Vehicle Description
This 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle totally nails it on every level. One,
it's got awesome bright red over black color combination. Two,
there's a monster big block motor under the hood, matted to
smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission. And three, dig the
price tag, which is a lot lower than the cost to restore it to this
level. They simply don't get much cooler than this.
For those of you looking for a pedigreed, real-deal 'SS' loaded
with tons of provenance, maybe move on, because this unabashed
street brawler likely isn't for you. But if you want one of the
best-looking, most potent A-bodies we've featured in a very long
time (especially under the $50K price point), you've come to the
right place. That's right, it's likely not an original SS, but
other than one strategically placed badge it makes no airs about
what its tank sticker stated over 50 years ago. When it looks this
good and has that much pop under the hood, does it really matter
that it doesn't have a build sheet to spell out exactly what it was
born as? In the opinion of the modern buyer, it in fact does not
matter, as that kind of stuff can be left to the pretentious and
overly mustached at the car shows. We're here to have fun and look
good while doing it. Bright red paint does most of the talking, and
it's in really great shape - smooth to the touch, miles deep, and
showing only minor imperfections. The bodywork underneath was done
right, and other than a slightly aggressive hood nothing was
changed from stock, giving it a grown-up look that will still get a
lot of attention. Chrome bumpers fore and aft shine up brilliantly,
all the stainless took a trip past the polisher before being
strapped back into place, and a few cleverly placed badges were
installed just to let everyone know what time it is. Workmanship is
great throughout, with a great gloss, good panel alignment, and a
depth to the paint that only comes with lots of hand labor. A
top-driver quality Chevelle that's turn-key and looks like a
million bucks? Yes please!
The black vinyl interior has obviously been the recipient of a lot
of care, and although it's showing some light signs of a lot of
happy miles traversed, it's impressive nonetheless. Both the front
buckets and rear bench seats remain very well padded and
comfortable, with covers that match the originals this Chevelle
rolled out all those years ago. The seating is flanked by door
panels on each side that sit flush to their steel frames and
although the driver's side shows some light age on the armrest,
they could easily be brought back to life. Up front, the dash area
just beyond the three-spoke "SS" steering wheel remains in its
original configuration and features easily readable gauges in the
cluster that are joined by a trio of aftermarket counterparts
sitting just below. The dash pad running across the top is in great
shape as well, and the middle console that splits the front seats
houses a highly sought-after horseshoe shifter that manages the
700R4 automatic transmission below. Out back, the backset shows
very little use, and raise the deck lid and you'll find that the
trunk area is all original and shows off its solid metal under a
light coat of spatter paint.
Yes, the car is badged as a 396, but now is powered by a torquey
454 CI V8, and it's safe to assume that it's got plenty of
horsepower on tap as well. It's nicely detailed with chrome
Edelbrock valve covers, an Edelbrock aluminum intake, and a big
Demon carburetor up top. A factory HEI-style ignition system gives
it good street manners, although there certainly sounds like
there's a healthy cam inside. The engine is coated with Chevy
Orange enamel, helping it pop out from the black firewall and inner
fenders, and almost everything you see is relatively recent, from
the alternator to the power brake booster. Long-tube headers and a
cackling Flowmaster dual exhaust system provide the proper
soundtrack, and nobody is going to mistake this Chevelle for mom's
grocery-getter. Power steering and power brakes ensure an easy ride
every time out, and the undercarriage is very solid and clean. The
stance is perfectly nailed on staggered Ridler chrome wheels
wrapped with 235/45/17 front and 255/45/18 rear performance
radials.
Sometimes great colors and a powerful motor can do more than flashy
stripes and a fake pedigree, and this Chevelle is the ideal example
of getting everything right. Call today!
