Vehicle Description
1968 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 Deluxe
VIN DECODE:
1 = Chevrolet
33 = 300 Deluxe, Nomad, 6-cylinder
27 = 2 door coupe
8 = 1968 ( year of the car )
B = Built in Baltimore MD Plant
184438 = Production build sequence number
(source: www.chevellestuff.net)
TRIM TAG DECODE:
04B = April, 2nd Week
68 = 1968
13427 = Model 133-13427 ~ 2-Door Coupe, 5-Passenger
BAL = Baltimore, MD
TR 778 = Trim ~ Medium Gold Ramara Cloth, Imitation Leather
TT = Paint ~ Palomino Ivory
SUMMARY
• 396 Rebuilt to 396/375 HP Specs
• Muncie M-21 4-Speed manual transmission
• 12 Bolt Rear Axle / 3.73 gears with Posi-traction
• Fresh Frame-off Rotisserie Restoration
• Black with black vinyl interior
• Power steering and front disc brakes
• Power Frt Disc Brakes
_ _ _ _ _
One of the best things about the classic car hobby is there is a
car for everyone. Whether you want to invest in a blue-chip
collectible or actually enjoy your machine on the open road without
worry, you can usually find something to suit your needs. Here at
Custom Classics in Island Lake, IL we specialize in bringing the
hobby to all types of enthusiasts. Sure, who wouldn't love to own a
numbers-matching LS6 Chevelle? But rarities like that aren't
usually driven further than a trailer sitting at the end of a
driveway. It's cars like this 1968 Chevrolet 300 Deluxe that make
the hobby fun and let us truly enjoy what these cars have to offer.
With big-block power, a tough 4-speed gearbox, and iconic good
looks, this Chevelle epitomizes what makes enjoying American muscle
so much fun. If you've been looking to get behind the wheel of a
tire-scorching muscle car, this 300 Deluxe is the car for you!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Originally leaving the Baltimore Maryland plant as a Palomino Ivory
car, this car is fresh out of a body-off, nut and bolt rotisserie
restoration that was recently completed. That smooth and sorted
body now wears a fascinating Jet Black coat of paint, finished by a
glossy clear coat. It's a finish that looks like it was adapted
from a much more modern and luxurious car. Every person that has
seen this car up close in our facility has complimented on how nice
and laser straight it is. It's one of those mirror-deep blacks you
have to see to appreciate. With the bumpers, grille and window
moldings recently being either replaced or re-chromed, the chrome
and stainless are just as impressive and show crisp reflections.
Panel gaps are even all around, and it's evident that the builders
of this car took the time to carefully massage the sheet metal to
laser straight smooth surfaces, and the glass looks to be new too.
Combine the muscular stance with the impressive, glossy finish and
prepare yourself for an influx of compliments!
ENGINE
Most Likely this Chevelle started life with a 307 cubic inch V8.
With a craving for power over authenticity, the builders scrapped
the 307 and a 396 Big block was sourced for the build. That
big-block was then built to 396/375 HP specs. Topped by stock
looking cast heads, and an Edelbrock Aluminum intake manifold with
a Holley 650 CFM carburetor dropped on top, and a stock looking
chrome air cleaner to provide air and fuel to the cylinders, while
a distributor sends enough spark to ignite the pressurized mixture.
Correct stock exhaust manifolds direct the burnt gasses to a 2.5''
Flowmaster exhaust system to create a classic rumble that is
synonymous with cars of this character. Those cylinder heads are
topped with factory looking chrome branded valve covers, while a
matching air cleaner rides on top of the carburetor and spark plug
wire organizers tidy up the already clean engine bay. A new
aluminum water pump and big new 4 core radiator keep engine temps
in check, and an AC Delco battery provides cranking power.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
When the engine fires to life, it transfers torque to a
tried-and-true Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission. That M21
delivers power to a 12 bolt rear end which houses a new
Positraction with 3.73 gears. Underneath, it's apparent that the
only road time this car has seen was when it was dry and sunny. The
detailed undercarriage shows very well with clean floor pans
finished to correct specifications, and a satin-finished frame,
with all new hardware, fuel and brake lines, and new fuel tank.
Correct new suspension components & bushings have been added
throughout. A front sway bar graces the lower control arms to add
some extra confidence in handling. Power steering and power brakes
with discs up front increase the driver's confidence, while chrome
15'' American Racing wheels are wrapped in p215/65R15 in front and
p255/60R15 in the rear BF Goodrich Radial T/As, with raised white
lettering.
INTERIOR
Inside, things mostly appear traditional while a keen eye will
notice bits like the 3-spoke iconic steering wheel, crisp clean
dash, and bench seat wrapped in black vinyl. In front of that
steering wheel is an instrument cluster that sports a clean stock
appearance display a pricey project in itself. The odometer shows
31,335 with no real way to know if that is actual or not, I'm going
to say judging by the clean frame and floorboards showing no signs
of rust pits, this Chevelle leads a very clean dry life. As you
look around the rest of this interior, it looks as stock and crisp
as it must have when it was new, and finishing off everything with
a nice new tight headliner and a set of new door sill plates.
TRUNK
Looking into the trunk you'll find a correct looking spare tire
with the jack and jack base. Looking under the factory-correct
floor mat, you get to see how perfect these floors look. There is
also a nice soft red car cover that goes with this car.
Cars like this '68 Chevelle 300 Deluxe will never go out of style
and are highly desired. Many automotive sub-cultures have stemmed
from the muscle car era and this A-body is the perfect
representation of why that is. They deliver iconic looks,
breath-taking performance, and a hypnotizing sound that is often
dreamed about. If you're ready to row through the gears in your
very own big-block muscle car, give this Chevy a long look. You
truly won't be disappointed!