my favorite A-body. A very clean car that just needs a new home

    Like 0
  14. Rich Kennedy

    Alrighty then. I’m the only one who prefers the ‘68 look. Same for a Cutlass. If not so expensive, I’d go restomod with a modern 5 speed and maybe independent rear end. Buckets and console.

    Like 3
  15. Mark

    I’m a Chevelle guy owning a 1971 and this is a nice car but the price is a little to high!!

    Like 0

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