Sometimes, owning a genuine example of a desirable classic can be ruinously expensive and beyond the means of many enthusiasts. However, a well-executed tribute can provide a similar ownership experience at a fraction of the price. That is what the seller offers with this 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible. It has a few non-urgent needs, but it is a mechanically sound classic with a fire-breathing 396ci V8 under the hood. It needs a new home and is listed here on eBay in West Babylon, New York. Bidding has raced to $24,600, and with the reserve met, it is set for the trip to its new home in a few days.
Chevrolet marketed the First Generation Chevelle between 1964 and 1967, with our feature car rolling off the line during the final production year. The seller indicates the vehicle was restored during the 1990s, and the supplied photos confirm it still presents well. The Bolero Red paint shines nicely, with only minor marks and chips. The panels are straight, with gaps that are tight and consistent. Rust is always a consideration with older classics, and this one hasn’t escaped its unwanted attention. There are developing bubbles on the hood’s leading edge, and the seller includes a three-piece trunk pan for the new owner to install. They confirm an existing patch in the floor, and I think there might be minor rust developing in one lower door corner. The underside and frame are rock-solid, and the lower extremities are clean. The chrome and glass look acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, and the Rally wheels are excellent.
Lifting the hood reveals what may draw some enthusiasts to this Convertible. The seller has transformed this Chevelle into a tribute to the legendary SS 396. Its engine bay houses the L34 version of the big-block V8. This powerhouse sends 350hp and 415 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes reduces the physical exertion for the person behind the wheel. This combination made the SS a potent vehicle in its prime, and this tribute should still pin occupants back in their seats if the driver floors the gas. The news for potential buyers is positive. It recently received a complete brake overhaul and a carburetor rebuilt. The Chevelle is maintained appropriately, and the seller states they would drive it anywhere. They supply this YouTube video providing a detailed walkaround and a chance to hear the car running and driving. The big-block kicks immediately into life and sounds sweet breathing through the dual exhaust.
The Chevelle’s interior is tidy and should cause no shame for the new owner if they drive around with the top down. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from significant problems, as are the dash and pad. Some bright trim pieces are beginning to bubble, and the carpet has some faded spots. A couple of aftermarket gauges are mounted under the dash, with the one near the driver’s left knee looking ready to make a bid for freedom. It would only take a couple of screws to secure it, making me wonder why the seller didn’t do so to improve the presentation. The console and shifter are a later addition because the shifter quadrant for the original Powerglide transmission is visible on the dash. A Sony radio/cassette player provides entertainment on the move, but I can see no other additions.
This 1967 Chevelle SS 396 Convertible tribute isn’t perfect, but it is a tidy classic with what seems to be relatively minor needs. Only an in-person inspection would confirm that, but the signs are positive. Potential buyers could expect to pay over $40,000 for this car if it were the real deal, but the bidding history reflects its tribute status. I still believe it could threaten $30,000 before the hammer falls, but would you be willing to pay that price?
My first muscle car at age 17 was a ’67 Chevelle convertible with SS badging and a 350. I drove that thing into the ground.
Cool car but unfortunately the color of stripper lipstick. Or so Ive been told
Hear ya Uncle Ed! As I was looking for a pair of high-heels hanging from the rear view mirror.
Too bad.
However, it is a “drop top” with falsies.
The bubbling paint is a cause for concern, but can be handled. The cost of fixing it depends on how much more of the body leprosy isn’t visible under the paint or Bondo. The only way to know for sure is to take everything back to bare metal, and that will get very expensive very quickly!
Stop the cap! No more “clones”/tributes/ impostors please! What’s the point? There are enough of the real/originals around for prices near/around or slightly above what people ask for fakes. For what it cost to MAKE a fake. You could buy the real deal. A “barn find”. Enough already.
I guess this is the car everyone talks about building whenever a nice clean Malibu shows up on these pages. Of course the wrong color, transmission, no air, etc. Once behind the wheel it may be just right for a long drive on a sunny fall day.
Why bother building a tribute? It’s a way to scam someone who doesn’t know any better. Just build the car and call it a custom build. Probably attract more buyers.
I had a built 396 and tranny installed 84 Waggoneer what hoot!! Many a teenybopper saw its taillights.
My HS friend had the same car except it was Standard. THe Wood Bros, known for drag racing on the NE coast, did the engine over. That car was scary fast.
Tribute is code for clone is code for FAKE, would be more unique and special if it were still a Malibu without trying to be something else…