A black 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS convertible with a 496-cubic-inch big-block V8 and a four-speed manual is for sale at Freije & Freije Auctioneers’ Fall Big Boy Toy Auction, hosted by The Auto Dealers Exchange in Indianapolis on October 30–31. Offered as Lot 78409, this drop-top Chevelle pairs the long-hood, short-deck look that made the ’68 a muscle-car icon with modern upgrades that make it every bit as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at.
For 1968, Chevrolet gave the Chevelle an all-new body with a shorter 112-inch wheelbase for two-door models, a longer hood and sweeping “Coke bottle” hips, a design that carried the nameplate into the 1970s (see our look at a 1971 Chevelle listed as a survivor). With the top folded down, those lines have nothing to interrupt them, and the gloss black paint on this black drop-top Chevelle shows off every curve from the bumper to the tail.
A 496 Big-Block Powers This 1968 Chevelle SS Convertible
Lift the hood and the reason for the big grin becomes clear. A 496-cubic-inch big-block Chevy V8 sits in the bay, topped with an aluminum intake and breathing through aluminum heads. Headers feed a dual exhaust, so this Chevelle should sound just as serious as it looks.
The grille still wears the classic SS 396 emblem, but with 100 extra cubic inches behind it, the badge is the most modest thing about this car. Power goes through a four-speed manual transmission, giving the driver the kind of hands-on, row-your-own engagement that defined the muscle-car era.
Polished American Racing aluminum wheels give the car a timeless period-correct-meets-pro-touring stance, and behind them sit four-wheel power disc brakes. That’s a meaningful upgrade over 1968’s factory setup and a welcome one on a big-block Chevelle with this much power on tap.
Perhaps the most practical upgrade is the four-corner air ride suspension. Air tanks and plumbing are neatly fitted in the trunk, allowing the owner to drop the SS low for shows and raise it up for real-world roads, speed bumps and driveways.
Inside, black bucket seats flank a center console, keeping the classic SS cabin layout intact. It’s a clean, purposeful space that looks the part of a 1960s muscle car, and the open-air cockpit of this Freije & Freije lot makes every drive feel like an event.
When the weather turns, a power convertible top raises at the touch of a switch, which makes this Super Sport far easier to live with than a manual-top car. It’s a convertible built to be driven to cruise nights, car shows and weekend backroads rather than simply admired from a distance.
The Chevelle is scheduled to cross the block during Day 2, Session 2 of the classic and collector car auction on Saturday afternoon, October 31, with online bidding opening October 30 at noon EDT. A 10% buyer’s premium applies, plus a 2.5% fee for online bidders, and full details and photos are available on the Freije & Freije lot page.
The Fall Big Boy Toy Auction hosted by The Dealer Exchange will be held October 30-31 in Indianapolis, Indiana. With memorabilia and great classic and collector cars on offer, make sure to visit their website to see the lots and get registered to bid. If you are in the area, and would like to consign your car space is still available.
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Shawn Henry