CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS396 2-DR HARDTOP SPORT COUPE 1968

CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS396 2-DR HARDTOP SPORT COUPE 1968

General Information

Category	Restored / Driver
Make	Chevrolet
Model	Chevelle SS396
Body Style	2-dr Hardtop Sport Coupe
Price	$79,900

Engine Specs

Engine & Transmission Specs	GM Chevy Big Block
Engine Type	6.5L 396cui-4v V8
Transmission	Muncie M20 4-spd floor-shift manual

Additional Information

Length	5.01m (16' 5")
Weight	1667kgs (3675lbs)
Fuel Capacity	76 ltrs
Exterior Colour	Matador Red
Interior Colour	Black
VIN	138378Z129799

Car Description

1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 2-dr Hardtop Sport Coupe powered by a 6.5L 396cui-4v V8 GM Chevy big block engine and driven by a Muncie M20 4-speed floor-shift manual transmission through a 12-bolt posi-traction rear differential with 3.31 gears.

True 138 VIN Super Sport
Gorgeous Matador Red Paint
Excellent Running 396 Big Block
Muncie 4-Spd Manual Transmission
Power Steering & Brakes
12-Bolt Posi-Traction Diff

1968 saw the commencement of the 2nd-Gen (1968-1972) Chevelle’s, and with this model year they received an all-new distinctly sculpted body with tapered front fenders and a rounded beltline. The car adopted a long-hood / short-deck profile with a high rear-quarter “kick-up” and was shortened by 3″ in the wheelbase to 112″ overall. Top-trim models featured GM’s new Hide-A-Way wiper system.

This Chevelle was produced in the last week of January 1968 in GM’s, Fremont, Northern California plant as a SS396 2-dr hardtop sport coupe and was fitted with a 6.5L 396cui V8 GM Chevy big block engine that was matched with a Muncie M20 4-speed floor-shift manual transmission and driven through a 12-bolt posi-traction rear differential w/ 3.31:1 gearing. The trim/body plate identifies it as painted in GM’s Island Teal paint, trimmed with standard Black vinyl upholstery and fitted with front bucket seats.

1968 was the last year Chevrolet designated the SS396 in the VIN for Chevelles. This ’68 is a designated ‘138’ VIN which verifies its authenticity as a Big Block Muscle Car. Thankfully this Super Sport appears to have survived the years well. The body is quite solid without many of the common rust issues of the breed. There are no obvious signs of previous collision damage, and the quarters & floor pans appear original. The car features an older repaint in Matador Red which presents quite well with a pretty intense shine. There are some imperfections, but you have to go looking to find them making this an excellent sunny day cruiser.

The car features factory bucket seats and the floor console is a highly desirable option and it’s in quite nice condition with minimal wear on the aluminum trim plate. The interior was restored with the car and does show some wear, mostly on the driver’s seat as you can see in the pictures. They typical sail panel upholstery wrinkles are present, though the headliner looks good. An aftermarket stereo has been added and works well.

If you are looking at an SS396 you are also looking for some torque. This ’68 doesn’t disappoint. The original numbers matching 396 was replaced at some point. The current engine has some extra cubic inches thanks to a short deck 454 block, long tube headers, Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, Dual Feed Summit 750 cfm vacuum secondary carburetor, electronic ignition and a mild performance cam. The engine fires up easily thanks to an electric choke and when it comes down to idle it has just a hint of a lope. Oil pressure is excellent and there is a mechanical gauge setup for both oil pressure and coolant temperature. Someone stamped the block with the CJE code for a ’68 350hp 396 so it appears correct in that respect. The current setup should be somewhere in the 400hp range.

The No’s Matching M20 Muncie 4-Speed manual transmission works like butter. The Hurst shifter works perfectly both up and down the pattern. Clutch engagement is smooth and predictable. Exactly what you want in a driver. The CCF coded 12-Bolt differential is equipped with 3.31 gear set and a Posi-Traction setup. Yes, it does leave a nice signature on the pavement when needed. The Rally wheels have been upgraded to a 15″ setup with 245 / 60 Dunlop G/T Qualifier radial tyres.

This certainly is a good looking car, with super nice curb appeal. Not a show car, but easily presentable at any cars and coffee or local car show event. This Chevelle is turn-key, fun to drive and ready to be enjoyed!!

Please find below a VIDEO of this car running: –