Back in 1993, Jeff Latondress was looking for a Chevelle that he could tinker with and enjoy taking out for a cruise on weekends. He didn't have any particular model in mind when he came upon this '68 in a deal that was just too good to pass up.The previous owner had parked the car in 1982 and embarked upon a somewhat ambitious restoration. He got as far as taking the car apart.
Thankfully, he kept most of the pieces he took off the car, although to the untrained eye what was once a '68 SS396 coupe, now more closely resempled a pile of rusty, unrelated parts. And that's what Jeff went to look at in April of '93. Thankfully, Jeff (who happens to own an automotive repair shop) recongnized most of the parts and knew where they went. The project was about to find a new home.
Unique, center-mounted, "roll arount" tach was a '68 item only. the option carried RPO code U14, and was spec'd by 19,393 new Chevelle owners that year.
Jeff gathered up all the various pieces and components and quickly carted them off to GS Restorations in Joelton, Tennessee. His original intent was to have George Steele, owner of GS Restorations, reassemble the car into a presentable "driver." Things soon got out of hand, however, as Jeff's focus shifted from merely having a "nice" Chevelle to one that was correct in every aspect. Thankfully, the body provided an excellent starting point with sound sheetmetal throughout. The engine and transmission, however, were long gone and would be a strong source of aggravation in the months to come.
Anyone who's ever tackled a restoration on a '68 Chevelle knows that many of the components are unique to that particular model year. Consequently, items that are difficult to find for most other year models can prove to be near impossible to locate for a '68. Things like the air cleaner and exhaust manifold heat stove assemblies are prime examples of items that can really take the fun out of a restoration, unless, of course, you're either a masochist or enjoy a good challenge. We don't know which applies to George, but somehow he managed to come up with all the correct components to complete the restoration.
Jeff's '68 is well equipped, too, with a 325-horse big-block transferring power through a TH400 to a 3.07-geared12-bolt rearend for comfortable cruising. Other optional enhancements include a blue bucket interior, console with shifter, factory air, power steering and power drum brakes. Rally wheels shod with Firestone F70x14 redlines complement the Grotto blue exterior and black vinyl top.
The car also shows well, and has brought home the First Place gold on numerous occasions as well as other special awards. But Jeff still isn't satisfied. His next project is yet another '68; a Matador red, 4-speed coupe that he vows will be even better than this one. We have now doubts that it will be. But we still have one burning question: When is Jeff going to build his "driver?"
