1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 With a 402 and a Four-Speed

The inherent sportiness and utility already designed and engineered into the El Camino could be ratcheted up a notch or more by ordering the SS 396 version. An 8 in the third position of the VIN identifies this example as a 1968 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396. It features a swapped-in 402 with some high-performance bolt-ons added, a four-speed, a rebuilt suspension, and a color change from turquoise to dark blue.  Its seller, who purchased the vehicle in 2005 through Hemmings Motor News, says, Since I've owned it, it has been garaged, never raced, and driven only in the summer on Cape Cod, and never in the rain. It may not be the best example, but it's better than most. The 396 engine was replaced by a 1970 402-cu.in. OHV V8 by the previous owner, the seller notes. I know little about it, except it runs very well. He has since had a Holley 750-cfm carburetor with an electric choke, a Weiand aluminum manifold, and a new electronic ignition, plug wires, fan clutch, and Optima battery installed. Headers and dual exhausts with Flowmaster mufflers and bright tips evacuate the remains of the combustion process.  He recently had the engine bay professionally re-wired, and a new windshield wiper motor was installed. After one pump on the gas pedal and a turn of the key, the engine cranks over once and starts right up. I have only used a top-tier fuel with the highest octane. There's occasional oil spotting from the rear main seal. About 3,000 miles ago a new clutch was installed and the Muncie four-speed transmission was rebuilt. It received new bushings in its Hurst shift linkage this past summer, and there are no problems with shifting. A 12-bolt Positraction rear axle is fitted with 3.73:1 gears. Originally code-K Tripoli Turquoise, an older restoration by the previous owner resulted in a dark blue repaint, and the seller has since had some paint repair done on the roof. Overall, the finish is shiny, and there are no swirls, dents, or signs of rust, . However, there are several paint chips and a few scratches because this El Camino is a driver, not a show car. All of the glass and the seals are in good condition, and the exterior lighting works - The code-766 black vinyl bucket seats are in very good condition, the carpet isn't the best, and the headliner looks okay, the seller notes. Rewiring was done to the fuse box, the factory tach was reconditioned, the speedometer cable was replaced, and new lenses for the oil pressure, coolant temperature, and alternator gauges were installed. Those instruments, plus the heater and dome light, operate properly. A JVC radio with two auxiliary speakers behind the bucket seats and an aftermarket wood-rimmed steering wheel are present. - All four springs and shocks were replaced about five or six years ago and less than 3,000 miles ago, the seller reports. - the front end was rebuilt with new ball joints, bushings, and idler arm installed. He had aftermarket anti-roll bars bolted in to improve cornering. Factory power front disc/rear drum brakes work fine, and there are no problems with the 15-inch steel Rally wheels or the Goodyear Eagle tires, but their age is not specified and DOT date codes can't be seen in the photos. This Chevy tracks straight, has no leaks or play in its power steering, rides firmly but smoothly, and handles well.This 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 features mild mods to provide enhanced performance.