Cars from the 1950s and 1960s have earned a reputation for experiencing rust issues. Manufacturers battled with the problem for years, but the onset of tin worm saw many desirable classics reduced to little more than a pile of brown dust. This 1968 Chevelle SS 396 has never experienced those issues, and apart from a single repaint, it is as original as the day it rolled off the showroom floor. The seller doesn’t portray it as something it isn’t. They admit it has flaws. However, it looks pretty attractive for someone seeking a driver-grade muscle car. The SS is listed here on eBay in Macomb, Michigan. Bidding sits below the reserve at $22,800, although interest has been strong on this classic.
Chevrolet released its Second Generation Chevelle for the 1968 model year, and our feature car is from the first production year. I never knowingly set out to court controversy in my articles, but I am sure I will incur the wrath of some readers when I say that I prefer the styling of this car’s predecessor. I acknowledge that taste is subjective and appreciate that your view may differ from mine. I feel that the previous model looked sharper and crisper, but that doesn’t mean I would object to finding this car in my garage! The seller states it underwent a repaint in its original Ermine White, but it is unclear when this happened. The process included replacing the Black vinyl top, which was probably a wise strategy. Finding significant faults with the presentation is impossible, but the seller states there are small chips you expect from any car seeing active service. However, the best news is that this SS retains 100% of its factory steel. It has never suffered accident damage or received repairs. The panels are rock-solid, and the underside is as clean as you could hope to find on any vehicle, regardless of age. The trim and chrome are above average for a car of this vintage, and the tinted glass looks flawless.
The SS 396 was a force to be reckoned with, and even though the figures suggest this wasn’t the most potent version, it still received respect in 1968. The 396ci V8 produces 325hp, with the original owner selecting the three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The journey down the ¼-mile takes 15.4 seconds, and a top speed of 130mph beckons those brave enough to keep the pedal to the metal. This Chevelle is a numbers-matching survivor that has never been dismantled or modified. It should still set pulses racing when the driver hits the “loud” pedal, and the embedded video in the seller’s listing confirms that big-block sounds as sweet as a nut. The car runs and drives perfectly, and it comes with a claimed but unconfirmed odometer reading of 77,875 genuine miles. It retains its oil change stickers in the door jambs and trunk, with the seller including the original Owner’s Manual and Protect-O-Plate.
The interior shots reveal the column-mounted tach as the only visible aftermarket addition. The original owner ordered this SS with bucket seats, a console, air conditioning, and an AM radio. This brings a touch of class and comfort to a vehicle that strongly emphasizes outright performance. The Parchment upholstered surfaces look good for their age, although some plastic pieces are developing a distinct yellow tinge. Replacing these items with reproduction parts is possible, but there is a second option for those preferring originality. I have seen owners achieve remarkable results by placing these items in a Hydrogen Peroxide solution and exposing them to UV lights during the immersion. This will eliminate most of the yellow, but there is a note of caution. It is best to consult someone with prior experience because the wrong solution strength can turn the plastic into a dry and brittle mess. The dash and pad are excellent, and the seller believes the carpet has been replaced. The A/C system requires a recharge, but the seller includes two cans of R12 refrigerant with the car.
The 1968 Chevelle SS 396 has long been considered more than a classic muscle car. Some have viewed it as a rock-solid investment capable of doing nothing but appreciating. This has been true for years, but values have taken a hammering over the last twelve months. However, that trend has stabilized, and there is a good chance they might spiral back up soon. That could make now the ideal time to purchase a car of this caliber. If values climb, the new owner could look like a genius. If they fall again, there will be egg on their face. That is the risk with the classic market because it can be volatile. The reality is that most people buy a classic car listening to their hearts more than their heads. If you are that type of person, throwing caution to the wind and submitting a bid or three might be your next move.
Beautiful car.I’d definitely fix the ac before advertising it for sale. 68’s are sharp.Last year for non locking columns and dash ignition key switches. I’d leave it as is and enjoy.The manufacturers were battling rust they didn’t care.Back then a lot of folks traded them in every 3-5 years.Back in the days when you could by a nice home for 20k and employees were appreciated by their employers.Open the trunk of a 60’s gm car and the inside of the trunk lid has zero paint looking through the lid support.Underneath the doors there was but one quick swipe of paint .Take a fender off and theres hardly anything to protect it but a quick coat of primer.Nice car glwts.
Most of the time when they say the a/c just needs charged it means it needs a new compressor, tube and condenser if nothing else.
and you can you still get the original R-12 Freon to “Recharge it”??
Asking Seriously, I bought a bunch of R-12 in 1991 then ended up not needing it, and selling it later in the 90’s.
Nice 396 Chevy..
The black paint on the lowest sections has me remembering or thinking about the days when one filled in bondo and spraying black paint to hide.
I think the person should show some closeups and visuals of the magnet test proving No bondo
The black paint is original to a 68 Chevelle. Actually, white would be easier to hide bondo than black paint.
Always liked the black lower paint scheme on the 68 compared to solid colors on 69 Chevelles and I’m an old man but I can’t own a classic car that has the key to start it in the steering column.
’68’s and ’69’s the best! this is a very nice car but the side door dent stopper must go.
Yeah, not a fan of side body molding either. It usually detracts from the lines of the car, imho. If the next owner feels the same way, hopefully it’s not clipped in place and just two sided sticky tape.
Great looking car in my favorite color combination. I think the sale price will increase quite a bit. Lose the extra door ding strip somebody installed on each side of the car. Although it protects people digging your door in a parking lot. Love to own it even with the automatic
Unfortunately, those are not stick on side moldings.
A 68 with a 396, auto and A/C? Pretty perfect for me.
What is truly nice about these Chevelles through 1968, is you do not need a build sheet to validate the car is a TRUE SS! The 138 identifier speaks for its self, and guarantees buyer and seller you are looking at the real deal, not potential fakes or trying to locate a build sheet after this production year! I have a 68 138 chevelle SS, I also have a 70 Chevelle SS no build sheet, but with a L code from the Kansas plant along with shipping invoice to the dealership. Having, the 138 code identifier truly saves on the headache of validating a TRUE SS. Take care.
I Love these cars of all (main) 8 years (’64-’72) of production & have a few favorites & loves including (mine); the 70 (pinnacle & best year);& I would like to know exact years of each gen, and I kind of know 1 s t 2?! The 396 like Adam says is no engine to be messed w no matter which H P range is in the car & transmission;( & gear ratio ?!) it s mated to ;but most importantly it all comes down to driver abilities & knowledge of when to punch the gas pedal;(including eye hand & foot coordination)!
Never should have parted with the black on black 66 chevelle with the 327 Muncie 4 speed, Never feared the 396 in a contest of speed. Brand new camarro with the 396 from dead stop to rolling at 5 then 15 then 30 and never had to see its tail lights. Hey if you know of a black 66 with the 327 and 4 speed ( saw one at Daytona car show, should have bought it) get in touch.
I had a gold 68 SS396 and wish I had never sold it, no, gave it away for 1,200$. Was in the service with orders overseas so I made that mistake.
Mine was Ash gold, a correct color for 68…
I understand, I wish I had not sold mine either…
Column mounted Tachs are the best!
One more thing, the wheels, why they look nice, are not correct for a 68 and we’re not available as an option…
That’s funny. Everyone knocks the door ding molding, but no one says anything about the 69 wheel well molding, It would take some big bucks to remove this and fill in the screw holes, to get this car back to original. How many 68’s have been ruined by this ”used car salesman” addition of incorrect molding. At least $10,000.00 to fix, and paint, tires and wheels to correct this ”survivor”car. Still, looks like a super good car if it can be bought right.
I believe the body side “door ding” mouldings were optional from the factory that were drilled and held on with speed nuts.My 68 z24 has them. I could be wrong about a Chevelle though.Somebody else here might know as I’m not a Chevelle expert.
I know these pretty well. I had one.
It was a true SS the build sheet was found behind the rear seat when I was having some work done on it. I like that it has the correct snorkel air cleaner for a 68 SS 325 HP with AC…a good sign ..it looks straight and clean…the only thing I have a question with is headrests as they weren’t standard on the 68… However, they were an option that could be ordered…so thats a possibility