Vehicle Description
1968 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle
Every now and then, an automaker releases a car that's nearly
perfect in stock form. The list is short but the 1968 Chevelle SS
is definitely one of those cars. Gaining a following that few
Chevrolet's have seen outside of the Tri-Five world, nice examples
never stick around our showroom for long.
This amazing 1968 Chevelle in SS396 trim comes complete with a
snazzy paint job, and some powerful extras to bring this car up to
date and make it a custom Chevelle. All the classic lines have been
retained and remain looking great to this day, stay tuned, same Bat
channel, same Bat time!
Exterior
If we compare the trim tag to the actual car, we see that it is now
a shade of LeMans Blue. This is different from the original factory
N Maroon, but that is not the point with this car. The idea brought
forth is this is a custom build, and with upcoming features you
will see why. The panels are very straight and gaps are minded
well. The paint is overall very nice, with good shine and very few
inclusions and only a few chips and small runs. The hits begin
upfront on the pointed front fenders which are at either side of
the aggressively angled front grille which has dual headlights that
flank a mostly chrome egg crate grille which sports a SS396 badge
in its center. The trimmings from the headlight bezels continue by
dropping down, running straight rearward through the middle of the
wheel wells. 427 badging can be seen integrated into the front
parking lights and the glass surrounds are nicely polished and
looking great. A long trunk lid is on the back and just below are
horizontal wrap around the rear quarter taillights, and a nice
polished bumper below. Dual black tipped exhaust pipes peek out
from the rear quarter panel just aft of the tires. 15 inch Cragar
chrome 5 spokes are wrapped in nearly new rubber on all 4
corners.
Interior
Very nicely preserved clean and straight padded door panels greet
us as we swing the doors and they are dressed with black vinyl and
shiny chrome for the cranks, actuators and ash receptacles. In the
passenger compartment there are chairs in black vinyl and cloth
bench seat form also that have solid padding. Smooth black vinyl
makes up the bolsters and tuck and roll cloth makes up the faded
inserts. Looking to the dash we now see a speedometer to the left
and supporting gauges to the right their factory square shape.
Original knobs are here for wipers and headlights and a duo of
auxiliary gauges hangs below. The steering wheel is of the slotted
3 spoke variety and next to this in dash central is a new AM/FM
radio. The dash front is in black and the horizontal trim piece
which runs through the dash is showing some wear above the glove
box. Black carpeting is flooding the floors, with a chrome armed
Hurst shifter growing from the hump and above is a mostly tight
headliner.
Drivetrain
Automotive jewelry would best describe the engine bay with a shiny
orange painted block in a matte black finish bay. It is in 454ci
form and our consignor states that a 427ci V8 crankshaft was
installed during the build. Chrome valve covers dress up the bay
nicely as does the chrome air cleaner assembly which covers a 4bbl
carburetor. A Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission, circa
1964/1965, is bolted to the back and sends power to a 3.08 geared
10-bolt rear axle.
Undercarriage
Underneath is looking all good with very slight surface rust, an
abundance of rustproofing/undercoating on some surfaces, and some
patching and some invasive rust is also noted on the outboard
sections of the flooring. Power disc brakes are on in the front
along with an independent coil spring suspension and in the rear
are power drums and a 4 link with coil springs. Dual exhaust snakes
its way rearward from the underbelly of the engine and passes
through Flowmaster mufflers for that signature sound.
Drive-Ability
After some cranking the engine came to life and settled into a
healthy idle. We shifted into 1st, and we were off like a prom
dress! This car ran great, handled well, and had awesome
acceleration. It is ergonomically near perfect for my stature which
some may call mildly portly, and under 6 feet tall. A nice ride all
in all.
Probably the best year design wise for the Chevelle, they got it
right with the angled front and rear, nicely placed chrome trim,
and snazzy striping. The engine bay is just beautiful on this car,
and despite not being what the trim tag states, it is a great
combo. Very nice blue paint is thrown in for some more contrast and
the Cragar wheels with the raised white letter don't take anything
away either. A classic right here at Classic Auto Mall.
VIN DECODE
135378G138641
1-Chevrolet
35-Malibu 6 Cylinder
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
8-1968
G-Framingham, MA Assy Plant
138641-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
07E-5th Week July Build
ST 68 13637-1968 Malibu 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY FRA108688-Framingham Body #
TR 765-Black Imitation Vinyl Bench
PNT N-Cordovan Maroon
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
