Vehicle Description
If there's anything that can be done to improve this already
desirable Chevrolet Chevelle ragtop, that's add more power, upgrade
the color combination, and add a little extra style - transforming
this one non-descript convertible into the wicked 1968 Chevrolet
Chevelle SS396 Tribute Convertible you see before you. As if the
vivid red paint over black leather interior color combination
wasn't enough to attract onlookers, it also carries a strong
running 396 cubic inch big block V8 that moves this droptop with
ease, mated to a quick-shifting TH400 transmission and a host of
choice options that all make it an absolute pleasure to drive.
Originally born a rather bland Code G Ash Gold, this Chevelle was
repainted to a high level in what appears to be a cross between
Garnett and Matador Red, this Chevy definitely looks the part of a
'60s muscle car, albeit one with a hint of sophistication. The '68
models were extremely popular, both then and now, with tidy
proportions and crisp detailing that will never go out of style.
All the body panels appear to be OEM and are laser-straight, and as
a car hailing from a warm climate, it looks sleek and clean with
none of the issues you associate with rust belt cars. The paint job
is extremely nice, we're talking borderline show quality by most
reasonable standards, with only very light imperfections left over
from multiple car washes standing in the way of calling this
'perfect'. Of course, beauty is in the ye of the beholder and
there's no such thing as perfect (especially in this industry), but
the point we're making is that this finish is indeed that gorgeous,
far nicer than the majority of its contemporaries, especially at
this price point. Even the layperson can tell that it was all done
to a very high standard, with beautifully rendered panels, tight
gaps, and a great shine from the deep finish that fits the car
quite well. If you're not impressed with how terrific this droptop
looks in person, then we might have to check your pulse (or your
eyesight). A blacked-out front grille, lower-body, and tailpanel
add the perfect contrast to the uniform red finish, giving it a
'two-tone-lite' look that's often found on the '68 and '69 models
from this era, and white decals encircle the front end and run the
length of the lower body while adding a sporty look to this big
muscle car. If there's anything to slightly gripe about on the
exterior, it might be some of the chrome - as there are some light
scratches found here and there - but once again we're talking
fairly minor stuff and all the brightwork adds just enough bling to
raise this droptop's curb appeal up to '11'. 'SS' and '396' badges
throughout this tribute's body warn off any potential challengers
from making a grave mistake, and all the glass is so crystal-clear
it sometimes difficult to tell when the windows are rolled up.
The factory bucket seat interior has been reupholstered using
newer, OEM-style black leather seat covers on the seating surfaces,
and thanks to factory-looking stitching, it looks like it was built
that way. Bucket seats mean there's a middle console that splits
them, and it houses a horseshoe shifter that manages the TH400
automatic transmission below. There are also matching door panels
at the flanks and plush black carpets insulating the floors, so it
has a factory look throughout, and we'll even dare to say that the
sporty 3-spoke Malibu steering wheel may very well be the car's
original unit. Factory gauges, including that unique
vertically-oriented tachometer, are behind crystal-clear lenses
ahead of the driver to help monitor the engine's vitals, and the
black dashboard and dashpad are largely unblemished - proof that
this convertible has been very well cared for since it was
completed. It appears this was originally a factory A/C car,
although the system will need a service and some new components
before it battles the summer breeze again, and the same goes for
entertainment as the original stereo was uninstalled and never
replaced. That's all perfectly fine for most, as nothing beats
open-air cruising anyway, and it looks like that black convertible
top is recent because it fits great with few wrinkles. There's also
a spacious trunk out back that was treated to spatter paint some
time ago, and although it's not overly detailed it does show off
just how solid this Chevy's pans really are.
Born with a V8, this Chevelle has been upgraded with a thundering
396 under the hood that's running great and is dressed for success.
The engine bay is very clean, featuring a nicely detailed block
coated in Chevy Orange engine enamel, chrome valve covers and a
matching Edelbrock open-element air cleaner. The big block sparks
to life immediately thanks to an upgraded ignition and modern
alternator, is fed through a big Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor atop
a matching Edelbrock aluminum intake, and breathes easy through a
set of long-tube headers at the flanks. Power steering and power
front disc brakes vastly improve the driving experience, while a
big aluminum radiator up front keeps the whole show nice and cool.
A TH400 3-speed automatic delivers the performance to the
heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end out back, and the soundtrack through
the dual exhaust system is downright erotic when the motor is at
full bore. The undercarriage is super-solid and was nicely detailed
with satin black paint, and flashy Ralley wheels kick things up a
notch and come wrapped in sporty 245/60/15 BFGoodrich white-letter
tires that fill the fenders perfectly.
If you're looking to turn some heads in a dialed-in droptop Chevy,
here's a legitimate V8 A-body ragtop with a great look for not a
lot of cash. Call today!