Introducing the iconic 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396, a classic and very rare American muscle car that combines vintage charm with performance plus great sleek styling. The 68 Chevelle was classified as a two door intermediate.
The Chevy Chevelle was produced from 1964 to 1977. During this time, the Chevelle model was popular as a mid size muscle car that gained great popularity. Also during this fourteen year span the Chevrolet Chevelle was available in several styles. These included coupes, convertibles, sedans, and station wagons.
1968 Chevy Chevelle SS Styling
The 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle went through a major restyling.
The styling of the 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS set it apart from its contemporaries. The model has bold lines along with an aggressive stance, and blacked out grille all added to its overall appeal. The model has very shapely styling with a more curvaceous body, a three inch shorter wheelbase, and a wider stance. The long hood and short rear deck design quite popular during that era for performance cars added to it’s muscle car credentials. This styling made the Chevelle 396 an instant classic. The Chevy Chevelle offered buyers plenty of options so the car could personalized. These included options like a wide variety of color choices
While the Chevelle SS was part of a series that spanned from 1964 to 1977, the 1968 model was particularly significant as it introduced several key upgrades. With the option of the several powerful 396 cubic-inch V8 engine configurations, performance oriented buyers were interested in the acceleration and speed the model could deliver. This combination of performance and styling made the 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS not only a muscle car but also a status symbol for its owners.
Today, many collectors look at the 1968 Chevelle SS as the high mark of classic car design and engineering. The model represents a unique blend of style, power, and muscle car history.
The Chevelle and the Chevelle Malibu
Questions often arise regarding the differences between the Chevelle Malibu and the Chevelle during the late 60’s and early 70’s. The Malibu was the higher luxury version, where the Chevelle was more performance oriented. The Malibu is a Chevelle but with added items such as carpeting, interior headrests and upgraded interior trim as well as some exterior trim differences. In essence the Malibu was a package you could add to the basic Chevelle. The exact trim differences could change from year to year.
1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Specifications
The 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS is powered by a 396 cubic inch V-8. Horsepower configurations are 325 and 350. The SS 396 was only produced from 1966 through 1968. For 1969 the 396 was offered as an option. For 1969 the horsepower was also upped to 375. The engine delivered up to 375 horsepower on a car with an average weight of about 3,200 lbs. Chevy’s 396 was the first in a long and successful series of big-block V8’s from General Motors. Many would say that Chevy’s 396 started the big block V 8 craze.
The 68 Chevelle SS 396 today is a valuable and rare classic muscle car.
Transmissions available are three and four speed manuals, a three speed Hydra-Matic automatic and a two speed Powerglide automatic.
Brakes are front discs and rear wheel wheel hydraulic drums with power depending on model.
Heavy duty suspension with front and rear coil springs.
Dimensions included a 112.0 inch wheelbase ( four door sedan and wagons 116.0 inch ), 196.9 inch overall length, 76.0 inch width. Curb weight about 3,200 lbs. The 1968 Chevelle was built with a three inch shortened wheelbase.
1968 Chevy Chevelle production came in at 422,900 vehicles. Chevelle 396 production was 62,750. Convertible 396’s totaled only 2,285 making it a very rare car with only about 70 still surviving today. Production of the Chevelle SS for the 1969 model year saw a big increase to 86,300 units.
Serial numbers for the Chevelle should be found on the frame behind the left rear wheel, on the drivers door and on the firewall. There is additional Chevelle code information on website www.chevellestuff.net
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Reference material used for this article included…The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars: 1955-1974 by Mike Mueller…Complete Book Of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide, COPO Camaro, Chevelle & Nova: Chevrolet’s Ultimate Muscle Cars by Matt Avery.
While the 68 Chevelle SS 396 is a rare classic, the 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS 396 convertible is considered the rarest. It’s estimated that perhaps only seventy of these 1968 convertible models still exist.
Auction sales results for the 1968 Chevelle SS show a high winning bid price of $127,000. Selling prices will of course vary depending on overall condition, degree and age of restoration, mileage, and engine configuration option. A Hardtop example in good condition with a 325 HP engine might sell for $40,000 to $60,000 on average. An example in perfect condition should reach six figures. Any very rare 68 Chevelle SS Convertible, highly original, in excellent to perfect condition might see a bid of $150,000 to $200,000 plus.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)