1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 2 Door Hardtop

For 1967 ,The Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 took forward and backward steps . (Picture the Purina Cat Chow Commercials..." Chow, Chow, Chowwww...")

Advancements for this Muscle Car came in road manners and driveability. The standard Rayon two-ply 7.75x14 tires were replaced by  lower-profile F70X14s with nylon belts. The Grip and handling improved, and the car felt more secure whipping the steering wheel. The Wide Ovals also helped get the most out of the newly available front Disc Brakes, a $79 option that enhanced stopping power and pedal work . Along with those discs were new 14-inch slotted wheels.

Standard again was the 3 speed manual transmission , with a four-speed costing $105 more. The two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission was $116 extra, but for the first time, the three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic was offered. It cost $231 and was a major leap over the Powerglide, particularly in its ability to kick down promptly for better passing response.

Once the feds stepped into the mix , an energy-absorbing steering column and padded instrument-panel surfaced, but the dashboard still wasn't up to par compared to it's competition, the Pontiac GTO's. The optional tach was relocated from just above the driver's right knee to left of the steering wheel. (No more smashing your knee into it...believe me...that freakin' HURTS!) Exterior changes were minor, with a slightly reworked bumper and grille and a blackout tail panel. The hood louvers remained nonfunctional. (But looked awesome!)

A 325-bhp version of the 396-cid V-8 was again standard, but the $105 L34 upgrade lost 10 bhp, to 350, because of GM's new rule against any car but their Corvette having more than 1 bhp per 10 pounds of curb weight.  About 17,000 models were ordered with the 350 HP 396 V8. A second change to the menu , the 375-bhp L78 was no longer listed in sales brochures, but did remain a $476 dealer-installed conversion fitted into 612 cars.

Yep....Chevrolet had improved the SS 396. And thanks to prices starting at $2,825 for the Coupe and $3,033 for the Ragtop ,( which was just about $285 more than comparable Malibu models ), it was affordable, too. Imagine getting hold of a Chevelle for those prices now...we need to build us a time machine. Who's with me? I'll buy the Pizza!