Does anyone have any idea what the productions numbers were for the 1968 L89 Chevelle. My rearsearch has uncovered what I belive to be only one. It was a late production, red with black interior. does anyone know of any others or what the production numbers really were? If this is the only one is it still around?

Sorry, COPO, I don't know about 1968 but in 1969, there were 400 built.

I have tried to figure this out also.. It does not show anywhere that this animal existed.. It did however in a 1968 Camaro.. We all know that the Aluminum Heads existed but why not in a Chevelle? Camaro and Vette’s had them… There is no Suffix engine code other than an “EG” for the 375 hp 396 in a Chevelle so if there is ONE L89 I am very curious to know what that suffix code would be..

If you have seen or know of this car.. Please try and get some pics.. I am sure we would all love to see them…

Dave

The RPO L89 was an engine OPTION so it would not be found on the block I.D. pad or anywhere else except the build sheet.

In 1968, according to "Chevy Super Sports" by Terry V. Boyce there were 272 RPO L89 Camaros sold. This is the same book that mentions 400 1969 Chevelles in 1969 with that engine. It does not mention the L89 in a 1969 Camaro, probably because they had the L72 427 engines and even 50 of the ZL1 aluminum block 427's

The RPO L89 was an engine OPTION so it would not be found on the block I.D. pad or anywhere else except the build sheet.

Ok.. could you please explain further about engine options… I was referring the engine suffix stamped on the block referring to the type, hp, ect…

For example:

1968 Camaro 396/375 iron head L78 suffix = MQ
1968 Camaro 396/375aluminum head L89 suffix = MT

1969 Camaro 396/375 iron head L78 suffix = JH
1969 Camaro 396/375aluminum head L89 suffix = KE

1970 Chevelle 396/375 iron head L78 suffix = CKO (4speed)
1970 Chevelle 396/375 aluminum head L89 suffix = CKT (4speed)

The 68 Chevelle only references one 396/375 with iron heads..

1968 Chevelle 396/375 iron head L78 suffix = EG (4speed)

Thanks, Dave

In 1968, according to "Chevy Super Sports" by Terry V. Boyce there were 272 RPO L89 Camaros sold. This is the same book that mentions 400 1969 Chevelles in 1969 with that engine. It does not mention the L89 in a 1969 Camaro probably because they had the L72 427 engines and even 50 of the ZL1 aluminum block 427's

Well, just because that book says nothing about '69 Camaros with a L89 in it doesn't mean they didn't make any. I bought one new from Vincent Chevrolet in Muskegon, MI in 1969 with that option so I know they made at least one.:thumbsup:

Ok.. could you please explain further about engine options… I was referring the engine suffix stamped on the block referring to the type, hp, ect…

For example:

1968 Camaro 396/375 iron head L78 suffix = MQ
1968 Camaro 396/375aluminum head L89 suffix = MT

1969 Camaro 396/375 iron head L78 suffix = JH
1969 Camaro 396/375aluminum head L89 suffix = KE

1970 Chevelle 396/375 iron head L78 suffix = CKO (4speed)
1970 Chevelle 396/375 aluminum head L89 suffix = CKT (4speed)

The 68 Chevelle only references one 396/375 with iron heads..

1968 Chevelle 396/375 iron head L78 suffix = EG (4speed)

Thanks, Dave




I guess I'm wrong, sorry about that.

I guess I'm wrong, sorry about that.

No need for sorry Mike.. I thought you were on to something.. Every other day I learn something different and new about ‘68’s… BTW you have a beautiful ’71….:thumbsup:

there are claims of 68, L89 chevelles, particularly a couple of convertibles, but I have never seen any proof of such.

total L78 cars was around 4,751

The guy in this thread might be able to shed some light. anyone want to call him?:

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=206958

I know the red car you guys are referring too and I know the guy that USED to own it. Willard Havens, of North East, MD. He sold that car about 9 years ago if I recall. The car was documented. I have talked to Willard about that car. I know that it went to Texas when he sold it, after that, I do not know of it's whereabouts. At the time he owned, it, it was a national show winner. It may be in a private collection at this time.

I know the red car you guys are referring too and I know the guy that USED to own it. Willard Havens, of North East, MD. He sold that car about 9 years ago if I recall. The car was documented. I have talked to Willard about that car. I know that it went to Texas when he sold it, after that, I do not know of it's whereabouts. At the time he owned, it, it was a national show winner. It may be in a private collection at this time.

I have also saw this car,extremely nice car and Willard is a very nice guy,the last I heard of this car it was owned by Bob Macy in Post,Texas.I recall looking at it and didn't think it had any paper work and that it was an EG(L78)block,but wouldn't swear to it.
Van

I have also saw this car,extremely nice car and Willard is a very nice guy,the last I heard of this car it was owned by Bob Macy in Post,Texas.I recall looking at it and didn't think it had any paper work and that it was an EG(L78)block,but wouldn't swear to it.
Van

I've seen that car - very nice. But it does not have any documentation or other proof that it is a factory-built L89. Chevrolet records indicate no 1968 L89 Chevelles were released to the public.

I live in Toledo ohio and around 1976 a bartender here in town had one. His wife used to drive it,It was also red. I had a L78 68 at the same time and when she showed me the engine I was a little puzzled with the heads. I didn't think they came that way either but he bought the car new at Lownsberry chevy. Had build sheet sales invoice etc. Don't you hate those stories? Anyway the car was sold in town, they got a diviroce, he was arrested for drugs etc. But I still see her in the local VFW post. I have asked about the car before but she doesn't remember who he sold it to. Maybee I'll try again. Wouldn't it be funny if the car in Texas was this car I'm talking about. Thanks Tom

Well, just because that book says nothing about '69 Camaros with a L89 in it doesn't mean they didn't make any. I bought one new from Vincent Chevrolet in Muskegon, MI in 1969 with that option so I know they made at least one.:thumbsup:
well i guess if you had one the one i trying to buy makes two l89 camaros

The on I bought doesn't exsist anymore. Something about being young and foolish, I guess!

I thought Mr. Willard's car was one of seven built. He knew the car from new. This car sat in the dealer for a long time before his friend bought it. Mr. Willard worked on the car as a mechanic and bought the car to restore it. This car still has lacquer paint. This car sold for approximately 40K amost 10 years ago to a guy in TX.

We know that Chevrolet did not keep records on chevelles but the Tonawanda engine plant did on engine production. This information was available over 25 years ago. There were no "documented" regular production L89 chevelles built.

Not to say that dealers didn't install them after the fact.

I'm afraid this is one of those urban legends that will remain just that until someone provides documented proof.

I thought Mr. Willard's car was one of seven built. He knew the car from new. This car sat in the dealer for a long time before his friend bought it. Mr. Willard worked on the car as a mechanic and bought the car to restore it. This car still has lacquer paint. This car sold for approximately 40K amost 10 years ago to a guy in TX.

I'm looking at a September 1996 Chevelle Report (NCOA magazine) that featured Willard Haven's '68 Chevelle. They did concede that no factory records to support the claim that L89s were available in '68 Chevelles, but they did go on to say that according to Bill 'Grumpy' Jenkins (credible) and Paul Herd (questionable according to many people) there were approximately 7 such cars built. I do recall seeing elsewhere another feature on a red '68 SS396 L89 convertible with black D96 stripes, again an alleged L89.

We know that Chevrolet did not keep records on chevelles but the Tonawanda engine plant did on engine production. This information was available over 25 years ago. There were no "documented" regular production L89 chevelles built.

Not to say that dealers didn't install them after the fact.

I'm afraid this is one of those urban legends that will remain just that until someone provides documented proof.

Yup!




A little tidbit concerning 1968 427 Camaros. What had come to light about the Yenko Camaros in '68 is that among the engine swap cars (they were all believed to be transplant cars), there were a couple of genuine COPO 427 Camaros in the mix. Until somebody actually documented a rare survivor with original engine and started looking at what went into it, all Yenko Camaros in 1968 were believed to be dealer-installed L-72 long block transplants. Apparently a couple trickled off the line in '68, perhaps to checks the logistics before opening up for more in '69. (Is the coast clear? Can we slip them through?)

Like many others, I would be curious as to the engine code on the alleged L89. The '68 COPO Yenko Camaros did have a unique engine code to assign it to production and then track it through warranty claims. While I'd like to believe that Chevy trickled a few L-89 Chevelles out the door for 1968, it would be a little easier to accept if the cars in question had a unique engine code.

Perhaps the buyer or the dealer itself got there hands on a fresh set of aluminum square-port heads and put them on. Perhaps they were put on well after the fact, after all Chevy did have an extensive parts catalogue and a lot of people were looking for the latest technology of the day. For all we know the heads could have been on a parts shelf and been installed in the mid-1970s.

What about L72 big 1967 Chevies or 327-365 1964 Chevelles? The L-72 big '67s were supposedly not produced, yet there are claimed to be a few around.

A little tidbit concerning 1968 427 Camaros. What had come to light about the Yenko Camaros in '68 is that among the engine swap cars (they were all believed to be transplant cars), there were a couple of genuine COPO 427 Camaros in the mix. Until somebody actually documented a rare survivor with original engine and started looking at what went into it, all Yenko Camaros in 1968 were believed to be dealer-installed L-72 long block transplants. Apparently a couple trickled off the line in '68, perhaps to checks the logistics before opening up for more in '69. (Is the coast clear? Can we slip them through?)




There has not been any info to confirm any 1968 COPO 427 Camaros but Yenko did order special SS 396 375 hp COPO 9737 Camaros to make the 1968 Yenko Super Camaros.


The COPO 9737 option included 140 speedo, special front suspension, spoilers, wide ovals, and some other items.

There has not been any info to confirm any 1968 COPO 427 Camaros but Yenko did order special SS 396 375 hp COPO 9737 Camaros to make the 1968 Yenko Super Camaros.


The COPO 9737 option included 140 speedo, special front suspension, spoilers, wide ovals, and some other items.

There was one of these unconverted 68 COPO Camaros auctioned at the Russo and Steele auction last week. It still had it's original 396 375HP engine. Sorry, I can't find the listing on their website, but here are some photos taken by Bruce (new to chevelles).

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=312711

There was one of these unconverted 68 COPO Camaros auctioned at the Russo and Steele auction last week. It still had it's original 396 375HP engine.

That belonged to Tom Billigen (deceased). His wife/estate was auctioning it off. Got bid to $435,000, but did not meet reserve. I've seen that car in person on a couple of occasions and it is absolutely stunning.

I have been doing some research since I posted this thread. This is some information on the car that was owned by Willard Havens. It is in a large collection the Tampa Florida area. The car was originally purchased by Lewis Gates at DeBonis Chevrolet, Havre Grace, Maryland. The second owner of the car was Willard Havens. The car is Red and stunning. It was in Muscle Car Review in August of 2003, Chevelle World January of 1998, The Chevelle report in September 1996. The car options include Power Steering, Power Brakes, 4-Speed close ratio, Positraction, Special Suspension, Special Instrumentation. Some of the Data/Numbers VIN 138378B140051, Body Data Plate 68 13837 BAL03012 Trim 765 Black, Lower Body Color R Matador Red, Upper Body Color R Matador Red, This it what you have been waiting for Engine Serial Number T1205EG 1851, Transmission Serial Number 18B14 51, Transmission Code P8S30. I hope I did not make any mistakes with the numbers. If you are interested I might be able to get the head date codes and numbers as well as some photos. I do have a copy of the POP and Window Sticker. Well this is another clue in the 1968 L89 question. Let me know what you guys think!

By the way Hello Don Lightfoot, I found some original 69 Post car seats I can send you some pictures if you want. Hope all is well.

I have been doing some research since I posted this thread. This is some information on the car that was owned by Willard Havens. It is in a large collection the Tampa Florida area. The car was originally purchased by Lewis Gates at DeBonis Chevrolet, Havre Grace, Maryland. The second owner of the car was Willard Havens. The car is Red and stunning. It was in Muscle Car Review in August of 2003, Chevelle World January of 1998, The Chevelle report in September 1996. The car options include Power Steering, Power Brakes, 4-Speed close ratio, Positraction, Special Suspension, Special Instrumentation. Some of the Data/Numbers VIN 138378B140051, Body Data Plate 68 13837 BAL03012 Trim 765 Black, Lower Body Color R Matador Red, Upper Body Color R Matador Red, This it what you have been waiting for Engine Serial Number T1205EG 1851, Transmission Serial Number 18B14 51, Transmission Code P8S30. I hope I did not make any mistakes with the numbers. If you are interested I might be able to get the head date codes and numbers as well as some photos. I do have a copy of the POP and Window Sticker. Well this is another clue in the 1968 L89 question. Let me know what you guys think!

I recall seeing that car at the 2004 Barrett-Jackson auction. Here is the listing:
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/search/w_search.aspx Oops, I can't bring the listing up directly. Look for lot 396 at the 2004 Scottsdale auction.
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/staging/carlist/items/Fullsize/Cars//20096/20096_Engine.jpg
I remember looking at the engine stamp and wondering if it was real. The photo of the engine compartment shows a "red 766" marking, 766 being a bucket seat interior. 765 would be a bench seat. Is this the same car?

No wait, this is a convertible and the Havens car was a coupe?

I vividly remember this car from many years of East Coast Car Shows and NCOA Conventions. First, let me say that Willard is a heck of a nice guy, and he had a really nice 68 here. But I always felt there was a lack of evidence about its L89 status. Even someone as knowledgeable and connected as Grumpy would not know or care to check on the production of aluminum-headed Chevelles in 1968. I am sure he told Willard there were seven, but how did he know? I also took a pretty good look at that block back in "the Day", and it definately did not have any broach marks left, in fact had a curious circular pattern on the deck. Fonts also were not what I am used to seeing from Tonawanda motors. And I totally agree if it would be an L89 it would need a different code, not a EG that every other 375HP engine had. That was definatly what was there back in the late 80's when I saw the car in question. I don't know what happened in this car, or why, but I remain unconvinced of their existance. Maybe they did make one, maybe even this one, but there is NO EVIDENCE here of one. So if they did, we need more than heresay and stories. I know that is almost impossible to come up with, but that has to be the only way.

Jeff Dotterer
Dated Components
Diamond Restored Judge

By the way Hello Don Lightfoot, I found some original 69 Post car seats I can send you some pictures if you want.

Hi James. Congratulations on the acquisition. Sure, send me some photos if you like.

Jeff, I agree.


Copo guy, if you have a copy of the POP. The two letter engine suffix should be on there. Does it say EG?

over the years I have seen a number of 68-70 L89 Camaros, Chevelles, Novas, and ElCaminos.
It's pertty easy to bolt on a set of date code correct alum heads.

A documented example is another story.
I know NHRA kept some records on production numbers where their main interest was if there was a minimum of 50 built to make it legal for Super Stock class.

Anyone know if the L89 fell into these rules?

maybe NHRA records would show if 50 min was built.

what L89s does everyone agree were built?
1968 Camaro
1969 Camaro
1969 Chevelle
1970 Chevelle (396)
others?

I'll start Joe. I would agree with the four you have mentioned.

This 68 L89 Chevelle seems to fall into the same "Hmmmm, did they build it?" category as the L89's for the 69 or 70 Novas. Certainly some discussions about the Novas being built, but not sure if documented proof has yet surfaced :confused:

I am still open minded on these and do not have a definitive opinion one way or the other.