1967 CHEVELLE 396 SS

1967 CHEVELLE 396 SS                                    NO 48

 

SS396 Engine rebuilt in 2010. Dyno tested at 375 HP -4 speed

Transmission rebuilt in 2010

Power steering                                Power disc brakes                         Very strong running car

Wheelbase: 112 in (2845 mm)     Curb Weight: 3256 lbs (1477 kg)

The 1967 Chevelle SS396 was a separate series from the 300, 300 Deluxe & Malibu series and can be readily identified by both the Fisher Body Number plate (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, etc.) and the Vehicle Identification plate (VIN).

The 1967 SS396 was available in both sport coupe (17) and convertible (67) models and the 396 cid Mark-IV engine was the base engine. The Fisher Body style numbers 13817 & 13867 and VINs beginning with 13817 & 13867 will note an SS396. As with all years of Super Sports, the VIN only depicts the base engine and does not indicate any optional engine choice. The base 396 engine was the (L35) 325hp engine with two optional 396 engines, a L34 350hp version and a L78 375hp version .

Contrary to popular belief bucket seats, gauges, and 4-speeds were not standard equipment. A front bench seat, no gauges (except speedometer, clock, and fuel gauge), and a 3-speed heavy duty floor shifted transmission were standard with the SS396.

The 1967 Chevelle SS 396

The Chevelle came into existence in 1964 intended to compete with the Ford Fairlane, and Plymouth Belvedere.  With a 115 inch (2,900 mm) wheelbase, the Chevelle was the same size as the very successful 1955-1957 Chevrolet Bel Air series.  In Canada, the Chevelle was the basis for the Canada-only Pontiac Beaumont.

For the 1967 A-bodies  GM designers took styling cues from supersonic fighters like the renowned Canadian CF105 Avro Arrow and Republic F-102 and came up with the so-called “coke bottle” design.  This can be seen in many of the most noteworthy GM cars during the Muscle Car Era.  These cars looked fast just sitting in the driveway and in the case of the one’s here at the Lang Collection, they are very fast on the highway too!

The 1967 models featured large wraparound tail lamps and a new rear end with standard back up lights. Chevrolet advertising claimed that the interior of the car will entice you to get behind the wheel and say good-bye to your everyday world.  Front disc brakes were available with a new dual master cylinder brake system incorporating a warning light. Other new safety equipment became available including a collapsible steering wheel.

The 396 cid (6.5 L) V8 was introduced in the 1965 Corvette as the L78 option and in the Z16 Chevelle as the L37 option.  It had a bore of 4.094 in (104.0 mm) and a stroke of 3.760 in (95.5 mm) and produced 375 hp (280 kW) and 410 lb-ft of torque. It was designed with an 800 cfm Holley carburetor, 11:1 compression, forged op-top pistons, aluminum high-rise intake manifold, steel crankcase, solid lifter cam, rectangular (square) port closed chamber heads, and four bolt main tops.  It produced 375 hp in the Chevelle (and all GM “A” bodies) and 425 hp in Corvettes.

One interesting note, in 1967 this 375 hp 396 cid version was dropped from the option list for Chevelle until late in the model year when it was returned with a total of only 612 such versions, including this one in the Lang Collection, being produced.  So far there was been no record available on how many of these 612 were convertibles. So, however you look at it this 1967 Chevelle SS 396 L37 is a rare automobile and we are privileged count among our collection.

                                              (Courtesy:  Chevy Chevelle: A Hstory)