1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 Convertible Custom

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized automobile that was produced by Chevrolet in three generations for the 1964 through 1978 model years. Part of the General Motors (GM) A-body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet's most successful nameplates. Body styles included coupes, sedans, convertibles, and station wagons. The Chevelle Super Sport, or SS, represented Chevrolet's entry into the muscle car market.

The Chevelle burst out of the gate for 1968 with modernized long-hood and short-deck, riding on a shorter 112-inch wheelbase. Of course, the Chevelle SS 396 was brimming with image, thanks to taut lines augmented by a black-accented grille, lower body, and tail panel; "SS 396" emblems inside and out; and a "twin-domed" hood.

For 1968, the Chevelle SS 396 started at $2,899 for the sport coupe and $3,102 for the convertible. This is one of only 57,595 Chevelle SS 396s produced for 1968 — of which only 2,286 were convertibles!

This car started life as a Chevelle SS 396 and still has the SS 396 badging on the front, back, and above the glove box. But this car was beautifully restored and customized by Alexander "Ski" Orzechowski. In addition to improving performance with a 572 cubic-inch crate engine, he also added custom upholstery, custom wheels and tires (extra wide rear tires), tilt steering wheel, modern gauges, air conditioning, and more.

572 cubic-inch Chevy ZZ572 V-8 engine

621 horsepower

4-speed manual transmission

112-inch wheelbase