Frame-Off Restored Chevelle SS Convertible 396 V8 TH400

During the 60s, Chevrolet produced 1 out of every 10 cars sold in the United States; and naturally, the division was more concerned about keeping up with demand than meticulous documentation. Since the Super Sport treatment was often an options package instead of an actual trim code, this lead to many models with ambiguous numbers that are exceptionally hard to prove. Not surprisingly, when we drive any new Super Sport into our RK Motors Charlotte showroom, the first question we get is: “Do you know if it's a real SS?” And fortunately, with a car like this freshly restored Chevelle convertible, our answer is a resounding “YES!” For the 1967 model year, Chevy was gracious enough to equip all its Super Sport cars with an SS-specific cowl tag and VIN number. That means this real deal SS396 has all the right codes, hardware, casting numbers and stamp sequences to create one correct and highly desirable classic! If you're in the market for a blue chip copy of the quintessential Chevrolet muscle car, it looks like the numbers are favoring you!

To confirm this handsome Chevelle is an authentic SS396, I'll go ahead and decode both its VIN and cowl tag:

VIN: 138677B128220
* 1: Chevrolet
* 38: SS396
* 67: 2-door convertible
* 7: 1967 model year
* B: Assembled at GM's Baltimore, Maryland manufacturing facility
* 128220: Sequential production number

COWL TAG:
* 11D – Assembled during the fourth (D) week of November (11) 1966
* 722 – Job number from build sheet
* 67 – 1967 model year
* 13867 – Chevrolet (1), Chevelle SS396 (38), convertible (67)
* BAL – Assembled at GM's Baltimore, Maryland manufacturing facility
* 783 – Fisher Body unit number
* 763 – Black imitation leather interior
* T – Capri Cream paint
* 2 – Black convertible top
* 131687 – Identification number from build sheet
* 1 – Production line used during assembly

Assembled at GM's Baltimore, Maryland manufacturing facility in November of 1966, this real deal Chevelle Super Sport wears an exceptionally solid body under cool Butternut Yellow two-stage. During the car's documented restoration, that body was completely disassembled, massaged into a laser-straight canvas, and expertly detailed to provide a show stopping appearance that's built around better-than-factory panel alignment. Once that alignment was locked in, carefully sprayed layers of attractive GM code Y basecoat were topped with a thick clearcoat shell and thoroughly buffed to an incredible shine. And currently, as a car that's much nicer than any mass-produced survivor, this drop-top carries a super clean finish on top of a high quality restoration that's simply stunning!

Since this Chevy isn't a custom, and really isn't radical in any way, all its trim and ornamentation remains just as the General specified. At the front of the car, clear T3 headlights flank a black Super Sport grille which centers a prominent “SS396” emblem between a fresh “CHEVELLE” header script, new chrome bumper and bright amber parking lamps. At the top of the car, a familiar 'twin-scoop' hood combines with good looking stainless trim, bright stainless wipers and a correct black top to trace like-new glass. At the sides of the car, “396” fender emblems and quarter-mounted “Super Sport” scripts hint at the true nature of the big block's personality while traditional door handles and snazzy bowtie mirrors perfectly complement straight fender lips and Super Sport rocker moldings. And at the back of the car, a traditional black valence hangs finned tail lights and a second “SS396” emblem over a showroom fresh bumper and crystal clear reverse lamps.

Glance under this Chevelle's mirror-slick hood and you'll find an original, 396 cubic inch L34 big block that's been fully rebuilt, completely restored and thoroughly sorted! Branded with a 1967-exclusive 3902406 casting number, a correct “ET” suffix stamp and a correct “128220” partial VIN, this legendary Chevrolet engine utilizes modern hydraulic lifters, a forged steel crank and closed chamber, oval port heads to turn beefy 10.25 to 1 compression into an easy 325 horsepower. At the top of the big bad block, a black and chrome, single-snorkel air cleaner feeds oxygen to a reliable 4-barrel carburetor that's centered on fresh stainless fuel lines. That air/fuel mixture travels into a correct cast iron intake which rides between correct, cast iron heads and bright chrome valve covers. At the bottom of those heads, fully restored exhaust manifolds send spent gases into high performance, true-dual pipes. At the back of those manifolds, a traditional points distributor shoots spark through familiar AC Delco Premium Wires. And in front of those wires, a factory correct radiator swills water through a full set of fresh GM hoses and correct tower clamps. Aesthetically, the spotless big block is covered in a traditional coat of Chevy Orange paint that contrasts very well to the car's satin inner fenders and pale yellow exterior. And everything from the big mill's fresh decals to its new Delco Moraine brake booster has been professionally installed and completely show detailed.

What good would a killer big block be without a tough drivetrain and solid suspension to back it up? Behind the car's thundering 396, a rugged Turbo-Hydramatic 400, which wears a correct “67 CC” assembly tag, sends power to a tried and true 12-bolt, posi-traction rear end. That road-ready drivetrain is held off the ground by a correctly restored chassis, which features fresh shocks, factory power steering and rebuilt power drum brakes. At the center of that chassis, aluminized exhaust pipes run from the aforementioned manifolds to aggressive, dual-chamber mufflers while fresh stainless fuel lines run from the aforementioned 4-barrel to a new stainless fuel tank. At the corners of the car, 17-inch Coys twist modern 215/50 front and 235/55 rear Goodyear Eagle RS-As around beefy, Charcoal Gray spokes. And overall, the bottom of this awesome A-Body has been restored to the same high standards as its solid exterior panels and clean engine compartment.

Like its smooth exterior, this Super Sport's comfortable interior is a masterful blend of both form and function. The familiar front bucket and rear bench seats appear to be restoration-fresh attire and, along with traditional Chevelle door panels, shine clean and crisp under our bright showroom lighting. Between those seats, an old school console, which wears an official black hue, props a correct clock in front of a familiar T-handle shifter. Below that console, new black carpet is protected by stock rubber floor mats and “FISHER” branded sills. At the front of that carpet, a stainless-trimmed dash looks perfectly natural hanging horizontally-oriented gauges next to a correct Delco radio. In front of the driver, a reproduction Rally wheel spins around a patriotic, red, white and blue horn button. And behind the passengers, a factory convertible cowl snaps tight over a clean, cavernous and fully restored trunk.

The sale of this super fun Chevelle includes a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, a detailed history of its North Carolina-exclusive owners and a small stack of restoration photos.

With its stunning motor, incredible body and pristine interior, this real deal SS396 is a rare, investment worthy muscle car. And best of all, being a first generation Chevelle convertible, its likeness isn't nearly as prevalent as Chevy's more famous, and too often duplicated, second generation SS454. If you're in the market for a no excuses classic with an unbeatable combination of style and performance, this '67 Super Sport is your kind of car!