Chevy saw the need for a mid-size car in its lineup and the Chevelle was born in 1964. It was a nice complement to the compact Chevy II/Nova and the full-size Biscayne/Bel Air/Impala. The Malibu would be the top trim level on the new auto. This 1968 Chevelle sport coupe looks to be sitting in a junkyard setting and has some of the earmarks of being an SS, but the seller doesn’t mention that. It may just be a Malibu that has gained a 396 V8 over time. Located in Holmes, Pennsylvania, this Chevy is available here on craigslist for $6,000. A nod of the fedora to Tommy T-Tops for the tip!
The second generation of the Chevelle launched in 1968 as GM redid all their intermediate-sized cars. Chevrolet built more than 464,000 Chevelles that year, of which the Malibu sport coupe saw 201,000 copies. On top of that, the SS 396, a series of its own since 1966, added 55,000 units in the same body style. The seller’s car has a black grille and buckets seats and a console like the SS, but no other markings that we can see. There is a 396 (or so we’re told) under the hood, but the seller says its displacement is 402 cubic inches. The 396 was a 402 in 1970, so perhaps the motor came out of a later car.
Regardless of which model this Chevy is, it’s in rough shape and incomplete. It looks like it was parked in its current spot and has had parts lifted over time. For example, the radiator and its brackets are completely gone. The body has more than its share of dings, dents, and rust and we’re guessing the vinyl top and underneath it are not good either. Surprisingly, the buckets seats, dash pad, and door panels look to have survived quite well.
If this is a true SS 396, the seller has missed an opportunity to draw in more buyers. But if it’s a Malibu that looks like one, the condition of the car makes for a hard case. The SS would be worth considerably more and make this car a more likely candidate to be saved rather being than parted out.
if the second and third number on the vin are 38, then it is a real ss. the malibu badges on the door panel leads me to believe it is not true ss car. 1968 was the last year to verify a chevelle by the vin
I look at the motor and get a “crate motor” vibe. That said, the story behind why it ended up in a junkyard could be an interesting one, and a very expensive one for whomever buys this car.
I believe you’re correct. If I’m not mistaken, the 68 BB had the short water pump.
I lived in Delaware County pa where Holmes is part of. I’d seriously think this has more rust
Then meets the eye.the vinyl top hides a ton of rust im sure. Just looking at the picture I’d say plain chevelle. Heck that big block could have come from anywhere just to many ss parts not there. But chevelles don’t grow on trees anymore so it still might deserve to be restored
Posting deleted, if the VIN was 138 it was an SS
Assuming the VIN is real
Hello; a 13837 would be a coupe, 13867 a convertible! Door panels have Malibu, Not SS, does have the same steering wheel I have in my 68GS 400 Convertible, rare and desirable, priced about fair if Vin checks out, as all panels are available to rework!
I have owned about 30 cars, for their time, that is, compared to what else was available then, my ’68 Malibu wagon, with heavy duty everything , big engine, 4 speed, economy rear axel, (to tow horse trailer – special order – $1000 of the $3000 down since the dealer thought if I did not come through he could not find a buyer for it) was one of the best cars I ever owned for performance, reliablity, looks, and all around satisfaction. My ’56 Chevy, and my 2005 Toyota 4Runner, again, for their time, were top notch. Drove the 4Runner 400 comfortable miles yesterday, passed a semi got it up to 90mph no problem. But there are lots of ’68’s out there, this does not make economic sense.
Bucket seats were not standard for a 68 SS, bench seat was standard.
yep my friends dad has a 68 ss396 chevelle and it a bench seat columnshift, and my neighbor has a 69 ss396 chevelle same thing
I HAD a 3837 car. Loved it and wish I still had it.