The Chevelle was launched in 1964 to fill the mid-size void in Chevrolet’s lineup and, extra particularly, to compete with the Ford Fairlane. It was a flexible platform with two-door, four-door, and station wagon configurations, plus the El Camino was constructed upon it. 1964 was additionally the start of the muscle automotive craze, so Chevy developed a efficiency model often known as the Chevelle SS. Equipped with beefier suspensions and brakes, the SS automobiles finally had been fitted with a 396ci engine, which was the largest allowable, by GM’s arbitrary ban on massive engines in mid-size fashions.

The second era of the Chevelle started in 1968, with a very redesigned physique that the majority followers assume is the good trying of the automotive’s run. The SS, which had briefly turn into its personal sequence, went again to a efficiency package deal within the second-gen and, fortunately, GM lifted its massive displacement ban, so beginning in 1970, the mighty 454 engine could be had under the hood of a Chevelle. The 1968-1972 Chevelle SS is likely one of the best muscle automobiles of all time and probably the most collectible GM efficiency journey from the traditional period, which is one other approach of claiming they ain’t low-cost. Trans Am Worldwide leveraged this iconic standing to reimagine the Chevelle for 2024.

This information gives complete info supplied by the producer, Chevrolet. Additional knowledge for upkeep prices was sourced from CarEdge, and RepairPal, whereas reliability knowledge got here from Carsurvey.org. Average costs got here from Hagerty Valuation Tool, and Classic.com).

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Maintenance And Repairs

CarEdge would not have any related info on the upkeep and restore prices for 1968-1972 Chevelle SS automobiles, however they do calculate that it prices $6,460 to maintain a Chevy Malibu on the street for the primary ten years of service, with a 19.26 p.c likelihood of a significant restore in that point. RepairPal additionally solely has information on the Malibu, which has a $532 yearly upkeep price. On YourMechanic, the yearly common for the price of repairs on a Chevrolet of any sort is simply $349, which is healthier than virtually each different make.

Most Common Chevrolet Chevelle SS Problems Reported

• Power steering pump substitute
• Control arm meeting substitute
• Wheel bearings substitute
• Crankshaft seal substitute
• Oil pan gasket substitute

There truly are not any obvious points or widespread failures for the second-gen Chevelle SS. Most of the repairs listed by the varied reporting businesses contain regular routine upkeep that might be encountered in any motorcar, like air filter substitute, new shocks, and leaky seals or gaskets. There aren’t any expensive surprises that include Chevy SS possession.

Repairs And Pricing Info

People who personal classics just like the 1968-1972 Chevelle usually have some mechanical know-how and do many of the work themselves. Engines of that period are pretty easy and something wanting a whole rebuild is as simple as bolting on the substitute half. Also, there’s loads of room to get arms and instruments in there, so there is no have to pay a mechanic high greenback to repair something. The precise restore price for a second-gen Chevelle is restricted to components and the proprietor’s time.

Recalls And Safety Investigations

Chevrolet bought over two million Chevelles between 1968 and 1972, so it is fairly astounding that there have been solely 4 recollects in that point. Also, not one of the recollects had been main catastrophes nor did they contain faulty or harmful components. One was as a result of the sticker with tire strain info was put within the flawed place, and the opposite three had been attributable to the potential of some improperly put in linkage clips. One can be hard-pressed to search out one other automotive with a four-year trouble-free run like that.

Reliability, Running Costs, And Expected Mileage

J.D. Power would not fee the reliability of automobiles as outdated as a second-generation Chevelle SS and neither does CarEdge, however the actual world gives a fairly good gauge. Any automotive that is nonetheless working and driving after 50 years needs to be fairly stable. CarSurvey.org has a number of proprietor evaluations of Chevelles from 1968 by 1972 and there is not a thumbs down within the bunch. This is a mannequin that individuals love and a part of the reason being that they had been made virtually bullet-proof.

Reliability Rating: 9.5/10

Two 1968-1972 Chevelle SS homeowners supplied reliability scores on Carsurvey.org, totaling the typical reliability to 9.5 out of 10:

The person who gave a 9/10 reliability rating owns a 1970 Chevelle SS with the 454 LS6 engine and apparently dropped some extent as a result of she or he destroyed the four-speed transmission whereas sizzling rodding. The different evaluation comes from the unique proprietor of a 1969 Chevelle SS 396, and has nothing however good issues to say, commenting:

These automobiles are completely sturdy, most likely one of the best constructed of the muscle automobiles.

Running Costs: 4/10

Two 1968-1972 Chevelle SS homeowners supplied working prices scores on Carsurvey.org, totaling the typical reliability to 4 out of 10:

It’s not stunning that second-gen Chevelle SS automobiles have such a low working prices rating as a result of they’re packing large gas-guzzling American V-8s. The ’68 SS 396 will get a mixed 11,17 MPG, whereas the SS 454 is nearly two miles per gallon much less. Nobody buys a traditional Chevy muscle automotive for its gas effectivity.

Highest Miles Reported: 101,323

Two 1968-1972 Chevelle SS homeowners supplied the best variety of miles reported on Carsurvey.org, totaling the typical miles to 97,661.5:

There is not a single unhealthy ranking for the 1968-1972 Chevelle SS on CarSurvey.org. Any issues that homeowners have reported are both a results of them racing the hell out of their automobiles or easy upkeep that comes with a 50-year-old automotive. Every proprietor has commented one thing to the impact that it is the best journey they’ve ever owned, in addition to selling the Chevelle SS as one of the best muscle automotive ever constructed.

Pricing And Values

Valuation Highlights

The above numbers are from the Haggerty Valuation Tool for a 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS with a 454ci LS5 V-8, and fairly frankly, it looks as if a steal at each stage. Classic.com documented a ’71 SS 454 that bought for $195,000 and one other that’s listed for $249,000. Top-selling Chevelle SS automobiles from 1968-1972 vary in worth from $165,000 to $572,000. These, after all, are cherry examples with uncommon engine choices, however even a typical SS in honest situation can fetch over $50,000 at public sale.

What To Look For Before Buying

Buying a 1968-1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a significant funding, even when it is a challenge automotive, so it is crucial to go over a potential buy with a fine-toothed comb. Matching numbers matter, as does appropriate tools, it doesn’t matter what situation the stuff is in. It’s simpler to restore or refurbish unique components than it’s to search out and substitute them. The actuality is that a lot of issues on all traditional muscle automobiles have been swapped out for a lot much less cool rides.

First Thing To Look For

Rust is the obvious factor to search for on any traditional set of wheels as a result of they’re half a century outdated and undercoating did not use to be a normal function. Get below the Chevelle SS and search for holes within the flooring, but additionally any critical corrosion points with the body and suspension. Additionally, convey a magnet and verify the same old sizzling spots for lazy Bondo repairs. Just as a result of the automotive seems to be good does not imply it was restored appropriately.

Second Thing To Look For

If the Chevelle SS is a 1970 mannequin or later and has a 454ci V-8, it is vital to find out if the engine is an LS5 or LS6. Either approach, it will likely be a stable buy, however the LS6 is far more highly effective and uncommon, which when it comes to muscle automobiles additionally means it’s dearer. The issues that made the LS6 a 425-horsepower monster versus the 365 ponies of the LS5 are all inside, so the easiest way to inform is by trying on the engine block, which might not be the simplest factor on this planet to do. Then once more, a check drive must be a fairly good indicator of how a lot uncooked energy is below the hood.

Third Thing To Look For

The most vital factor to search for in a Chevelle SS is whether or not it’s truly an SS. SS automobiles are price far more than their equally geared up non-SS counterparts, so many individuals have faked them with after-market badging. A real 1968 SS shall be mirrored within the VIN, however from 1969 to 1972 it was a efficiency package deal and did not get a particular code on the fender tag. An unique construct sheet would assist resolve the issue, however not everybody has that, so bringing an professional alongside to find out if it is an SS is right, because the cues are refined and arcane.

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Is It Worth Buying A 1968-1972 Chevelle?

The Chevrolet Chevelle SS is likely one of the best muscle automobiles ever constructed, and the 1968-1972 second era was the last word avenue journey. For a collector or fanatic, selecting one up is a no brainer as a result of it’s price each cent, regardless of the situation. A totally-restored SS won’t ever go down in worth and any cash put right into a challenge automotive is not going to exceed its eventual price. From a pure enjoyment perspective, there’s really nothing more fun or eye-catching than burning down the avenue in a killer traditional journey, and even a superbly restored second-gen Chevelle SS prices lower than many fashionable efficiency autos that no one will take note of.