1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396

Description

It's no secret that we love Chevelles here at Streetside Classics, but sometimes something unusual shows up on our door step that truly blows us away. This incredible 1968 Chevelle is a matching-numbers SS396, which is awesome all by itself, but throw in the unusual color combination and it REALLY stands out. Red is great, but if you really want to make a statement, this is the car you need.

Following a recent frame-on restoration, this Grecian Green Chevelle started wowing crowds across the south. It's easy to see how that was possible, since it's amazingly straight and brilliantly restored to factory specs. Forget a color swap to resale red or something ridiculous like that; instead they gave it perhaps the most meticulous coat of medium green paint possible, a glossy two-stage urethane that has a shine for the ages. It doesn't look as fast, but I assure you that this subtle Chevelle probably humiliated its share of Mustangs back in the day, and that color was probably used like bait. Correct black SS stripes were applied around the nose and down along the rockers, and they work well with the traditional blacked-out SS grille and factory hood. Lots of fresh chrome and polished stainless was part of the restoration, too, so it truly sparkles in the sun.

They called the interior Medium Gold but it's definitely got a green tint to it, and the subtle blend works well with the low-key exterior. This is a factory bucket seat/console car restored to a very high level with correct details throughout the passenger compartment. The upholstery correctly duplicates the factory stuff, and with a woodgrained steering wheel and that ultra-slick shifter, it truly looks like a far more expensive car. Of note, this car carries factory A/C that's been restored using factory components and while the original AM radio remains in the dash, entertainment comes via a Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit hanging underneath. The seatbelts were new in 2005 and the windshield was replaced in 2008, so you know it's been carefully maintained. And just to give you an idea of how clean this car is, have a look at that ultra-clean trunk floor.

The real story here, however, is the matching-numbers L35 396 cubic inch big block under the hood. With 325 horsepower on tap, it's hilarious to think that this was just the base engine in the Chevelle SS in 1968. Rebuilt less than 2000 miles ago, it was returned to stock specs (like you need more?) and then detailed for show. That means Chevy Orange paint, freshly chromed valve covers, and an open-element air cleaner with proper Turbo-Jet decals on top. Even the hoses and clamps are proper reproduction pieces that will give this car an edge when the judges come around. It's backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and 12-bolt rear end, so the powertrain is virtually indestructible. Recently, it's had a lot of maintenance including ball joints, shocks, brakes, calipers, master cylinder, and a new Magnaflow exhaust system with X-pipe for a great soundtrack. The undercarriage is not detailed for show, but for hitting the road it's hard to beat a big block A-body. Handsome factory Rallys are wrapped in right-sized 225/70/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials so it handles beautifully.

If you're a fan of the unusual, then this Chevelle should appeal to you the way it did to us. Sometimes the best way to stand out is to not do what everyone else is doing. Call today!