1968 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle

1968 Chevrolet Malibu ChevelleEvery now and then, an automaker releases a car that's nearly perfect in stock form. The list is short but the 1968 Chevelle SS is definitely one...

1968 Chevrolet Malibu Chevelle

Every now and then, an automaker releases a car that's nearly perfect in stock form. The list is short but the 1968 Chevelle SS is definitely one of those cars. Gaining a following that few Chevrolet's have seen outside of the Tri-Five world, nice examples never stick around our showroom for long.

This amazing 1968 Chevelle in SS396 trim comes complete with a snazzy paint job, and some powerful extras to bring this car up to date and make it a custom Chevelle. All the classic lines have been retained and remain looking great to this day, stay tuned, same Bat channel, same Bat time!

Exterior
If we compare the trim tag to the actual car, we see that it is now a shade of LeMans Blue. This is different from the original factory N Maroon, but that is not the point with this car. The idea brought forth is this is a custom build, and with upcoming features you will see why. The panels are very straight and gaps are minded well. The paint is overall very nice, with good shine and very few inclusions and only a few chips and small runs. The hits begin upfront on the pointed front fenders which are at either side of the aggressively angled front grille which has dual headlights that flank a mostly chrome egg crate grille which sports a SS396 badge in its center. The trimmings from the headlight bezels continue by dropping down, running straight rearward through the middle of the wheel wells. 427 badging can be seen integrated into the front parking lights and the glass surrounds are nicely polished and looking great. A long trunk lid is on the back and just below are horizontal wrap around the rear quarter taillights, and a nice polished bumper below. Dual black tipped exhaust pipes peek out from the rear quarter panel just aft of the tires. 15 inch Cragar chrome 5 spokes are wrapped in nearly new rubber on all 4 corners.

Interior
Very nicely preserved clean and straight padded door panels greet us as we swing the doors and they are dressed with black vinyl and shiny chrome for the cranks, actuators and ash receptacles. In the passenger compartment there are chairs in black vinyl and cloth bench seat form also that have solid padding. Smooth black vinyl makes up the bolsters and tuck and roll cloth makes up the faded inserts. Looking to the dash we now see a speedometer to the left and supporting gauges to the right their factory square shape. Original knobs are here for wipers and headlights and a duo of auxiliary gauges hangs below. The steering wheel is of the slotted 3 spoke variety and next to this in dash central is a new AM/FM radio. The dash front is in black and the horizontal trim piece which runs through the dash is showing some wear above the glove box. Black carpeting is flooding the floors, with a chrome armed Hurst shifter growing from the hump and above is a mostly tight headliner.

Drivetrain
Automotive jewelry would best describe the engine bay with a shiny orange painted block in a matte black finish bay. It is in 454ci form and our consignor states that a 427ci V8 crankshaft was installed during the build. Chrome valve covers dress up the bay nicely as does the chrome air cleaner assembly which covers a 4bbl carburetor. A Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission, circa 1964/1965, is bolted to the back and sends power to a 3.08 geared 10-bolt rear axle.

Undercarriage
Underneath is looking all good with very slight surface rust, an abundance of rustproofing/undercoating on some surfaces, and some patching and some invasive rust is also noted on the outboard sections of the flooring. Power disc brakes are on in the front along with an independent coil spring suspension and in the rear are power drums and a 4 link with coil springs. Dual exhaust snakes its way rearward from the underbelly of the engine and passes through Flowmaster mufflers for that signature sound.

Drive-Ability
After some cranking the engine came to life and settled into a healthy idle. We shifted into 1st, and we were off like a prom dress! This car ran great, handled well, and had awesome acceleration. It is ergonomically near perfect for my stature which some may call mildly portly, and under 6 feet tall. A nice ride all in all.

Probably the best year design wise for the Chevelle, they got it right with the angled front and rear, nicely placed chrome trim, and snazzy striping. The engine bay is just beautiful on this car, and despite not being what the trim tag states, it is a great combo. Very nice blue paint is thrown in for some more contrast and the Cragar wheels with the raised white letter don't take anything away either. A classic right here at Classic Auto Mall.

VIN DECODE
135378G138641
1-Chevrolet
35-Malibu 6 Cylinder
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
8-1968
G-Framingham, MA Assy Plant
138641-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
07E-5th Week July Build
ST 68 13637-1968 Malibu 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY FRA108688-Framingham Body #
TR 765-Black Imitation Vinyl Bench
PNT N-Cordovan Maroon