Chevrolet’s Chevelle nameplate came to be in 1963, as the brand’s new mid-sizer. The name meaning ‘Bold and Beautiful’, was built on the automaker’s new A-platform, and was the riposte to Ford’s Fairlane. With a production run of three generations over fourteen years, the Chevelle was a mainstay in Chevy’s Sixties and Seventies line-ups, and gained extensive exposure in NASCAR between 1973 and 1977. If you’re after a Chevelle with a twist, here’s a nicely resto-modded 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle LT1 which reportedly saw a refresh around eight years ago.

Exterior and Interior

This 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle LT1 is from the second generation which saw no less than eight body styles, including hardtops, coupes, convertibles, sedans, and station wagons. Sporting the hardtop body style and wearing a lustrous Metallic Dark Red paintjob, the car looks sublime with its 15-inch rally-style wheels, SS badging and dual exhausts. Lighting and chrome detailing all appear to be in great condition, and this really is a turn-key classic that doesn’t seem to need much, if any work done to it post-purchase. Venture aboard and the black interior is in good form as well. You’ve got low-back seating for four occupants of which the front are bucket seats, and a three-spoked sporty steering wheel with the Chevrolet emblem, and the red, white, and blue colors of the automaker on the center cap. Ahead of the steering wheel lies a set of white-faced Dakota Digital gauges that seamlessly sit within the original gauge pods. There’s also air conditioning which is welcome since summer is coming along, and a retro-styled Chevrolet-branded push button radio. Wind up windows complete the period-correct outlook. The trunk upholstery appears to be in decent condition as well.

Engine

The second generation of Chevelle could be had with ten powerplant options during its heyday, ranging from a 230ci Turbo-Thrift in-line six, all the way to a 454ci Big-Block V8 bad boy. However, this 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle LT1 has seen an upgrade under the hood in the shape of a more modern Chevrolet LT1 350ci V8. Produced in the 1990s, this engine found its way under the hood of the contemporary C4 Corvette and Camaro Z/28 at the time. Outputs were rated at 300hp and 340lb-ft. Installed in this car, the engine sends drive to the rear wheels via a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission and 10-bolt rear end. Power steering has been installed, as has disc brakes on all four wheels with Hydroboost for enhanced steering and braking abilities.