Holy Grail L78 1967 Chevelle SS396 Surfaces Hidden in the Mountains of East Tennessee 55 Years!!!

Arguably the most desired Chevelle ever made is the 1970 SS454 LS6. It was far more powerful than a HEMI-powered Mopar, with a 454 cubic inch (7.4-liter) big-block V8 rated at a whooping 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet (678 Nm) of torque. Indeed, I can understand the appeal.

That’s not all, though. Because the big motor was only installed in 4,475 cars—both Chevelles and El Caminos—the LS6 is even more of a rare classic. While it may not seem like a small number, it is becoming more difficult to locate intact examples since many are being destroyed or let to decay in backyards.

Additionally, depending on the options and condition, Chevelle LS6s can sell for anywhere from $170,000 and $250,000 at public auctions.

If it wasn’t already very unusual, there is an even more elusive holy grail Chevelle out there. I am referring about the 1967 SS396 that was fitted with the L78 V8 engine.

The 396-cubic-inch (6.5-liter) L78 was the most powerful unit offered that year, however it wasn’t as strong as the LS6. With 375 horsepower, the SS396 was able to match the majority of Ford and Chrysler’s muscle cars.

However, sales of this engine did not take off, and only 612 units were produced. Experts on Chevelle cars claim that every one of them was constructed between May and July of 1967. By 2022, many fewer of those will remain. It is therefore quite significant anytime an RPO L78 appears.

As an example, Patrick Glenn Nichols, an expert on Chevelle SS cars, just discovered what may be the best untouched and unaltered SS396 L78 available.

This is an example of Marina Blue.

When the Chevelle was brought back to life two or three years ago, it was discovered to be an original survivor that had not been repaired. The vehicle had flat tires and a rat infestation when it was taken out of storage, but it has now been restored and is back on the road.

And everything else was preserved in factory condition, even if the carpets were changed and the seats were reupholstered. Yes, the engine, transmission, and rear end are all number-matching, and the still-bright paint is a whooping 55 years old as of 2022.

Although Nichols claims that this is the best L78 survivor he has seen so far, it isn’t the type of classic that would get beauty prizes on its own. Furthermore, that it’s among the most elegant Chevelles ever produced. A sacred

Even better, at only 68,000 miles (109,435 km), it’s a reasonably low-mileage classic, and the L78 V8 makes a beautiful sound and runs smoothly when the gas pedal is pressed.