Restored 1 of 612 Chevelle SS 396/375 HP V8 4 Speed

The most important thing you need to know about this 1967 Chevelle SS hardtop is that it carries its original, matching-numbers L78 396/375, making it one of only 612 built that year and the second-rarest Chevelle ever (only the 1965 Z16 is rarer). The L78 was a late addition to the lineup, not available until June, so this is obviously one of the earliest builds, and yes, the dates and numbers all match up like they should. It's also worth noting that this same engine in the 1965 Corvette was rated at 425 horsepower. Playing games with horsepower? Would Chevy do that? Absolutely.

This is without question a real Super Sport, too. Just take a look at the original cowl tag, which is held in place by it's original rivets:

06D - Assembled during the 4th week of June, 1967
ST67 - 1967 model year
13817 - Chevrolet SS396 sport coupe
ATL - Manufactured at GMs Atlanta, Georgia assembly plant
48021 - Sequence number
763-B - Black vinyl bucket seats
R-R - Bolero Red paint
W - Tinted glass
2L - 4-speed manual transmission
5Y - Deluxe seat belts
201666 - Assembly number

The restoration on this car is extremely nice, with arrow-straight bodywork and some expert attention to detail. Bolero Red is the car's original color, and it stands out on this cool hardtop, which was obviously ordered to hit the streets and push around lesser vehicles, and had no intention of hiding it. The flying buttress quarter panels and rear window design is one of the best of the mid-60s, and gives the Chevelle a low-slung, high-speed look that definitely works with the SS. Out back, the blacked-out tail panel with SS emblem, cool fluted tail lights, and discreet dual exhausts were commendably handsome, because that's the view most competitors were going to see anyway. This one also wears a correct original hood, not some reproduction cowl induction thing, and the finned inserts are the perfect complement to the not-so-subtle horsepower image that the Chevelle projects. Two-stage urethane re-creates the original finish, which is a searing, brilliant red. And thanks to the miracle of modern paint technology, it'll look this good practically forever.

All the chrome was obviously restored or replaced during the restoration, with a correct SS grille up front, and a pair of beautifully chromed bumpers. CHEVELLE block letters on the hood are accurate reproduction pieces, as are the crossed-flag emblems on the front fenders. SUPER SPORT callouts on the quarters, bright rocker panel moldings, and fresh wheel well trim add a lot of detail to the already exceptionally nice car. This car really is off-the-charts nice.

The real reason this car has so much appeal, however, is that matching-numbers, assembly line installed L78 big block under the hood. Completely rebuilt and fully detailed for show, it wears a May 7th of 1967 casting date, a correct 3902406 casting number and a matching, original 7A175067 partial VIN. This engine bay is so fresh that it looks like the restoration was completed just yesterday, and the original code EG block is correct for an L78 with a 4-speed transmission. As you would expect, it makes massive power and torque, although with even Chevrolet playing games with the horsepower figures, it's hard to say what the number really is. If you believe the sticker on the air cleaner, it's 375 horsepower, enough to run 13-second quarters with the right setup and a good driver. This one is so nice, however, that you'll feel badly about abusing it on the strip, so it's good to see that you can show it confidently as well. The engine wears bright Chevy Orange paint, a correct Holley carburetor, a beautifully finished L88 aluminum intake, and chrome valve covers which were a staple of big block SS Chevys for years. The inner fenders' satin black finish makes the ideal backdrop for the brightly detailed engine, and even the exhaust manifolds have been finished to look like new. You'll note details like the correct large-diameter pulley on the correct alternator for extended high-RPM operation, and the power steering makes it easy to drive despite its brutal, race-ready nature. A correct Delco reproduction battery has been recently fitted, rounding out a very impressive engine bay.

Behind the original EG block is an original 4-speed Muncie transmission which is branded with a correct 3885010 casting number and a P7H13 build stamp that decodes as Muncie (P) built June (H) 13th (13) of 1967 (7). That stout 4-speed spins a proper 12-bolt rear end that, according to its correct CW (3.31) 0531 (May 31st B (Buffalo, New York) axle stamp, is full of 3.31 gears, which make this Chevelle a street ready curve carver. A lot of time and effort was invested in the undercarriage, with correct finishes and equipment used wherever possible, including proper spiral shocks and reproduction stickers on the springs. The dual exhaust system is a 2.5-inch setup with Flowmasters, and after you hear this one run, you really won't care that this particular detail isn't 100% OEM. The floors appear to be solid and original, so you know this car has never been rusty, and the suspension and brakes have been fully rebuilt to perform as new. Beautiful Rally wheels at all four corners wear fresh F70-14 Firestone Wide Oval white letter bias-ply tires, the perfect period look for any car with this much charisma.

Black buckets were on the original cowl tag, and that's what lives inside today, complete with the uber-cool center console with centrally-mounted clock. Fully restored to the same high standards as the rest of the car, it shows some light signs of use, but still shows extremely well. The seat covers, carpets, and door panels are new, the gauges have been fully restored, and the bright trim that fills the center of the instrument panel is well preserved and polished. A 3-spoke steering wheel gives the SS a racy look, complemented by the bright chrome shifter. New rubber floor mats have been added to keep the carpets looking like new, and the radio works as it should. In back, the trunk features a correct mat, full-sized spare with cover, and a complete jack assembly.

Look closer and realize that this is a unique opportunity to pick up an incredibly rare and beautifully restored real-deal L78 SS with a matching-numbers engine, all for less than the price of the restoration, never mind actually buying the car itself. Accurately restored, with a healthy engine to boot, it's an absolute blast on the road and is perfectly capable of bringing home some trophies if that's what you're into. You simply won't find a rarer restored Chevelle for less money anywhere.