When the mid-size Chevrolet Chevelle was redesigned in 1968, the 300 and 300 Deluxe continued as the entry-level models. They were for buyers who had a smaller budget than the Malibu afforded, but we’re only talking a few hundred bucks. The seller’s 300 Deluxe post coupe with a V8 was one of fewer than 3,800 built, so they’re rare today compared to a Malibu or SS 396. This one was restored less than a decade ago and is not exactly like it left the factory. Located in Port Orchard, Washington, this blue beauty is available here on craigslist for $36,000.
In 1968, the Chevelle continued as the best-selling intermediate from the General Motors stable. The styling of the 1968-72 generation was popular then and now, and has been in demand as prospects for cloning as Super Sports. When the seller acquired this rather sparse car in 2017, his plan was not to make an SS out of it but to add some enhancements that are on the plus side if 100% originality isn’t necessary.
We don’t know the condition of this Chevy when the seller came along, but perhaps “fair” might be accurate. The to-do list included a new windshield, floorboards, and some body work before new Tripoli Turquoise paint was reapplied (the factory color per the cowl tag). Much of the interior compartment was new, with sound deadening added for good measure. The odometer reads 88,000 miles, which includes clicks added under the seller’s ownership.
The fender insignia implies this car had a 327 cubic inch V8 when new, but that doesn’t mean the car is numbers-matching now. An Edelbrock intake manifold was added, so a 4-barrel carburetor was likely the reason. Headers were installed, and a rebuilt M21 4-speed manual transmission is there; whether that was the factory setup isn’t known. The Rally wheels are wider in the back than the front, and power disc brakes help with the stopping. In a world of Super Sports, real or fake, this lower echelon muscle car is a breath of fresh air.
This car was a no-sale on Bring a Trailer yesterday at $26k.
This Chevelle was just on Bring A Trailer. There was no proof, but it may have been optioned with the L79 327 when built. Unfortunately, there is no L79 in it now, but still a cool Chevelle 300!
Was there some language in the Bring-A-Trailer description that indicated that this may have been an original L-79 car? There is nothing in the description or the details in this ad that would suggest that. I would think that if there was reason to believe that this was an original L-79, the seller would make that assumption perfectly clear because even with the original engine AWOL, that would add significant value to the car.
Given that, I don’t see anything close to the asking price for this. While it is clean and appears to be well done, he, (or she) is asking SS 396 money for a pretty run of the mill automobile.
Yea, not a tribute clone. A little strong on the number I think.
That bench seat might be from a 69 or later Chevelle. My parents had a 68 Malibu with the front bench seat, no head rest. Also stitch pattern doesn’t match the back seat.
WHY would someone say it ”may” have had an L79 in it when new? Where and what is the evidence for that? Why make that comment when there is no evidence to support it. It ”may” have the original engine in it, too.
Trying drive interest and make it seem more valuable. Evidence is irrelevant.
Steve R
Bring your imagination, as they say in real estate!
Most likely, it was a 307 with a powerglide.
WHY would someone say it ”may” have had an L79 in it when new? Where and what is the evidence for that? Why make that comment when there is no evidence to support it. It ”may” have the original engine in it, too. This is NOT a duplicate post.
worth the high bid but not 36k
The engine has maybe been gone through or at least had a cam upgrade since it visibly has an Edelbrock Performer intake, Holley double pumper carb, headers, and aftermarket valve covers and breather ~ or those could be the only things done to it. It does have the BB hood and 15″ Rally 1 wheels. As for the headrests mentioned by E Pacificar, option RPO A82 was headrests on a bench seat for $42.15. Most 300s didn’t have that option. The front seat upholstery looks correct except it’s missing the 3 buttons on the backrests. The rear seat does not look correct. I never cared for those Grant steering wheels but that’s an easy fix for under $200. Basically this looks like a nice driver that you could take to local cruise-ins, but the price does seem high to me. Maybe he would be willing to negotiate. Or maybe not. If I was in the market for one I would contact him and find out.
A $15k car for more than twice that.
Yeah I would say more than $15K but certainly not above $25K if even that much.
This might have been a $15k car 10 to 15 years ago, not today, $25k is more realistic, but an ad with good pictures and description with a patient sell would likely do better.
Steve R
“This one was restored less than a decade ago and is not exactly like it left the factory.” Yes I’m confused.
About what? It was restored? Or it has been altered some?
If I paid $10k for this I would still feel violated.