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Draft:1968 Chevellle

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The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized automobile which was produced by Chevrolet in three generations from 1964 through 1978 model years. Part of the General Motors (GM) A-body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet's most successful nameplates. The 1968 Chevelle marked the beginning of the car's second generation and introduced several significant design and performance changes.

Design and Features The 1968 Chevelle featured a complete redesign that emphasized a more streamlined and modern aesthetic. This year marked a departure from the previous year's squared-off appearance to a more curvaceous body style. The wheelbase was reduced from 115 inches to 112 inches (for the coupes and convertibles), and the car's length was slightly reduced as well.

Notable design features included:

Coke bottle styling: The 1968 Chevelle adopted the "Coke-bottle" profile, characterized by a narrow midsection and flared wheel arches.

New front and rear ends: The front end featured a pointed nose, while the rear end showcased new taillights integrated into the bumper, notably thinner than the following years.

Interior updates: The interior was updated with a more modern dashboard design and improved instrumentation.

Models and Variants The 1968 Chevelle was available in several body styles, including:2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 2-door convertible, 4-door station wagon,

Trim levels ranged from the base Chevelle 300 and 300 Deluxe to the more luxurious Malibu. The Super Sport (SS) model was available as a separate series for the first time and included distinctive styling cues and performance enhancements.

Performance The 1968 Chevelle offered a variety of engines to suit different performance needs. Engine options included:

Inline-6: A 230 cubic inch (3.8L) or 250 cubic inch (4.1L) inline-six engine. Small-block V8: The small-block V8 options ranged from the 307 cubic inch (5.0L) to the 327 cubic inch (5.4L) and 350 cubic inch (5.7L) engines. Big-block V8: The big-block V8 engines included the 396 cubic inch (6.5L) engine, which was available in several power outputs, ranging from 325 to 375 horsepower. The SS 396 model was equipped with the 396 cubic inch V8 engine and included additional performance features such as heavy-duty suspension, power front disc brakes, and a stronger rear axle.

Reception and Legacy: The 1968 Chevelle was well-received by both critics and consumers. Its new styling, improved performance, and wide range of options made it a popular choice among mid-sized cars with over 300,000 sold. The SS 396 model, in particular, became an icon of the muscle car era and is highly sought after by collectors today.

The 1968 Chevelle played a crucial role in establishing the Chevelle as a key player in the muscle car market and helped to cement Chevrolet's reputation for producing high-performance vehicles.

Collectability Today, the 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle remains a beloved classic among car enthusiasts and collectors. Well-preserved and restored models, especially the SS 396, command high prices at auctions and are often featured at car shows and events. The car's timeless design and historical significance continue to attract new generations of fans.