When the words "big block" and "Chevelle" meet, a good time is pretty much guaranteed. When you throw in a complete, body-off restoration, you end up with a tire-melting conversation starter that everyone stops to look at! This top notch cruiser might have started out life as just a Malibu, but today it sits with a deceptive 454ci V8 under the hood, that pays tribute to one of the meanest Muscle Cars ever to prowl the street The 1968 Chevelle SS396 convertible. If you're one of the growing number of enthusiasts who wants to actually enjoy the performance, look, and value of Chevrolet's ultimate muscle car, it's your opportunity to turn someone else's toil into your new pastime!
A simple breakdown of the car's VIN confirms that it originally left the factory as a Malibu, however thanks to an extensive professional nut and bolt rotisserie build, this solid old Chevy was entirely disassembled and completely striped of its dull, original pigment. Once the painstakingly massaged sheetmetal featured better-than-factory alignment, a rich coat of Tuxedo Black base was detailed with a Matador Red stripe and sealed in a glossy layer of clear. When that clear dried, many labor-intensive hours were spent wet-sanding a spectacular shine. And today, one close look at our high definition pictures reveals a handsome payoff in the form of one of the coolest Chevrolet muscle cars on the planet!
For 1968, the freshly updated Chevelle sported a brand new look which featured tapered fenders, a rounded beltline and a classic long hood/short deck profile. At the front of the car, a broad, SS-exclusive grille centers a prominent Chevrolet crest emblem between correct T3s, a bright "Chevelle" script and a factory-fresh bumper that's fitted with clear marker lamps. Behind that grille, an SS-exclusive hood props finned louvers in front of pristine glass, a correct chrome mirror and straight stainless frames. Below that hood, new door handles perfectly complement fresh door guards, dent-free rocker trim and classy, "396" branded marker lights. And at the back of the car, a prominent "Chevelle" emblem sits between small tail lights, a new antenna and a second chrome bumper that's fitted with clear reverse lamps.
Lift this replica's double-domed hood and you'll find what appears to be a correct, 396 cubic inch big block. But don't be fooled, this bright Chevy orange mill might be decorated as a 396, but when you run the casting numbers you'll see that it packs an additional 58 cubic inches to make it a potent 454ci V8. Oxygen and fuel enter the block's combustion chambers through a freshly decaled air cleaner, new stainless fluid lines and a big, 4-barrel carburetor. Below that carburetor, a sea of brilliant Chevy Orange covers the block from its correct intake all the way to its stamped oil pan. At the back of that intake, a traditional points distributor shoots spark through eight MSD Street Fire Wire cables. Below those cables, bright chrome valve covers reflect professionally restored exhaust manifolds. And in front of those valve covers, a fresh Delco battery rides next to a heavy duty radiator that's cinched to pliable hoses via familiar tower clamps. Aesthetically, this road ready Chevelle's glossy exterior paint perfectly contrasts a smooth, Satin Black bay. And if you think this description sounds good, just wait 'til you hear the engine run!
Under this impressive A-Body you'll find a fully sorted chassis and super solid floorpans that, like the car's clean exterior panels and lust worthy engine, have been restored to very high standards. At the center of those floors, a rugged Muncie 4-speed twists torque to a rebuilt GM 12-bolt that spins 3.55 positraction differential. Holding that stellar drivetrain in place is a beefy suspension that features power steering and has been upgraded with 4-wheel disc brakes. Exhaust flows through bright pipes to aggressive Flowmasters and bare stainless tips. Power flows to the pavement via authentic steel wheels with Chevy hubcaps and vintage looking Firestone Indy 500 red-line rubber. Items like a big stainless fuel tank, fresh stainless hardware and a factory parking brake ensure years of carefree cruising. And, in keeping with the dressed up 454 up top, much attention has been paid to making sure everything under this Chevelle is clean and 100% road ready!
Open this Chevy's solid doors and you'll find an attractive Black vinyl interior that appears to have been completely replaced during the car's extensive restoration. Centered in those new components is a trio of fresh bench and bucket seats that are fitted with high quality covers and bright new stainless hardware. Below those seats, like-new carpet anchors a traditional Hurst shifter inside a factory-correct console and thick, rubber floor mats. At the edge of that carpet, fresh, fade-free side panels give the cockpit much needed visual pop. Above those panels, a brand new black convertible top shows extremely well and ensures that you will have a signature look regardless of the top up or down. In front of the driver, a wood-trimmed steering wheel spins around a warp-free dash, SS-specific trim and a large tach. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk sandwiches a fully covered spare between a new mat and correct decklid decals.
If a run-of-the-mill Camaro or Nova simply won't do, this high-quality Chevelle SS396 tribute is your perfect solution! Building any classic to the show-worthy level of this Chevy will probably cost about twice our asking price. And, even if you started today, it would be at least a year before that project began resembling a finished car. Why not give in to temptation and let this awesome Super Sport show you exactly what instant gratification is all about!