Really, history? For what purpose? You think a Chevelle buyer wouldn't know this? At least get the history right.
History:
The Chevelle was introduced on September 26, 1963 as a mid-sized vehicle
for the Chevrolet fleet. When introduced in 1963, its 327 cubic-inch
V8 engine producing 300 horsepower was no match for the 389 cubic-inch
V8 that the Pontiac GTO concealed under its hood. In the years that
followed, Chevrolet would answer the challenge with larger, more powerful
engines. In 1965, Chevrolet unleashed a limited edition 396, known as
the Z-16 package. The 201 examples that were produced featured 375 horsepower,
highly-modified suspension and power-assisted steering, and anti-roll
bars in the front and rear.
Chevrolet was catching up in the horsepower battle. In 1966, the 283
and 327 cubic-inch engines were no longer being offered. Rather, the
396 became the standard engine with the horsepower outputting between
325 to 375 depending on the configuration. The greater the horsepower
the vehicles received, the greater the need to modify the other components
of the vehicle. All Chevelles were outfitted with stiffer springs and
shocks to counter handling problems. The SS name was switched to SS396
to highlight the 396 cubic-inch engine lurking underneath the hood.
A new bumper, roof line, and dual hood scoops were applied to the vehicle
to give it an updated and more aggressive look.
(1) The 283 and 327 were still offered,
just not in the SS396 but that's not mentioned.
(2) The 396 became the standard engine in the SS396 series only but
no distinction made here either.
(3) All Chevelles were not outfitted with stiffer springs and shocks,
all SS396 Chevelles were.
(4) The SS name was not switched to SS396, the series was changed from
Malibu SS to SS396.
The 1967 Chevelle was available in several trim levels including the Chevelle 300, Chevelle 300 Deluxe, Chevelle Malibu, or Chevelle SS396. Each configuration could be ordered with a six cylinder (except SS) or V8 engine. Body style included 2 door sport coupes, 2 door sedans, 2 door convertibles, 4 door sedans, 2 door wagons, or 4 door wagons. Interiors could be optioned with either bucket seats or bench seats and were available in a variety of colors.
(1) The 2 door wagons were discontinued
in 1966, 1965 was the last year for the 2 door wagon.
(2) Interiors were not optioned with bench seats, bench seats were standard
in ALL Chevelles.
(3) Only Malibu sport coupes, convertibles, and pickups as well as SS396
sport coupes and convertibles could order bucket seats as an option.
To complement the wide variety of available colors were several drivetrain
combinations that could be opted for on the 1967 Chevelle. Base power
included one of two available six cylinder engines. Buyers who wanted
more power could select a V8. Big blocks were in abundance with the
regular availability of a 396 cubic inch engine which boasted 325 horsepower,
or optional 350 hp and 375 hp configurations. Manual transmissions were
either 3-speeds or 4-speeds, while automatic transmissions were either
the 2 speed Powerglide or 3-speed TH400.
About 404,000 1967 Chevelles were produced.
About this Car
Year: 1967
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Chevelle SS396
Engine: L35 396-325hp Original, numbers matching (only
2565 produced)
Tranny: Turbo400 3spd Automatic -- the original M40 tranny comes with
the car
Color: Capri Cream
Interior: Gold
Factory Air (C60)
Power Steering (N40)
Bucket seats with console
Mileage: 141,000 (corroborated by paperwork and believed to be accurate)
VIN#: 138177Zxxxxxx
1 = Chevrolet
38 = V8 Engine SS 396
17 = 2 door coupe
7 = model year 67
Z = Mfg. Plant Fremont, CA
xxxxxx = production #xx,xxx
The figure of L35 engines cited were optional
L35 engines available as options ONLY in the two V8 El Camino series,
13480 and 13680. The El Camino was the only body style that could optionally
order the L35, L34, or L78 engine. There were 63,006 SS 396 Chevelles
sold in 1967 (59,685 sport coupes and 3,321 convertibles). The two optional
engines (L34 and L78) were available in the SS396 series as well as
the El Camino. The L34 sold 17,176 units and the L78 sold 612 units
for a total of 17,778 optional 396 engines. Even assuming NO L34 or
L78 was installed in the El Camino (which, of course, many were), that
leaves 45, 218 SS396 Chevelles being ordered with the base L35 engine.
The '38' series number was used in both the SS396 and the Concours station
wagon. Minor point, but not all 1967 '138' Chevelles were SS396 cars.
Bottom line, if you feel the need to cite the history of a car, at least get the history correct.