The 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS stands as one of the most quintessential examples of the American muscle car era, representing a year of refined styling and formidable big-block performance. This specific example, a factory 138-code Super Sport, has undergone a meticulous frame-off restoration by the renowned Larry Woodall, ensuring every component meets world-class standards. Carrying its original matching-numbers 396 CI V-8, the vehicle serves as a high-fidelity time capsule of Chevrolet’s engineering peak. Crossing the block at Indy 2026, this Black-on-Black Chevelle offers the rare combination of documented authenticity and show-quality craftsmanship that elite collectors demand.
Deep Black Silhouette and Super Sport Refinement
The visual character of this 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is defined by its Coke-bottle proportions and the aggressive, forward-leaning stance that characterized the second year of the first-generation body style. Finished in a sinister and mirror-like Black, the car features the distinctive twin-bulge hood and correct SS badging that set the Super Sport apart from its standard Malibu siblings. The frame-off restoration ensures that the chrome brightwork, from the front grille to the rear bumper guards, is flawless. This sinister aesthetic is complemented by a level of body fit and finish that surpasses factory standards, making the car a standout attraction under the lights of the Indy auction floor.
Black Vinyl Cabin and Factory Gauge Integration
Inside, the cabin remains true to its factory specifications, featuring a complete Black interior that mirrors the car’s monochromatic exterior theme. The driver-centric environment is highlighted by a tilt steering column and the highly sought-after factory tachometer and gauge package. Every detail, from the AM/FM radio to the bucket seats, reflects the precision of the Woodall restoration. The interior manages to balance the raw, mechanical feel of a 1960s muscle car with the premium appointments that defined the Super Sport trim. It is a space designed for the purist, offering a tactile connection to the car’s high-performance heritage through its Hurst-equipped Muncie shifter and original instrumentation.
Matching-Numbers 396 V-8 and Muncie 4-Speed Manual
The heart of the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is its original, matching-numbers 396 CI V-8 engine, a powerhouse that delivers 325 hp/330 PS and 410 lb-ft/556 Nm of torque. This legendary “Turbo-Jet” engine is paired with a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission, providing the analog engagement that defines the big-block experience. Power is delivered to the pavement through a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end, ensuring the drivetrain can handle the torque of the 396. The driving dynamics are further refined by power steering and power brakes, allowing for confident control despite the car’s immense output. The mechanical restoration ensures that the power delivery is linear and the gear changes are crisp, perfectly preserving the car’s original performance DNA.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Original Matching-Numbers 396 CI V-8 |
| Transmission | Muncie 4-Speed Manual |
| Rear End | 12-Bolt Differential |
| VIN Prefix | 138 (Factory Super Sport) |
| Restoration | Frame-Off by Larry Woodall |
| Interior Features | Factory Tachometer, Gauges, Tilt Column |
| Odometer | 97,000 Miles (Indicated) |
Market Position and the Factory 138 VIN Premium
The 1967 Chevelle SS occupies a dominant market position, frequently benchmarked against the Pontiac GTO and the Plymouth GTO. However, the “138” VIN designation of the factory Super Sport provides a level of investment security that few other muscle cars can match. In the current 2026 market, matching-numbers examples with high-tier restorations, such as those performed by Larry Woodall, are viewed as blue-chip assets. This car’s unique selling point is its uncompromising authenticity and its sinister color combination, positioning it as a marquee lot for the Friday session. As collectors increasingly prioritize documented hardware, this Chevelle represents a safe haven for capital and a centerpiece for any world-class collection.
Indy 2026 Stewardship and Documented Authenticity
Ownership of this Chevelle is anchored by its presentation at the Indy 2026 auction, where it appears as Lot N472 on Friday, May 15th. Carrying the VIN 138177B197541, the vehicle’s provenance as a genuine Baltimore-built Super Sport is undisputed. The restoration quality ensures that the next steward inherits a vehicle prepared for the highest levels of competition or open-road enjoyment. For the buyer, this Chevelle represents more than just a car; it is a turn-key opportunity to own a world-class example of Chevrolet’s muscle car peak, offering a level of mechanical transparency and aesthetic quality that justifies its status as a premier lot in the Friday sequence.
A Final Look at a Big-Block Masterpiece
The 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a physical manifestation of a time when the American muscle car reached its stylistic and mechanical zenith. By merging the matching-numbers 396 V-8 with a flawless Black-on-Black restoration, Chevrolet created a machine that remains as relevant today as it was nearly sixty years ago. This 138-code icon stands as a proud representative of the brand’s heritage as a leader in high-performance engineering. Whether it is destined for a national show circuit or a spirited drive on a Saturday morning, this Chevelle remains a permanent icon of the automotive landscape that will never go out of style.
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Source: mecum.com
