The classic market is currently awash with tributes to some of America’s most iconic muscle cars. They provide an excellent alternative to the genuine article, offering an equivalent driving experience at a typically lower cost. This 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 is the real deal. Someone performed a color change, but it retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. Therefore, returning this gem to its factory form could be a realistic goal for buyers who prefer authenticity. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the SS listed here on eBay in Chatsworth, California. The seller set their auction to open at $40,000, but there have been no bids so far.
Chevrolet’s First Generation Chevelle was a sales hit from the moment it hit the market in 1964. Released to steal sales from Ford’s Fairlane, it remained on sale until being replaced by a Second Generation in 1968. This Chevelle rolled off the line in 1967, and while it looks extremely tidy, it isn’t original. The Cowl Tag states that it was ordered by its first owner in Code E Deepwater Blue, although it was later color-changed to its current Provincial White. Therefore, this SS doesn’t make the cut as a genuine survivor. The winning bidder may elect to reverse that change, while others will consider the Chevelle as a tidy driver-grade classic. The paint shines nicely, the panels are straight, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. With clean trim, glass, and a sparkling set of Rally wheels, this Chevelle makes a positive first impression.
The positive vibes continue inside this Chevelle, with its Black vinyl interior free from major problems. It looks essentially stock, although the glovebox houses a concealed modern stereo. The vinyl looks crisp and clean, the dash is excellent, and the pad is crack-free. It may lack touches like air conditioning and power windows, but the console-mounted clock and sports tilt wheel are welcome features that increase the car’s desirability.
The Chevelle SS offered respectable performance in its original form, but Chevrolet’s decision to slot the 396ci V8 under the hood transformed it into a brutal beast worthy of its muscle car label. The big-block placed 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, meaning the SS 396 didn’t ask for respect; it demanded it! This classic features its numbers-matching drivetrain, including its V8, four-speed manual transmission, and 12-bolt rear end. However, the seller confirms a motor rebuild that included an over-bore, upgraded internal components, Hedman headers, an Edelbrock aluminum intake, and a Holley carburetor. That will probably deter purists, but it guarantees that this big-block will generate considerably more power than it would have in stock form. The seller confirms that this SS runs and drives extremely well, and is a turnkey proposition.
The opening bid of $40,000 makes it impossible to classify this 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 as an affordable classic. However, with the Listing View and Watch List tallies of 330 and 32, respectively, it has undeniably drawn plenty of attention. Reversing the color change would add to the investment cost if the new owner wishes the car to present as it would have when it left the showroom floor. Whether that approach is financially viable will depend on the sale price, although some readers will argue that when combined with the mechanical upgrades, it would be wiser to leave this SS untouched as a high-end driver. Do you agree?
Must’ve been a drivers race between these and a 68 road runner 383 ?
Just how rare was the blinker tach? My brother dave bought one of these in 1976 or so for 150 dollars. The previous owner put a clutch in it and for some reason he could not get the cross member back in, he apparently had it upside down. Dave drove it for a bit and sold the 396 to a guy in Bolkow. He then put a 6 cylinder in it and drove it like that for awhile until someone wanted the 6 out of it and parked it under a tree in front of the house. While it was sitting I took the blinker tach out of it and put it in my other brothers 66 impala. When that car finally shot craps it was sent to the shredder with the tach still in it. I sometimes wonder what that thing would be worth to a guy that needed one. Dave sold the car to a guy for 200 dollars, the 4 speed was still in it, that guy put a battery in it and hooked it up for lights and pulled it with a chain.
The price has come down significantly since reproductions became available. The new repro’s sell for approximately $175.
Steve R
The graffiti on the firewall is unnecessary. Such markings would have been written using grease pencils.
Nice car with the power to match. I think it looks better in white and it stands out. An awful lot of these were blue already, so whoever repainted it made a wise choice despite losing some originality.
Leave it alone and stick your foot in it.
Well, let me ponder for a moment. A ’67 Mustang with no running gear for 38K, or pretty decent complete ’67 SS 396 4 speed for 40K.
Does anyone else see that something is amiss here?
The high bid currently sits at $45k+, with the reserve unmet. I’d be wary of this car, there are signs of Bondo (rust repair) at the bottom of the rear quarter panels. A friend that owned a body shop once told me, white paints camouflage bad body work. This car needs a thorough inspection prior to purchase.
Steve R
Steve,
I was born in ’53 but thanks to technology they’ve pretty much cut all my rusty areas off the main frame.
Look at it this way. A person who buys this nice little street pounder is going to want to do something to it every day they’ve got time. If there is a little imperfection somewhere so beit. The new owner will then know what it’s like to have some ’67 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 blood running thru their veins.
It’s a cruel world out here but some people just aren’t happy with clean fingernails.
Same statement from my friend in auto body
“If it ain’t right paint it white”
Billy, what you say is true when you are buying a project, a car selling for nearly $50,000 shouldn’t need anything more than tinkering around the edges. If it has rust issues or any other significant issues, that’s a line that shouldn’t need to be crossed at this price point.
Steve R
Having the 325hp version of the 396 takes the serious collectability out of it, imo. It does possess great street cruising status, though. For the car person who wants to leave the sweet stuff at home in the garage???
Nice 4-speed Chevelle here. Wonder why the color change from blue to white years ago. Either color is nice for me. I have a 1971 Chevelle white with blue interior. Who ever painted this one did a really good job.
Best looking years for the 396. Does anyone think folks who would buy, would forgo the PPI? I can’t see winning any ride that costs me 5K, much less 50K, without doing a PPI. Even if I bought from a buddy.
Nice car, always loved the 67s. 325 hps were no slouch either, depending on the gearing. Didn’t sound as mean as an L78 though and I get not as desirable as a collector now but I really don’t want something I’d be afraid to drive for fear of scratches or chips either. Drive it and enjoy it!
These are original Chevy Rally wheels. But not Chevelle Rally wheels. These are Corvette 8″ Rally wheels not Chevelle 7″ Rally wheels. Just sayin’. I love ’67 SS396s. I had a gold one with a black vinyl top.
Personally, I prefer the 8″. I have had them on not only 3 Corvettes, but a ’66 Biscayne wagon, a ’67 El Camino, and a ’77 Caprice wagon as well.
That black over gold was a attractive combination on the ’67. My neighbor had the blk over the dark blue, can’t remember the Chevy name for the blue with blk guts. It’s on the tip of my tongue.
Honestly, any color on a ’67 Chevelle SS is fine. Years ago I saw a light mist, ocean mist green with the light buckskin tan guts and a light brown vinyl top, wow did that car sing to me.
Sounds like you are referring to Sea Foam Green. I had a ’65 SS that color.
Had a Seafoam Green 66SS 396 that had a 3 speed manual. Don’t remember where the shifter was, column or console. Had a single line Holly with a tube from the front bowl to the back bowl. O-ring leaked and it caught fire. Thank goodness all teenage boys carry a blanket in the back seat….
Nice SS… I’ll take the 69 442 instead!!
Ended at $45700.
Reserve Not Met.
5 bids.
Nice car, but not 45K nice. I think the seller made a mistake in walking away from that offer. Maybe one doesn’t accept 45700 for an L-78, but I sure don’t think you walk away from that with a 325 horse base model.