Vehicle Description
It's not often that you come across a true, verified
numbers-matching classic that's fast approaching its Golden
Anniversary while retaining its good looks and the power that made
it a blast to drive in the first place, but that's just what we
have here with this 1968 Chevelle SS396. In fact, it is believed to
only have 56k miles on it as well! It's a great example of
authenticity, but with a handful of improvements to enhance overall
performance, well-chosen to mirror the car's original intent.
The year 1968 heralded a second generation of Chevelles, and this
car is a great reflection of how those changes really paid off.
It's got clean, flowing lines and a sloping roof that give it a
sort of fastback profile, but without compromising headroom for the
passengers in back. The appeal of this model hits you right away,
as it exudes a great mix of performance-based sportiness and
road-friendly opulence. With its factory-correct Matador Red paint,
this Chevelle really shows off its looks - flashy and
attention-getting but without trying too hard. Those broad black
stripes that span the length of the car from front to back aren't
just vinyl decals - they're actually painted on underneath the
glossy clearcoat. The black vinyl top really complements both its
paint and curvature. As you open and shut the doors, that solid
"thud" you hear conveys a sense of sturdiness and the chrome wheels
pair up well with the bumpers and trim to give off a great,
finished look.
This Chevelle has a revitalized, roomy interior that's period
appropriate in design but with a renewed freshness and vitality
that promises riding comfort. Both the front buckets and rear bench
black seats are looking nice and plush, matched by equally fresh
looking black carpeting underneath. A Vintage Air system is running
in top form through the factory registers, so you get a great stock
look, but with an improved functionality you'll certainly
appreciate during the warmer (and colder) months. The factory
gauges are in working order and their presence is actually
bolstered by a genuine 8 Track player residing just above the
center console. It's a fitting homage to the era from which this
car came and you can almost hear the Beatles and Motown tunes that
dominated the airwaves at the time as you admire it. The wood grain
steering wheel bearing the trademark Chevy bowtie is a nice touch
as well. The trunk is complete with what is probably the original
factory mat, a full size spare as well as a new jack/tool set.
The generously-sized engine compartment of the Chevelle would make
it almost shameful to not fill the space with a big engine, but
it's not something you have to worry about with this one. The 396
fills plenty of the real estate, while still allowing plenty of
clearance in all directions. The late '60s era was a time when
Chevy seemed especially serious about extracting impressive power
from its V8s and this numbers-matching powerplant serves as
testimony of that priority, churning out an impressive 325hp as
well as 410 ft. lbs of torque. It's mated to a Turbo-Hydramatic 3
speed automatic, of which one reviewer once noted, "it's solid as a
rock . . . no, more like an anvil." This venerable drivetrain comes
with the bolt-ons you'd want - an Edelbrock intake with Holley
carb. Power steering and power front disc brakes combine to
reinforce the notion that the Chevelle was always about
driver-friendly performance all along. Chrome 14" wheels wrapped in
blackwall Goodrich T/As give this Chevelle an authentic-looking and
appealing stance.
The notion that real, live NUMBERS MATCHING classics are hard to
come by is no secret to anyone in the know. And this one enhances
just how special those that remain really are. Here's an
(increasingly) rare chance to own one . . . and a very appealing
one at that. Call today!