1968 Chevrolet Chevelle

Chevrolet introduced its A-Body intermediates in 1964 and they were instantly successful thanks to their crisp, attractive styling, value, and an extensive list of options. Its engine bay was capable of housing every available powerplant from the thrifty inline sixes to small-block V8s and eventually the big-block Mark IV engine starting with the limited-production Z-16 option of 1965.

The Chevrolet Chevelle was restyled for 1968 and gained an additional body style, the nomad four-door, six-passenger station wagon. The design offered a sportier appearance courtesy of a three-inch reduction in wheelbase length, a rounded beltline, and the long hood and a short deck profile with swept-back front fenders. The bodies rested on two wheelbase sizes, with the shorter platform reserved for the coupes and longer for the four-door sedans. In the front were horizontal, dual headlamps that were mounted in individual metal bezels of square shape. The full-width grille featured cross-hatched moldings with a black finished air slot. On the front fenders were Chevelle script and above the left headlight. Standard equipment included front armrests, heater, defroster, and all GM safety features.

The new appearance of the Chevelle was well received and it continued to gain presence in the muscle car world, thanks to the SS model which was only available in 1968 with the 396 cubic-inch big-block V8. This big block was available in three different iterations, the ultimate configuration producing 375 horsepower and was capable of 14.5-second quarter-mile times. Along with high-performance equipment, the intermediate Chevelle was offered with an array of personalized style options, helping it gain even more traction in the marketplace.

Body styles on the Chevelle 300 Deluxe included a coupe, hardtop coupe, sedan, and Nomad wagon. The Deluxe coupe was approximately $75 higher than its Chevelle 300 Series coupe sibling, and the Nomad was $110 higher. The sedan had a base price of $2,445 and the hardtop coupe listed for $2,480. Of the circa-43,200 examples of the Deluxe 300 produced, 17,700 buyers selected the eight-cylinder option.

The Chevelle Malibu was the top-of-the-line non-high performance car in the Chevelle lineup. The Malibu, in period, was traditionally Chevelle's most popular series. All five body styles in this trim series wore a distinctive roofline and every lien and curve was clean and compatible. They wore unique taillamps, with the back-up lights repositioned into the back bumper. Malibu script could be found on the front fender sides and chrome trim ran along the front feature line. They had additional window frame accents and twin pinstripes along the upper side feature line. Inside, they had a deluxe steering wheel, hide-away two-speed wipers, illuminated heater controls, ignition alarm system, crank-operated ventipanes, side marker lights, wheel covers, and high-level ventilation. They had all-vinyl seating, a lockable glovebox with light, extra-thick foam-cushioned seats, and wall-to-wall carpeting. The Malibu's were further enhanced with chrome wheel lip moldings, black-accented wheel openings, and black-trimmed lower body accents.

The Malibu was available in virtually every conceivable body style, including the popular El Camino car/pickup hybrid. Options included a sedan, hardtop coupe, hardtop sedan, convertible and station wagon. The sedan listed for $2,530 with the six and the V8 added approximately $100 to the base price. The hardtop coupe had a base price of $2,560, the hardtop sedan at $2,930, the convertible at $2,760, and the station wagon at $2,850. Approximately 266,400 examples of the Malibu were produced in 1968, with around 233,200 fitted with eight-cylinder power.

The Chevelle Concours Custom Station Wagon was a four-door, six-passenger wagon priced at $2,975 with the six-cylinder engine and $3,065 with the base V8. Compared to the other station wagon body styles throughout the Chevelle line, the Concours Estate added additional luxury and standard features. The Chevelle Concours Estate had an all-vinyl upholstery, lighted glove box light, extra-thick foam-cushioned seats, simulated walnut exterior side and rear paneling, and hideaway two-speed wipers. Other items - including all GM safety features - included chrome wheel lip moldings and a special oval steering wheel with the horn tabs.

The high-performance option on the Chevelle was the SS-396. These had a floor-mounted shift, vinyl upholstery, carpeting, and rode on F70-14 four-ply rated special Red Stripe (or White Stripe) tires. They had concealed windshield wipers, full wheel covers with SS center medallions, and SS-396 identification at grille and latch panel centers. Power came from a 396 cubic-inch V8 offering 325 horsepower.

The Chevelle 300 models came with an inline-six with overhead valves and rated at 140 horsepower. An option 307 cubic-inch V8 was also available, offering 200 horsepower. The wheelbase sizes included a short 112-inches or a slightly larger 116-inches. The two-door coupe had a base price of $2,340 with the six or $2,445 with the standard eight. The Nomad wagon was priced at $2,625 with the six and $2,730 with the eight. Approximately 12,600 examples of the Chevelle 300 coupe were produced in 1968, including circa-2,900 with the V8s. The Nomad Wagon production total was included with the Chevelle station wagon totals, including the Chevelle Malibu, Chevelle Concours, and Chevelle 300 Deluxe. The combined station wagon total was around 45,500 units with the majority (34,800) equipped with V8 engines.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2013