Buzz
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The Chevy SS 396 rose to become America's favorite muscle car, largely due to its fresh 1968 redesign. Explore more images of classic muscle cars.The 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 represented the ultimate accessible muscle car for the average driver. Known for its dependability and reasonable cost, the three-year design cycle initiated by the 1968 model outsold all other high-performance vehicles of its era, dominating the competition.
Muscle Car Image Gallery
For 1968, GM's two-door intermediate models featured a three-inch reduction in wheelbase and sleek new designs. The Chevy midsize muscle car returned with a 396-cid V-8 engine, a robust suspension, and F70X14 wide-oval tires, priced at just $2,875. While the interior was updated, bucket seats were an optional $111 upgrade. Popular add-ons included power front disc brakes ($100), Positraction ($42), and accent stripes ($30).
©2007 The factory-installed tachometer on the 1968 Chevelle SS 396 was mounted in the dashboard, making it difficult to read. As a result, many muscle car enthusiasts opted to install an aftermarket tachometer on the steering column, as seen in this excellent example.The base Turbo-Jet 396 engine delivered 325 bhp, while an additional $105 upgraded it to the 350-bhp L34 variant. The powerful 375-bhp L78 engine, absent since late 1966, made a comeback on the official options list. Featuring solid lifters, large-port heads, and an 800-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor on a low-rise aluminum manifold, it was available for a modest $237. A three-speed manual transmission was standard across all engines, with a four-speed manual or automatic transmission as optional upgrades. Axle ratios ranged from 2.73:1 for highway driving to dealer-installed 4.88:1 drag gears.
©2007 Doug Mitchel The L78 variant of the 396 engine was equipped with solid lifters, large-port heads, and an 800-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor mounted on a low-rise aluminum manifold.Chevy still hadn't perfected the suspension on the SS 396: it offered a stiff ride while allowing the front end to bounce excessively over bumps. Additionally, the Muncie four-speed transmission lacked the smoothness of the Hurst shifters found in some competing models.
However, with the L78 engine under the hood, the SS 396 could hold its own against most rivals. It idled roughly but delivered explosive acceleration. As Patrick Bedard recalled in a 1990 Car and Driver retrospective on top muscle cars: "If you pulled up next to an SS 396 back then, you paid close attention. If you heard the distinct clatter of sixteen small hammers—the sound of solid lifters—you knew the driver meant business."
In 1968, Chevrolet produced 62,785 SS 396 Chevelles, with only a small number equipped with the high-performance L78 engine, which wasn't suited for everyone.
Return to the Classic Muscle Cars Library.
- Chevy muscle cars embodied the essence of high-performance, large-displacement engines. Explore profiles, photos, and specifications of these iconic vehicles.
- Muscle cars came in a variety of styles and sizes. Discover features on over 100 muscle car models, complete with photos and detailed specifications.
- Muscle cars developed a unique culture. Dive into the history and mechanics by reading How Muscle Cars Work.
These profiles of muscle cars include photos and detailed specifications for each model:
- The 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator emerged from the Mustang's shadow with its bold stripes and spoiler.
- Make way for the legendary 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi, one of the most formidable muscle cars ever built.
- The 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am blended sports-car agility with the raw power of a muscle car.
- The rare and powerful 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was defined by its all-aluminum, race-proven V-8 engine.
For more details about cars, check out these related articles:
- The engine is the heart of a muscle car, defining its bold character. To understand everything about car engines, explore How Car Engines Work.
- Horsepower is the lifeblood of muscle cars. Discover what horsepower truly means in How Horsepower Works.
- NASCAR race cars exemplify the muscle car ethos of raw power. Learn about the mechanics of these high-speed machines in How NASCAR Race Cars Work.
- If you're considering purchasing a 2007 muscle car or any other vehicle, consult Consumer Guide Automotive's New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information for insights.
Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 112.0
Weight, lbs: 4,160
Number built: 62,785
Base price: $2,899
Top Available Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 396
Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 375 @ 5600
Torque @ rpm: 415 @ 3600
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 6.5
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 14.5 @ 100
