Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Older Restoration? 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

The performance-minded SS 396 was a popular part of the Chevy Chevelle portfolio in the late 1960s. It started as an option after the Chevelle’s introduction in 1964, then became a series of its own for 1966-68 before reverting to option status again. This ’68 Chevelle SS 396 looks like either an older restoration or an original car, but we’re opting for the former given the odometer reading of 70,000 miles (and it’s just too nice). Located in Dongola, Illinois, this beauty is available here on eBay where no bids have been cast and there is a $55,000 Buy It Now option.

General Motors did a rework of their mid-size cars in 1968, which led to an increase in sales, especially within the Chevrolet/Chevelle camp. For ’68, Chevy built 465,000 Chevelle’s, which included the car-based El Camino pick-up. Of those, 55,000 SS 396 Sport Coupes were built with Malibu trim.  The cowl tag on the seller’s car identifies it as series/model # 13837 which makes the Chevy a real-deal SS 396.

We aren’t provided much in the way of history on this Chevelle other than it made the car show circuit. The seller is a dealer and there are a lot of other vintage cars in the backdrop that are in various stages of completion. Also, the seller can help with financing and/or shipping, a further indication of dealer connection. The seller says the car runs and drives great but does not indicate if the automobile is numbers-matching. The 396 cubic inch V8 is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, has a 12-bolt rear end, and the usual power accessories. Vintage air conditioning has been added for those who want to stay cool while driving fast.

The car looks to be wearing a Grecian Green paint job which shows well, but there are areas where the paint may have some light flaws, or it could just be the lighting. Whatever the case, this certainly presents as a turn-key car that would be a hit wherever it goes. The interior looks sharp, although I would have run through it again with a vacuum before taking photos. This Chevy sports Rally wheels with wider rims in the back and possibly air shocks. What’s a car like this worth today? According to Hagerty, a ’68 in excellent condition can be a $55,000 car, exactly what the seller hopes to get out of this one.

Comments

  1. Avatar Big Al

    I love the Grecian green color. I would love to have
    this in my garage. Nice !!!

    Like 27
  2. Avatar EddieDee

    Love everything but that Grecian green paint. Didn’t like it in 68 and still don’t like it much in 2022!

    Like 20
    • Avatar Fitz

      A painter buddy of mine is of the opinion that two things in life should be green. Grass & money.

      Like 10
  3. Avatar Sam Shive

    Nice Bowtie

    Like 4
  4. Avatar gaspumpchas

    55 large and the guy couldnt vacuum it out? Geez. Sure looks nice tho. Good luck and happy motoring.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 18
    • Avatar Elroythekidzoomzoom

      Couldn’t take recent pics either, they are at least from late summer.

      Like 2
  5. Avatar Rw

    Possible air shocks and possible gas tank leak .

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Rw

    Possible rust hole in right tailpipe just behind the brake line that’s not ran correct, just saying,55k?

    Like 6
  7. Avatar TRIPPER

    It’ll probably be negotiated down. I had a ’67 and ’70 Chevelles; ’68 not my favorite year; although this one looks good from the pics. Good luck to bidder!

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Mark396

    I had one and loved that car. Basically gave it away when I was deploying in 1970. i have always regretted it.

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Gene White

    By looking at Valve Covers it probably 350 or 375 HP definitely not 325 HP

    Like 1
  10. Avatar dogwater

    O pick-E pick-E it a nice car the price is what there going for now step up or step back

    Like 2
  11. Avatar JOEY V

    According to the attached production numbers, Chevy built just 2286 ’68 SS396 converts. My brother had one in the early ’70’s. 4-speed, White, black conv. top, and black int. (bench seat) As a young kid, around 7 y/o, he took me for a rip in that car, and the memory of him tearing through the gears, still lingers with me. I wish he would’ve kept that, then sold to me when I got my license.

    Like 6
  12. Avatar Richard

    My uncle bought a SS396 325hp, white with black convertible top and interior, automatic with horseshoe shifter. He came up to visit and took my twin brother a ride. we were 13 years old. I’ll always remember him tearing up those country roads. He and the car made quite an impression on both of us.

    Like 3
  13. Avatar Craig

    Car appears to have front bucket seats from a 1968 Buick Skylark Custom

    Like 3
    • Avatar 454RAT Member

      Look at picture of cowl tag trim numbers. This car has the original interior in it.

      Like 0
  14. Avatar trav66

    Nice! Prices are definitely going way up, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone pulls the trigger on the BIN price but if I had that kind of money I would get the red ’70 Torino posted earlier. Good eye, Craig. Those are ’68 Buick seat covers but they are a nice touch. I’m not familiar with Vintage Air, why isn’t there a heater core box on the firewall? The hoses are routed behind the fender, is that part of VA’s kit? Also, what’s with the brackets on each forward side of the console? At $32,769 (RNM) Awesome SS!

    Like 0
    • Avatar 454RAT Member

      Seats are original to this car. Nice touch from GM. See cowl tag numbers for trim. Console brackets are to hang seat belts on.

      Like 1
  15. Avatar Steven Brown

    All of the 396 came with a roll tach in center of cluster gauge

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Tyler

    Around 1970, my dad traded for a 68 butternut yellow with black vinyl top Chevelle SS, L78, 4 speed car. Every red light or stop sign, my mother left either a pair of stripes or she stalled it, lol! Kept it maybe a year & ended up trading it for a 71 Mach 1 with an automatic. Traded that for a new 73 K5 Blazer. Almost 50 years later & mother is still upset about that!

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.