I have the option to purchase a 1968 Chevelle SS.The guy told me it's a real SS but the only thing that throws me is it's got a bench seat and column shifter.I know back then it was optional.But if that's the case does anybody know how many of these actually came this way?Or know of a website with some kind of production numbers?I'm kinda curious how rare this is for one of these cars.

In 1968 if the vin starts with 138 it is an SS.

Probably not all that rare.
Type of seats or shifter has nothing to do with a Chevelle being an SS or not (for most years anyway)

About 24% received the bucket seat option. It's not rare to have a bench.

Rick,My Butternut Yellow 68' SS (NOM) has the split bench seat.396-325hp,TH400,12 bolt.http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/bbmusclecars427/Picture019.jpghttp://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/bbmusclecars427/HPIM0405.jpg

That is a sweet ride, Howard.
My wife's sister had one that she drove in high school.

Thanks Howard for the pictures it looks similiar to yours but this one has head rests on the back of the seat.I'm assuming it's an option thing.But I'm gonna go ahead and pick it up anyways.I was just trying to dig up some info on this car just to see what was what.I appreciate your guy's help.Thanks

Thanks Herbie.The 68' is my weekend driver.The 67'corvette (427-600hp),69'camaro rs/ss (427-550hp),70' chevelle ss (454-500hp) are my show cars.(see link for pics)

Thanks Howard for the pictures it looks similiar to yours but this one has head rests on the back of the seat.

The car may have had the seats changed, headrests weren't very popular in '68, only 2426 bucket seat cars were ordered with them.
If you do get the car, pics of the headrests would be appreciated. Thanks,
BillL

^^^^^^^^
Meant to say only 1571 bench seat cars had the headrests. :clonk:
BillL

My 70 SS 454 M-22 El Camino that I ordered has a Bench seat, NO Gauges, NO hood stripes.
In 70 Z-15s & Z-25s were a "TRIM Pkg." If you ordered a 1970 with a Z-15 Pkg. ($503.45) This is what you got, NOTHING ELSE unless you ordered it.
SS 454 Equip.-- 454 V-8, Dual exhaust system-- Special domed hood--Black accented Grill--Power D Brks.--Sport Wheels--wide oval tires--wheel opening mlds.--black resilent rear bumper panel--bright engine accents--special chassis features (NO Special Chassis Features on El Caminos F-41 was N/A on Caminos) --astro vent--hidden wipers--glove box light--carpeting--front seat back latches--front sholder belts--lighter--luggage comp. mat.--head restraints.
Extra options I checked off from the option sheet. Posi,-- V-Top--Blk Vn. Int--T-Glass--M-22@ 221.80--P. Steer--H.D. Batt--AM-FM--A/C with A/C you got H.D. Rad & core support and 61 amp Alt. at N/C--P. Windows--Clock--Mirror L.H. out side rem.--Delux seat &Shoulder blts--Aux, Lighting--Total options$1171.45 13680 base price $2959.70 SS 454 Pkg. $503.45 (LS-5) Total Fac. Options $1674.90
Bottom line window sticker $4720.60 Finance through GMAC $121.20 Per Mth.
Bob:boring:

My 70 SS 454 M-22 El Camino that I ordered has a Bench seat, NO Gauges, NO hood stripes.
In 70 Z-15s & Z-25s were a "TRIM Pkg." If you ordered a 1970 with a Z-15 Pkg. ($503.45) This is what you got, NOTHING ELSE unless you ordered it.
SS 454 Equip.-- 454 V-8, Dual exhaust system-- Special domed hood--Black accented Grill--Power D Brks.--Sport Wheels--wide oval tires--wheel opening mlds.--black resilent rear bumper panel--bright engine accents--special chassis features (NO Special Chassis Features on El Caminos F-41 was N/A on Caminos) --astro vent--hidden wipers--glove box light--carpeting--front seat back latches--front sholder belts--lighter--luggage comp. mat.--head restraints.
Extra options I checked off from the option sheet. Posi,-- V-Top--Blk Vn. Int--T-Glass--M-22@ 221.80--P. Steer--H.D. Batt--AM-FM--A/C with A/C you got H.D. Rad & core support and 61 amp Alt. at N/C--P. Windows--Clock--Mirror L.H. out side rem.--Delux seat &Shoulder blts--Aux, Lighting--Total options$1171.45 13680 base price $2959.70 SS 454 Pkg. $503.45 (LS-5) Total Fac. Options $1674.90
Bottom line window sticker $4720.60 Finance through GMAC $121.20 Per Mth.
Bob:boring:

Was that a CUT and PASTE or did really type all that :D

Trivia: All 70 SS 396 & 454 El Caminos used the 13680 Body. If it is not a 13680 body its not an 1970 SS El Camino. 13680 Bodys were the top of the line bodys. 13680 bodys were used in NON SS sales also, It was just the top of the line in trim. Also some early 1970 13680 SS bodys had lower trim and were painted Silver on the bottom Just like a Delux 13680 body with out the SS option. If you see a 70 El Camino with F-41, This is not correct, F-41 was NOT an option on El Caminos. I had Boxed arms and a sway bay installed at the dealer in June of 70 --BAD MOVE on my part.
Bob