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Description
This particular car was imported to Sweden early in its life, in 1973 to be exact, and still retains its original Swedish registration documents. It has had a handful of owners over the years, most keeping the car for around five years. The previous owner had the longest stewardship, owning the car from 2005 until 2024, when it was purchased by the current owner.
Looking through the history file, invoices show that the engine underwent a full rebuild by Lindome Motorrenovering in 2001, at a cost of approximately SEK 15,000, a significant investment at the time.
8 x New pistons
Piston ring set
8 x New valves
Main bearing set
New oil pump
16 x New lifters
New timing set
Complete gasket set
Core/freeze plug kit
New oil pickup screen
16 x New pushrods
6 x New cylinder head bolts
Machine Work Performed
Engine block bored
Crankshaft machined/reconditioned
Cylinder heads rebuilt
Crankshaft balance
The car was repainted at some stage, most likely during the late 1980s or early 1990s, and is now finished in Black rather than its original factory Cordovan Maroon.
From 2005 until 2024, the car was owned by a well-known enthusiast of these models. I spoke with him directly, and he explained that when he purchased the car, the 396 big-block engine had already been rebuilt but the work had never been fully completed. During his ownership, he finished the rebuild, fitted a number of new ancillary components, and further improved the specification of the car.
The engine is not the original matching-numbers unit but a 396 cubic-inch big-block V8 originally rated at 325 hp. It has since been upgraded with a towing/performance camshaft, converted to run on unleaded fuel, and is now estimated to produce approximately 400 hp. Additional upgrades include a Holley 750 four-barrel carburetor mounted on an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, Edelbrock valve covers, an aftermarket tachometer, and a Piper exhaust system. The car is also fitted with the desirable 12-bolt rear differential.
Together, these upgrades give the car a more purposeful character and help the big-block V8 deliver an impressive amount of power and torque.
Included with the sale is a substantial collection of desirable spare parts, including a full set of new SS steel wheels, intake manifold, valve covers, original steering wheel, spare bonnet, and numerous additional components. The spare parts alone are estimated to have a value in excess of 50,000–60,000 SEK.
The current owner upgraded the car with a GM 700R4 four-speed automatic gearbox, making it a more relaxed and enjoyable cruiser. An original automatic console and shifter were sourced and fitted, maintaining a factory-style appearance. Recent work also includes new rear springs for improved ride comfort. The original manual gearbox is not included.
Tag decode
138378K228034
13837
1 = Chevrolet
38 = SS396 series
37 = 2-door Sport Coupe
8 = 1968 model year
K Kansas City, Missouri assembly plant
Trim 774 = Black Vinyl bucket seats
E-E = Cordovan Maroon exterior
Free history (12)
Technical data
Condition
-
Mechanical condition
Like many older high-performance V8s, the engine benefits from a few minutes of warm-up before driving. Once warmed through, it runs very well with a strong, healthy sound and no noticeable rattles or unwanted noises. The exhaust note is particularly impressive, perfectly matching the car’s muscle car character. The engine bay is clean and tidy, with numerous newer components fitted over the years.
The car is easy to drive, with the automatic gearbox shifting smoothly, solid braking performance, and stable road manners. It is inspection-exempt and ready to be enjoyed immediately.
Fitted with a desirable set of Boyds alloy wheels, the car also comes with a full set of new SS steel wheels. The current tyres are older but remain in good usable condition -
Interior condition
Interior is clean and well kept, with what appear to be the original vinyl seats in good condition and showing no significant damage. The carpets, door panels, headliner, and door cards are all well presented and complement the car's overall condition.
The dashboard is in good condition with no noticeable damage and retains its original gauges, supplemented by an aftermarket tachometer. The original steering wheel is also included with the sale should the next owner wish to return the interior to a more factory-correct appearance.
A modern radio and speaker system has been discreetly fitted for improved usability. Overall, the interior requires no immediate attention and can simply be enjoyed as it is. -
Exterior condition
The car looks presentable overall, but a closer inspection reveals a number of small filler blisters around the doors, bonnet, and rear window area. The previous owner advised that these have been present for at least 25 years without noticeably worsening. There are also signs of older repairs along the inner edges of the doors.
The underbody appears solid with no major issues, although evidence of older welding repairs can be seen in places. The body panels are straight with no significant dents or accident damage.
The paintwork still presents reasonably well from a distance, but the defects mentioned above are visible upon closer inspection (see photos). In the future, a full repaint would make a significant difference to both the appearance and value of the car.
Chrome work around the car remains clean, bright, and presentable. -
General condition
Original 396 SS models are highly sought after by collectors and continue to rise in value. Enjoy the car as it is this summer, and a future repaint would greatly improve both its appearance and value. Well-presented examples in the USA regularly achieve $80,000–$100,000.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1973-03-02 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1973-03-02
Senast godkända besiktning: 2020-05-29
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 23
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Shaun Major
+46 709-72 40 07
shaun@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.