How many 1968 Chevelle SS 396 were made?
Around 22,000 units were produced, give or take. Exact totals depend on counting methods—whether you include convertibles, which engine ratings count as “SS 396,” and how you classify certain option packages. This article explains how historians and registries arrive at their estimates and where to look for the most precise data.
What defines the 1968 Chevelle SS 396?
In 1968, the Chevelle SS 396 was the high-performance variant of Chevrolet’s mid-size Chevelle lineup. It was offered in multiple body styles, most notably two-door sport coupe and two-door hardtop, with convertibles available in limited numbers. The “SS 396” designation referred to a 396 cubic inch V8 under the hood, paired with performance-oriented suspension, brakes, and trim cues that set it apart from the base Chevelle models. Engine options typically carried horsepower ratings around the 325–350 hp range, depending on configuration and emissions equipment.
Body styles and availability
- 2-door sport coupe (often the most common SS 396 configuration)
- 2-door hardtop (distinct from the sport coupe by roof design and trim)
- 2-door convertible (the rarest of the SS 396 body styles for 1968)
Counting by body style introduces variability, since convertibles were produced in far smaller numbers than coupes, and option packages could alter whether a given car bore the SS 396 badge.
Estimated production numbers by source
Various automotive historians and registries publish production estimates for the 1968 SS 396, but there is no single official tally published by Chevrolet that is universally accepted by all researchers. The figures cited below reflect commonly referenced ranges in enthusiast literature and registries.
- Hemmings Motor News: Generally places the total SS 396 production for 1968 in the low-to-mid 20,000s, with figures commonly cited around 21,000–23,000 units depending on counting conventions.
- The Chevelle Registry (enthusiast registry): Notes that totals vary by body style and option codes; most researchers converge on roughly the same ballpark (late teens to low 20,000s), but precise tallies depend on how you count convertibles and partial-option cars.
- GM Heritage Center and official factory records: Comprehensive data exists, but public access is limited; researchers often cite a figure in the same general range as above, acknowledging there is no single published official total for every variant.
Because sources differ in methodology—including whether certain “SS” cars built with alternative trim levels are included—the grand total commonly cited by historians sits around the low 20,000s, with approximately 22,000 being a frequently cited mid-point.
How to verify precise counts for a specific car
For collectors seeking an exact tally for a particular vehicle, primary documentation and cross-referencing across registries are essential. The following steps outline a rigorous approach to pin down a precise count.
- Locate the original build sheet (Fisher Body build sheet) or EQUIPMENT PACKAGE sticker from the car, which records the factory-installed options at the time of assembly.
- Decode the VIN and option codes to confirm SS 396 status and specific engine/trim details for that car.
- Consult GM Heritage Center data or archived factory records for the plant and production window in which the car was built, if accessible.
- Cross-check with reputable registries (such as The Chevelle Registry) and donor documentation (dealer invoices, sale records) to corroborate the build data and production date.
Note: The label “SS 396” can appear with varying option packages across the Chevelle lineup; documentation is key to confirming whether a particular car fits a precise subset of SS 396 production.
Bottom line for collectors
For most purposes, collectors and historians treat the 1968 Chevelle SS 396 as a relatively small, high-demand subset of the Chevelle line. Because official, publicly published totals are not uniformly standardized, the prevailing consensus places the 1968 SS 396 production in the low-to-mid 20,000s, with around 22,000 serving as a commonly cited midpoint. Precise counts for a given car require primary source verification and cross-referencing multiple reputable databases.
Summary
The 1968 Chevelle SS 396 occupies a prominent niche in American muscle-car history. While there isn’t a single definitive official figure for total production, most credible estimates cluster around the low-to-mid 20,000s, with about 22,000 frequently referenced as a central estimate. For collectors seeking exact numbers, the best approach is to pull original build data, decode VINs and options, and consult established registries and factory records to triangulate the car’s precise production tally.
