1968 Chevelle
Welcome to the definitive factory decoding guide and technical reference for the 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle. Launching the second-generation A-body platform with a shortened 112-inch wheelbase, dramatically sculpted fastback roofline, and prominent semi-fastback stance, the 1968 Chevelle fundamentally reshaped muscle car styling. Highlighted by the standalone SS 396 series (13837/13867) housing the potent L35, L34, and high-output L78 396 V8 engines, this model year stands as an all-time classic. Whether you are authenticating a genuine 138 VIN SS 396, decoding a Fisher Body cowl tag, or restoring a Chevelle 300, 300 Deluxe, Nomad, Malibu, El Camino, station wagon, sport coupe, or convertible, this site provides factory-correct data. Explore full reference breakdowns for VIN plates, engine suffix codes, interior trim combinations, exterior paint colors, rear axle ratios, power teams, and RPO production totals to accurately identify, decode, and restore your 1968 Chevy Chevelle.
Chevelle or El Camino?
Decoding Information Links
- Engine Suffix Codes ~ 396 Production Numbers & Pad
Listing of engine ID codes for size, horsepower, and transmission type. - Engine Horsepower/Torque Specifications
Table of standard and optional engine horsepower ratings and torque specifications - Exterior/Interior Color Combinations & Convertible/Vinyl Top Colors
Exterior paint colors and recommended interior trim codes. - Fisher Body Number Plate Decoding
Decode your Fisher Body Number Plate (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Fisher Body Number Plate General Breakdown
General decoding of Fisher Body Number Plates (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Is it an SS396?
How to tell if a 1968 Chevelle is a true SS396. - Interior Trim Codes – BOP Alternate Interiors
Listing of several BOP Alternate interior trim tags, plants, and body dates. - Interior Trim Codes
Listing of all interior trim codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Interior Paint Colors
Ditzler interior paint colors. - Interior Trim Combination Chart
Listing from GM parts book on all Chevrolet trim numbers, materials, and applications. - Paint Codes
Listing of all exterior paint codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards
Decoding Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards ~ See samples via Chevelle and El Camino links below. - Rear Axle Codes
Axle ratio, date, manufacturing plant. - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate Breakdown
Generic decoding of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plates.
Other 1968 Reference Material Links
- Build sheet ~ Body & Chassis Broadcast Copy
Examples of several variations - Trim Tag Examples
Examples of every assembly plant’s trim tags for Chevelle and El Camino. - Trim Tag Analysis
Analysis and breakdown of trim tag formats for the various assembly plants. - Engine Photos
Partial VIN stampings – Production Numbers of 396 V8 Engines - Interior Photos ~ Bench Seat
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Interior Photos ~ Bucket Seat
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous paperwork/dimensions/weights/model identification. - Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet
Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet - Options by Quantity/Cost
Options listed by RPO and, where known or suspected, quantity sold and original costs. - Options by Series/Model Number
Options listed by RPO and series/model the RPO was available on. - Physical Year Calendar Weeks
January 1 through December 31 - Power Teams
Engine, transmission, rear end combinations - Production Year Calendar
August of 1967 to July of 1968. - Production Numbers By Plant
Last VIN reported by GM for each assembly plant. - Production Numbers By Series/Model
How many of each style, model, and engine type (L6 vs. V8) was produced. - Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment
Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment by Chevelle series. - Steering Wheels/Door Panels/Instrument Panel
Different steering wheels, door panels, & instrument panel by Chevelle series. - Trim, Moldings, and Front Sheet Metal
Part numbers from GM Parts & Accessories Book. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ Chevelle
Examples of Chevelle Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ El Camino
Examples of El Camino Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - 1968 Chevelle Sport Coupe, Convertible, Coupe, & Station Wagon Photo Gallery
Photos of 1968 Chevelles in almost every color offered. - 1968 Chevelle El Camino Photo Gallery
Photos of 1968 Chevelle El Caminos in almost every color offered. - Chevelle Dealer Brochures
A variety of 1968 Chevelle dealer brochures. - Beaumont Dealer Brochures
A variety of 1968 Beaumont dealer brochures. - 1968 Trivia
Just for fun stuff.