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| 489 Turbo |
The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-sized automobile built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors in three generations from 1964 through to the 1977 model years.
The 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle came out with a significantly new body style. The automobile had a fastback look to it but not so much that the good looks were compromised. The new look proved profitable. More than 400,000 Chevelle models were built for the 1968 production run. Out of these about 60,000 were SS models. The best seller in the Chevelle line was the Malibu.1968 Chevrolet Chevelle Available Engines
The 68 Chevelle models had a variety engines available. These included a new 230 cubic inch six cylinder and the new 307 cubic inch V-8. There was another more powerful engine that had been taken away for a year but came back in 68 as an option. This was the Chevy 396 cubic inch V-8 that delivered 375 horsepower. This particular 396 SS model fit a good niche in as much as it was very reasonably priced (about $2,900) and offered excellent performance.These features made the Chevelle one of the most popular models on both the street and the track.
Another returning engine in 1968 was the L78. This was the most powerful engine option and there were a total of 471 Chevelles built with the L 78 option. Just short of all L78 engines went into 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle models.
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| Turbo charged 68 Chevy Chevelle |
In addition to the engine options mentioned above, wheelbases for the 68 Chevelles are interesting. When the first Chevelle went into production they were built with a 115.0 inch wheelbase. Starting in 1968, the wheelbase was increased for all Chevelle Sedan models. All other body styles were built with a 112.0 inch wheelbase.
Chevelle four-door models had same dimensions except with a wheelbase of 116.0 inches. The vehicles weight depending on options could range from 2,350 to 3350 lbs.
Transmissions available in 1968 were a three and four speed manual gearbox along with a TH-400 (turbo Hydra-Matic) and Powerglide.
See these vehicles on additional Muscle Car Journal articles on the links below.....
The 1970 Pontiac GTO Muscle Car
The 1968 Oldsmobile 442 / A Popular 60's Muscle Car
Ford Muscle Car / 1969 Torino GT
The Chevrolet Chevelle SS Muscle Car
The Chevrolet Chevelle was a car often turned into a high performance vehicle by specialty shops. It's interesting to note that the 1968 Chevy Chevelle was at the forefront of the Chevelle muscle car era. This was solidified with the re-introduction of the 396.The Chevelle SS was the high performance version of the Chevelle line.
Some will say that the Chevy Chevelle SS and the Pontiac GTO remain one of the most popular cars of the late 60's muscle car era.
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| Dashboard of this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS |
A grpuip of Alabama Chevelle enthusiasts formed this club to share their appreciation of these great cars. The club mission as stated on their website is to provide a means of sharing information on parts, cars, and technical data. They also promote the appreciation of 1964 – 1972 Chevelles, Malibus, El Caminos, and Nomads.
Some excellent books regarding the Chevrolet Chevelle models include.....Chevelle, 1964-1972 (Muscle Car Color History) by Mike Mueller.....Chevelle SS A Muscle Car Source Book, Second Edition by Jeffrey Steffes.
(Article and photos copyright Muscle Car Journal)
