Most enthusiasts can appreciate a vehicle that has obviously been modified to make more power, with a blower sticking out of the hood, drag slicks in the rear, and an attention-grabbing paint job. However, there is something to be said for a modest-looking car that appears to be just another bare-bones base model but packs a surprising punch under the hood. Wikipedia defines a sleeper as ‘a car that has high performance and an unassuming exterior,’ which fits our feature vehicle, a 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Deluxe, perfectly. Located in Des Moines, IA, and found here on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $36,995, it wears low-key Mountain Green paint, hubcaps, and redline tires, but the original engine has been swapped for something a little more modern. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Larry D. for the tip!
According to the VIN plate, the engine bay of this car was originally occupied by a six-cylinder of either the 230ci or 250ci variety. Regardless, it is now home to a fuel-injected 5.3L LS V8, which has been upgraded with a mild cam and disguised to look like an older small block Chevy. The exhaust exits through dual Flowmaster mufflers, and the setup provides a nice rumble, as shown in the YouTube video provided by the seller. The car also features power steering, another welcome upgrade that is sure to improve drivability.
The interior appears to be in excellent original condition, but it also features some nice modern amenities hidden within, including ice-cold air-conditioning and a Bluetooth stereo. The column shifter is linked to an automatic four-speed overdrive transmission, which sends power to 3.31 highway gears at the rear. The brakes have been upgraded to Wilwood discs that, along with Belltech suspension parts, help take ride comfort and performance into this millennium.
Sharp-eyed readers will note that certain styling aspects of our feature vehicle vary slightly from that of a typical 1967 model. Along with the doorpost dividing the front and rear side windows, the 300 Deluxe has a different rear window design that lacks the sail panels typically found on other models of this year. It also features slightly different taillight assemblies, which could be difficult to find if replacement is ever needed. However, these differences could be just enough to make this car stand out from the crowd. Between the sleeper appearance and the restomod upgrades, this unique Chevelle is sure to provide its new owner with endless enjoyment. Would you take it to the local cars and coffee or head out on a long road trip?
Back in the day, this would’ve looked at as a “ ‘shiners” car; many of these later became the basics for what was then known as “Stock Car Racing”… Some of us would expect Junior Johnson or someone of his ilk to show up driving this-tho probably with enough extra fuel line to hold another 2.5-3 gallons of fuel.
This is a very cool sleeper, and hopefully will go to someone that will appreciate the previous owners ideas-just don’t drive it into little towns in the Old South or you may get a very long interview with a local sheriff or FOG (Freakin’ Old Guy) Highway Patrolman…
Smokey Yunick’s who you’re thinking of with the fuel lines, isn’t it?
Best damn’ garage in town…
Smokey is legendary.
I have a friend who grew up in N.Wis., his mom had a Chevelle 300 similar to this, green, only a 4 door, 6, powerglide. It sat in the garage for years, or maybe the 8 miles into town and remember, it had like 30K miles, and plastic still on the seats. Many years passed, and before I came to Colorado, I met up with him again. I asked, “whatever happened to your mom’s Chevelle?” He said,,,get this, some shyster came in to look at it, told her the frame was rusted, and gave her like a couple hundred bucks without him knowing it. Nice, huh?
People like that are unfortunately everywhere, Howard. Case in point, when one of my uncles died about 15 years ago his elderly sister took his pristine ‘55 Chevy 2 door wagon (NOT a Nomad) with her to the big Ford dealer there near Montebello, CA. She was told it was too old to be worth anything and gave her $100 for it towards the 1990 Escort they sold her at $550 over blue book price value.
Fortunately those 1% kind of anal pores are atypical, not typical, otherwise folks like us would be behind bars and they would be more prevalent but it infuriating when we hear about them..
This car is a sweetheart IMO!👍🏻
Some years ago (turn of the millennium)I worked next to a printing company and the receptionist had a Buick ..black, V6 turbo 86 or 87. I don’t recall the model, but I came into work one morning to find a new VW in her parking place. Obviously curious I asked her. Dealer gave her 2500 trade- in and she was tickled pink
Looks like a nice build. I wonder if sleepers are a thing anymore? A lot of appliances on the road today could be called sleepers. Not to mention electric vehicles. Most, not fire breathers but still pretty quick. I bet most people driving those rigs do not even know what a sleeper is.
Sleepers have been a thing for quite a few years now and one can definately question whether this trend is still as hot as it used to. Personally I really like the looks of cars built like this one – not as an attempt to mimic an off-the-showroom-floor drag car but more because they stick to a somehow OE look only further improved. Trends come and go however OE appearance will never be wrong
Love the attention to detail put in this car, especially that engine retro kit and the clean engine compartment look. $37k but you get what you pay for…
Looks nice. Sensible upgrades…reliable motor choice, practical 3.31 gear and an overdrive trans. Cool 😎
I realize it’s rare, but $36,995 rare?
This isn’t about rarity. You’re buying a turn key project car, so you’ll pay for that. And you’ll pay more for the quality of execution, which seems high. That said, did he sink more than 27-30k into this? Maybe not. You sure save a lot going with “patina”…
It reminds me of the Chevelle my chemistry teacher drove in ’68 (minus the engine.).
This one is very interesting. Would be an ideal candidate for FI and AC. Front clip has had a repaint.
jwzg, if you read the eBay listing, this has both fuel injection and A/C.
Rare example of a pillared coupe that’s *almost” as good looking as the hardtop. On the Bel Air/Biscayne, the c-pillar’s proportions weren’t quite right and gave them microcephalic look while the Chevy II coupe looked boxy. The A-bodies got it just about perfect.
NVM about the A/C…I see the condenser in front of the radiator, but don’t see the compressor. Must be mounted down low. One other note: it needs an H-pipe, but not sure where you’d put it unless right in front of the crossmember.
The compressor on LS motors is mounted down low .
Yes, LS compressors are down low
Dump that ls…i want my six back!
I love this car, green and all. I’d rock it
Very nice car, well executed. Worth the $
I agree nice car and you get what you pay for.
“Mild cam” LOL
I love this – great car to drive in good weather especially to the drag strip… Great Power or Drag Tour car…
I was a bodyman/mechanic for many before becoming a toolmaker and machinist my point be now sometimes the sun makes the colour look different especially in the sun but it looks like the front end was painted. Nevertheless it’s a beautiful car and it was perfectly said you get what you pay for.
I like it, I like it slot.
Reminds me of a girl that i once loved, she would wear sloppy sweat pants and loose shirt to hide that perfect body she had , she claimed to not enjoy the stares when she was wearing a dress , ohhh memories of our youngen days …
This car is wearing sweat pants
I agree, at this price the paint should be pristine. A repaint is in order.
Good luck to whomever buys it.