The Chevelle was completely redesigned for 1968. The flying buttress roofline of the previous year was replaced by a fastback style. Although the 1968 Chevelle appeared smaller than the 1967 Chevelle it was actually longer, higher and heavier. The redesigned Chevelle was a hit with the public and the car set a new all-time high record of 417,844 units sold in 1968. Of those, 131,700 had the 396 cubic inch big block engines installed. Road and Track magazine described the car as well balanced and unpretentious. By all measures, it was a great car.
In 1968, the Chevelle came in four different models. The base model was in 1968 Chevelle 300. This was the most basic Chevelle and came with such standard features as seat belts, dual speed windshield wipers and an all vinyl interior. The largest engine available in the Chevelle 300 was a 250 hp 327 cubic inch small block. However, most of the cars were equipped with a 155 hp in-line six-cylinder engine. The next model in the Chevelle line up was the 1968 Chevelle 300 Deluxe. The main difference between it and the Chevelle 300 was a nicer interior. The third model in the Chevelle lineup was the Malibu. The 1968 Malibu included Hide-a-way windshield wipers, a deluxe three-spoke steering wheel, nicer interior trim and carpeting. Engine choices remain the same with buyers have a choice between in-line six-cylinder engine and the 327ci small block. The finial model was the mighty 1968 Chevelle SS396.
1968 Chevelle SS396
The Super Sport returned for 1968 and as usual, it was the ultimate Chevelle. The standard engine was a 325 hp big block V-8 that measured 396 cubic inches. As with the 1967 Chevelle, there was a 350 hp version of the same engine and an even stronger 375 hp version of the big block. Performance continued to be strong. Motor Trend magazine tested a 1968 Chevelle SS 396 with 350 hp. The car went from zero to 60 in 7.4 seconds and did the quarter-mile in 16 seconds flat at 89 mph. Car Life magazine tested a Super Sport with the 375 hp version of the big block engine and came away with much stronger performance numbers. That car went from zero to 60 in 6.6 seconds and did the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds at 99 mph. This was very respectful performance for a midsize muscle car in 1968.
There were many styling cues to separate the 1968 Chevelle Super Sport from the other models in the Chevelle lineup. The Super Sports received a blacked out grill with large SS emblems in the center, a standard floor mounted four speed shifter, upgraded upholstery, carpeting, unique side moldings, and SS 396 identification badges on the rear of the car. Also optional on the 1968 Chevelle SS 396 was bucket seats and a new console.
Over all the 1968 Chevelle was a success. More Chevelles were sold this year than in any year past or present. This was a remarkable feat considering the stiff competition Chevrolet face from the newly redesigned Mopar midsize muscle cars including the 1968 Charger and the hugely successful 1968 Plymouth Road Runner.
