[newchevyguy]

I am looking at buying a 1968 Chevelle SS 4 speed car. Color code of r-2(red with black vinyl top). The price is $4500 and at first I though that was a pretty good deal but the car has been in storage since 1977 and it does need a complete restoration. I guess what I would like to get opinions on is what the value is for a true SS car when the orginal motor and trans are gone. The price seems pretty good but it will require a full restoration and when I am done I will not have a matching numbers SS.

The motor and trans are long gone, owner claims it was the 375hp version of the 396. The car has not been restored and has all of its original sheetmetal. There was a patch put on the passenger side floor pan. Other than the motor and trans being gone the car is pretty complete. The car did not have a lot of options no power steering or brakes, drum brakes not disc.

The orignal owner blew the motor in 1977 and the car has not been on the road since.

The car did have the following options:

375 hp 396
Tinted windows
4 speed
bucket seats ( no console)
SS style dash
12 bolt posi

Included in the sale is a 396(402) out of a 1970 Chevelle

 

[Dean]

To me what it DID have wouldn't matter, what it has now would.

On the surface that seems like one heck of a deal for a 138 car.

 

[BlackSSaz]

Yea - I have seen some shells going for 7-8k.

4500 is a heck of a deal if there are no integrity issues, especially for an original red 4 speed car. Pay alot of attention to the frame/body - that is where you are going to spend most of the time/money.

If the body is really straight and nice, figure somewhere between 5-7k for paint and body work, 2-3k for interior, maybe 4-5k for mechanical. That would put you in around 20k when you are done.

 

[Brettd85]

I agree with everything above.

 

[136679ss]

Agree with all the above. NOM or not, 138 says it all at that price.

 

[Bunz-T]

Allow about $5K for ***k ups and uh ohs and you are only at $25K for a built SS car. It is where we all want to be and if it is the car you have always wanted you are in dreamland. Build it and lose $6K after 3 years and it is only $2K a year. What other hobby is that cheap?

 

[newchevyguy]

Update

I did get a chance to see the vehicle in person and for the most part the guy seemed to be pretty honest about the condition of the car. The car does appear to have original sheetmetal, but the body has a few spots that need work. Both of rear qtrs need some work, the trunk has a spot that needs to be repaired, and one of the fenders has a dent. Also there is quite a bit of surface rust on the underside and frame of the car. The interior is all there and is in pretty good shape for its age. Overall the car looks to be pretty original and unmolested but it does need a compete restoration.

I did verify the vin and cowl tag information and it is an SS and it appears to have had the following options:

Red with Black Vinyl Top
SS
4 speed
Buckets
SS Dash
12 Bolt Posi

 

[hpsherlin]

Sounds like well worth the money per your description. Great project with a great starting price for a 138 car.
Buy it!! If not, I am sure there are plenty here that will jump in a heartbeat (me included). I wouldn't mind looking at that myself
Herbie

 

[JWA]

Sounds about how Old Blue started and I paid $2200 in 1993. I'd scoop it up for the asking price Just remember though, I am very biased. Here is my first 68:

Not an SS but IMO the R-2 combo is one of the best for 68s IMHO

 

[136679ss]

If you pass on the car, would you give me the contact data. I'm always looking for the "next" project. thanks JN

 

[Chris R]

Sounds like the same car that is for sale here locally.

 

[Merlin]

$4500 is exactly what I paid for my 68SS in 2001... in about the same condition, maybe just a little better. No engine, no transmission. Original 3-speed floor shifted bench seat car, L35 with power steering, vinyl top, decent paint and no rust. I was happy to get it for $4500.
What I thought would only need an engine and transmission, ended up with a 68 L35, M20 trans, disk brakes, bucket seats, console, full factory instrumentation, full factory tinted glass, re-chromed bumpers, new top, and a pot load of other small things, with more yet to go. We won't talk about what it has cost me to this point!
Sounds like a fair price though... a 68 138 car is undeniable.:thumbsup:

Patrick

 

[ElCameeeno]

deleted

 

[dreis454]

So why have have you not bought it yet.

I know people who would buy it just on your description.

 

[newchevyguy]

Thanks for all the feedback. I am trying to buy the car but unfortunatley the guy does not have a title for the car. He says he never got it from previous owner and he wants to sell without the title. Claims to have a guy from New York willing to buy it that way. I told him that I need a title in order for me to buy it.

I think there are ways to get a title with a "bill of sale" but it sounds like a big hassle. And even though it seems like a good deal I will have 20K to 30K in the car when completely restored and I do not know if a 1968 SS that is not numbers matching is worth that. Prices seem to be dropping on muscle cars and there seems to finally be some good deals for buyers.