Chevrolet’s Chevelle SS 396 was in production for many years beginning in 1965, but few remember it was a series of its own for just three of them. The car’s popularity brought it out of option territory from 1966 to 1968, after which it continued as a Malibu option. The mid-size autos were redesigned in 1968 and would go on to have their greatest success through 1972 (the Colonnade editions followed in 1973). The seller’s ’68 SS 396 has been sitting for a long time and its engine and transmission are missing, but the cowl tag identifies it as the real thing.
SS 396 production in 1968 would total 62,785 units across sport coupe, convertible, and El Camino body styles (the latter was part of the Chevelle family). This forlorn example likely had a 325 hp engine and was paired with a 4-speed manual transmission from the factory. We guess that the motor and tranny were liberated once the Chevy’s physical condition went into decline, but that’s just an assumption. But much of the metal in this car has been subjected to the dreaded tin worm, particularly the floorboards and trunk floor (which is eaten away in places).
We’re told that the tachometer is the rare “roll back” version, the fender wells are made of lighter materials making them more ideal for racing, and a 12-bolt rear end sits out back. The car is far from complete, though some of the chrome and other parts are stored in the trunk. What a coup it would be to restore this Chevelle to its original form, but that will be very costly, and it won’t be numbers matching.
Located in West Burlington, Iowa, this Chevy is available here on eBay where bidding has been brisk, but only raised the ante to $2,200. Naturally, a reserve is in place, but we hope it wasn’t set too high because the checking account will take a hit in replacing all the missing or bad parts and components. Times have certainly changed in that not that many years ago, this vehicle would probably have already been in the crusher. Our appreciation goes to Mitchell G. for another vintage tip!
Parts car. It’s hard to see this one being worth restoring. It looks like this Chevelle and the Camaro he also currently has up for auction came out if the same field. Both stripped of most of their salvageable parts long ago, including their engines and transmissions. The Chevelle has some parts/components that have become valuable over time, but the current high bid of $2,425 without the reserve being met, is right around the sum value of those parts.
This is likely going to be a VIN donor.
Steve R
Make sure the tires are good on the trailer and haul this has been to the scales and take advantage of the free donuts and coffee while you are there.
I completely agree with Steve R. There is really nothing worth saving on this thing, (except may be the 12 bolt) The owner should just admit defeat and pull the rearend while the carcass heads to crusher.
I think there are a few more things worth salvaging. The clutch pedals, 4spd column, factory tach and gauges, plus the bucket seat cores. Floor shift columns especially for a 4spd are a sleeper, 69-72 bucket seat cores in my area go for $500+, 68’s are unique and may be worth more.
Steve R
I guess Steve R is your ROI including your time you spend diving into that much work. At my stage in life time is more valuable than a few dollars.
Frog, someone would typically buy a car in this condition because they are already restoring a 68. You aren’t likely to find these parts in a wrecking yard and eBay or buying from someone who deals in used Chevelle parts gets expensive quickly. I wouldn’t buy it just to part out, but if it was more complete and not rusty ( I live on by the west coast) I’d consider it. The math when I bought cars like this was to pay 50% of the value of the big/expensive parts I mentioned and you’ll get about the same amount from the small items nobody thinks about.
If you wouldn’t buy it good for you. I would buy cars like this when I didn’t have the extra money to put into a car through my paycheck alone. But to dismiss a car like this offhandedly to be funny, then respond later to make your case that it isn’t worth your time is rather disingenuous.
Steve R
Steve R,
To put things in perspective I was heavy into restoring cars 30-40+ years ago. I’m closer to 100 than I am to 25-35. So time isn’t on my side. I enjoyed the hobby immensely and still do enjoy cars.
But I find myself looking at the obituaries equally as much as I do classic and collector cars. I quit doing open car shows due to some attendees lack of respect for time and money car owners had invested and as you or others are aware quickly skyrocket into the tens of thousands.
Bottom line there are much worse things to blow money on with nothing to show for it but at this point in my life I don’t worship or idolize intangible things particularly when the condition in my opinion is incorrigible. But who am I to tell people how to spend their time and money
Salvage every part you can, if you’ve got somewhere to store it. 🙌
OK, let’s look at this subjectively. Unless you live within about 400 miles of where this car is at and feel the burning desire to go get this thing and haul it home, you’re looking at shipping it. An 800 or so mile round trip probably ain’t going to be a 1-day affair, so on top of fuel and your time, you’ve got a hotel stay. Option two. Ship it. depending on where you live, $1200 to $1600. So after you drop say $2200 on this junk yard dog, you are so far underwater that you will need a snorkle. If this were 55 years ago, you might find a wrecking yard that would let you haul to their yard, let you work on it, and the leave the dead body there. (I actually did just that more than once.) Bottom line, no matter how you slice it, this thing has very little value.
Amen Charles Jenkins too time consuming dealing with buyers not to mention stressful and toxic. I’ve been to countless car shows with swap meets listening to tight wag buyers bicker nit pick and insult venders and sellers. I witnessed a vendor with a wrap around tinted rear window for a cameo pickup take abuse from a scavenging bottom end feeder over a small chip on the bottom edge hidden from view anyway. The vender got pissed and slammed it on the ground then told the buyer he could have it for free. Poetic justice.
There’s no justification for the rustification on this car. Worth salvaging? I would say that deep pockets and an open check book would get you started on this bankruptcy starter kit. Not what I would call an easy project buy any means.