Chevy promoted the Chevelle SS 396 to series status in 1966 and it stayed that way through 1968. After that, it reverted to being an option on the Malibu. For 1967, the SS 396 had its own body code, making it easier to identify a real SS from one from later years. This vehicle looks to be a work-in-progress that comes with multiple engines and transmissions, but also may not be complete. If you don’t mind finishing what someone else started, could this Super Sport be for you?
Nearly 63,000 SS 396s were built in 1967 and the styling was little changed after a major facelift in 1966. The grille and taillights were different, so it wasn’t hard to tell one from the other when sitting side by side. The standard 396 cubic inch V8 produced 325 hp and we assume that was what was once in this automobile, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission.
The seller provided a single photo of the car before bodywork was done and new paint was applied. We’re told the color is turquoise, but it looks like dark blue to me. Two engines are involved, neither numbers matching, nor reassembled. The primary engine seems to be a 350 with an extra period-correct 396 that has been bored out with new pistons, rings, crank, and more. It still needs a camshaft and lifters.
A pair of Muncie 4-speed trannies are part of the deal, and it includes a new shifter. No mention is made if either is ready to be installed but do look like it in the photos. No glass is present in the front or back and we don’t know if the side glass is still there. Seating is provided, but you may have to supply most of the rest of the interior. From Bakersfield, California, this W-I-P is available here on eBay where the current bid is $12,600 with the reserve still in play.
These are beautiful cars. It would have been nice to see a picture of the engine compartment that included the firewall. The dash assembly is for an AC car, which isn’t mentioned in the ad and doesn’t show how much, if any of the associated ducting and other components are present.
The seller listed it a few weeks ago with a starting bid of $35,000. His reserve will likely be in that neighborhood. This could be a good project depending on the quality the paint and body work and how complete the car is. If it’s missing a lot of small parts that will nickel and dime the next owner to death.
Steve R
If the reserve is at $35,000 good luck, with the work left to be done ( Lining up seams, domed hood and Trunk, engine rebuilt, parts sourced etc ) the new owner would have to shell out a Additional $ 30,000 to $ 40,000 for a car that is not original, not numbers matching ( Numbers matching originals sell for between $50,000 to $70,000 ) so unless it was just a labor of love, most of the work done by the new owner, its a loosing investment ! imo
I will buy every 1967 ss 396 matching numbers fully restored car you can find for 50 to 70 thousand
A quick glance at the auction pics shows extremely poor panel fitment, a bowed decklid, a bowed hood, and other shoddy looking bodywork visible. To make this even a nice driver I fear you would probably have to start over with paint and body. So it is already overpriced at the current bid, IMO
To me the first photo took me back in the day. There were so many beaters like this out there by the mid ’70’s. Such cheap horsepower! Trashed interiors, ratty paint. Go like hell. It was how many of us became gear heads. The prices today are beyond imagination.
The SS was badging only. Could be had with a 6 cylinder and a Powerglide.
Let’s “assume” this is how this car was equipped from the factory, and every other piece of equipment that is being offered is junk. If we are making assumptions.
That’s incorrect. From 1966 through 1970 all Chevelle SS’s sold new in the US had big block Chevy engines as part of the SS package without exception. In 64 and 65 a 6 cylinder was available, that might be what you are thinking of.
Steve R
Thanks for setting me straight, Steve R.
I could learn to be a little less cynical.
No sale with a high bid of $14,700.
Steve R