There’s something about the look of a Chevelle… hardtop or convertible. The muscular design of these cars is instantly recognizable. Most of us have the memory of a Chevrolet Chevelle running around in our heads somewhere. When I spotted this ’68 Chevelle SS Convertible for $9k, I thought it would be a good candidate for this article. The 1968 Chevelle SS Convertibles like this are rare. Little over 2000 were produced in ’68, making this car unique. This Chevelle has a clear title and needs some attention to make it road worthy again. On the market, restored examples can quickly sail north of $50,000. That makes taking a look at this SS all the more interesting.
F.Y.I. Chevrolet redesigned the Chevelle for 1968. Adding a long hood and resculpting the rear would give the ’68-’72 Chevelle some of its most defining features.
Automotive: The 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster has an estimated value of more than $8 million.
In the Movies: The 1968 Chevelle has been seen in movies like “Bad Boys II” in 2003 and the hit television show “Mad Men.”
In Music: “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding was at the top of the Billboard Charts in March 1968.
Fun Fact: Elliot Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, began to produce die-cast toy cars to complete with the industry leader Matchbox made by Lesney Products. Mr. Handler called the toy cars Hot Wheels.
1968 INDY 500 Winner: Bobby Unser
1968 Daytona 500 Winner: Cale Yarborough
Repair or Replace
1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS Convertible
- ’68 Convertible SS – 2,286 built
- $9,000 (needs restored)
Current Pricing: $50,000+
Quick Look Paint:
- Complete Paint=
- Fenders x2-
- Quarters x2-
- Doors x2-
- Rockers x2-
- Hood-
- Decklid-
- Add for jams on all parts-
- Undercoating-
- Misc-$$$$-
- Materials=
=(Paint) Labor and materials – 5-10K+
Quick Look Body:
- Floors(full) – $600 list
- Trunk Pan (full) – $450
- Lower Quarters x2 – $250
- Rear Tail Brace – $100
- Convertible Top plus Frame – $3k+
- Misc – $$$$
- Labor (restoration) 250+ hrs
=(Body) Labor and materials – 15k+
Quick Look Total: (Body, Paint, Parts, Materials, Etc.) – $20k+ Rebuild it!
So that’s $20k assuming a $5 paint job which brings the total to $29k. Your not going to get $50k unless every other aspect of the car is 110% restored so if your in it to make money this isn’t the car.
That said, if you love 68 Chevelles and you do this for the love of the hobby, go for it!
I wouldn’t say I choose cars for these articles based on making money after a build. I’d say I try and use cars that would be better off restored than put inside a car crusher and recycled into nails. This one seemed like a good fit. Thanks for taking the time to read the article and comment. Much appreciated!