What's the true Value of this '67 Chevelle SS L78 Car? Is it even real?

[L78fanatic]

Saw this on Hemmings: https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1967-chevrolet-chevelle-125932

If it were real, I'd say it could be worth that much, but look at it closely. Quality just isn't there imo. The description is innacurate. Engine stamp is not shown, and there's no paperwork establishing the documemtation and build of this SS.

If it were a true L78 car (1 of the original 612 built AT THE FACTORY!) it might be worth this price. But, it smells to me. The only thing correct is the VIN & Trim Tag which falls within the build period for the L78 Factory Built Chevelle Super Sports in 1967. My original '67 L78 car was built on June 9th (06B) and the VIN number was in the 200xxx range like this one.

Other opinions?

 

[Derek69SS]

Without pictures of the deck stamp, I'm skeptical as well.

 

[Nashville Cat]

If it was real, why would the owner replace everything under the hood with aftermarket hot rod stuff ?
No Winters intake. No factory valve covers.
Non-original hoses. Aftermarket distributor.
Neither the water pump or alternator pulleys are deep groove.
No engine/head casting numbers to support the claims ?
This isn't even a good fake.

 

[Nashville Cat]

1967 Chevelle SS396 Big-Block Engine Stamp​

This engine was built in Tonawanda, New York, before it was shipped to the Atlanta, Georgia, assembly plant where the car was made. It starts with a "T" for Tonawanda, New York. The "06" is for June, "16" is for the 16th day of the month, and "EG" is the code for an L78 396ci big-block with 375 horsepower, solid lifters, 11:1 compression, aluminum intake manifold, Holley four-barrel carburetor, and special deep-groove pulleys. This car was made June 16, 1967.



All L78s had a "406" block with four-bolt main bearings. The casting number and the date it was cast were molded into the rear of the engine block just above the bellhousing area.

 

[cheveslakr]

IMO, and without doing a bunch of data search, that vin is far beyond a 6B date would corrospond with, and the tag looks bogus. I remember 2 very active buyers chronicalling their journey to buy an L78 '67......both had numerous accounts of fakes, and only 1 ever found a true car. This with years of searching.

A '67 Z28, '67 L78 Camaro or Chevelle, '70 LS6 conv., and a '69 L78 13427 chevelle are some of the most faked cars out there as far as chevies. Anymore, you need docs, real docs, and a verifiable history to be sure. The stamps, the tags, and even the build sheets are getting better and better. Imagine in this day and age one of these uber rare cars just "popping up" on the market with only the seller claiming it's heritage. Pretty tough sale.

 

[L78fanatic]

In my research (I own a '67 L78 block out of 1 of the 612 Chevelle SS's in '67 that is documented)...guy won't sell the car though. I believe it is normal for the Tonawanda Engine Assembly Date to be approx. a month prior to the assembly date of the car (3 to 4 weeks prior). The block I have is dated the exact date of the assembly date of my old car!....I call that karma! Both my car and the block are for Kansas City car builds. The car for my engine block was built at the end of June 1967 about 3 weeks after the engine assembly date. I have the VIN of the car along with an NCRS Letter documenting the car's build & delivery dates.

So, if the subject car on Hemmings has an original L78 block in there it should have a Tonawanda build date of around the 3rd week in May of '67. This is why I'd like to see the engine stamping! Of course it's easy to fake a VIN on the engine stamping, but I think it'd be fun to see the stampings on the block in this car!

I agree Beth, the engine pics look nothing like a stock L78 but wouldn't it be cool if it was real? It's just sad people can lie on an ad like this otherwise! They should be reported to Hemmings!

As for the series of the VIN number, a stamping in the 200,000 range is actually in line with the 06B on the trim tag, at least generally...I'm not sure about Baltimore, but that would be very close to my car's VIN were it a KC build. I believe that would also be in line with an Atlanta build based on my research of builds in that plant and my current '67.

 

[L78fanatic]

Ok, based on a friend who knows L78’s he was told by a friend interested in this car that the block indeed appears to be correct for the car! But, the condition of the car leaves a lot to be desired. I still might call to see what I can find out about it. If matching numbers (aside from existing presentation) what are your opinions on this car now?

 

[Nashville Cat]

Ok, based on a friend who knows L78’s he was told by a friend interested in this car that the block indeed appears to be correct for the car! But, the condition of the car leaves a lot to be desired. I still might call to see what I can find out about it. If matching numbers (aside from existing presentation) what are your opinions on this car now?

Your friend is saying the engine block has the correct "EG" stamp on the pad ?
I'm skeptical because the pulleys are gone, intake is gone, distributor, etc.
I wonder if the trans and rear are matching ?

 

[L78fanatic]

Your friend is saying the engine block has the correct "EG" stamp on the pad ?
I'm skeptical because the pulleys are gone, intake is gone, distributor, etc.
I wonder if the trans and rear are matching ?

I called the dealer today. Here is a pic of the deck. I know the story behind this car and it indeed appears to be legit. Was in the same family up until a few years ago. The dealer was very nice and appears to be a straight shooter! So, even though the engine has been rebuilt it at least appears to be an original block. I told the dealer this engine should be presented more like an original L78 in my opinion, as I owned one from new and there was nothing prettier! Ha! But, people do various things to these cars over the years.

If I was still in the market I'd likely be looking closely at this one. But, it will take a lot of effort to get it looking stock for sure. The radiator needs the fan shroud removed and a finger guard needs to be attached. Like my old Chevelle, no power or disc brakes on this one, although mine had power steering.

It has an M-21 Muncie in there but no tag, and the rear is a 3.55 posi I believe but the code isn't visible on the axle due to wear & tear and painting.

So, what's it worth?

 

[cheveslakr]

If this is the Hemmings car, from what I've seen so far it warrants further look.....stamp looks good but would again, at first glance. On a car like this, I'd want to see the stamp with the head off to see the broach marks extend across the block. If everything checks out, if I were looking for a '67 L78, it'd be worth that $78k. That is, if the car is in order. The little stuff, L78 exclusive, would cost you 10k ish to acquire if they aren't in the package.

 

[L78fanatic]

The Hemmings ad is also "miss-stated" as it reads.......these engines were NOT dealer installed and as you & I know there were 612 built, not 614 like the ad states. The dealer told me they submitted the proper wording to Hemmings but they didn't correct it, yet! Without posting all of what I learned, it was obvious to me that the history of it being in the same family all these years (not one ownership, but one family) is honest and the reason for not having the original paperwork is also believable. It is a "406" block (part number on the rear of the block). Like I said, I believe it is likely legit, but I would probably go look at this one in person or have one of my Floridfa friends closest to Largo, FL go put eyes on it for me! I'd also check the casting date on the passenger side of the block. The only likely reason the dealer has it now is the last family-owned titleholder has a health issue.

As for value, I just saw a '69 numbers matching restored gorgeous Huggar Orange L78 Nova pass over the block today at Mecum Dallas and sell for $90.000. Not nearly as rare or desirable as a '67 Chevelle SS L78! So, due to rarity, the asking price isn't off the mark much if at all IMO, as these cars should be well into the six figures in restored to factory specifications. Yes, that will cost a lot for this car......could be 10's of thousands of $$$'s IMO. I'd likely offer more like low $70's to $75,000. I am assuming the car needs a ton of improvements to bring it up to factory specifications and present well.

Anyone in Florida wanna go take a look up close at this one just for fun? The sales manager offered to do a facetime call with me and take any photos I asked for. Seems like a reputable dealer!

More opinions on this one? My gut feel is this one won't last long....only been advertised for about 30 days!

 

[Nashville Cat]

Comparing these two stamps , I don't see anything suspicious.





I see it does match the VIN !

 

[Shovelrick]

The Hemmings ad is also "miss-stated" as it reads.......these engines were NOT dealer installed and as you & I know there were 612 built, not 614 like the ad states. The dealer told me they submitted the proper wording to Hemmings but they didn't correct it, yet! Without posting all of what I learned, it was obvious to me that the history of it being in the same family all these years (not one ownership, but one family) is honest and the reason for not having the original paperwork is also believable. It is a "406" block (part number on the rear of the block). Like I said, I believe it is likely legit, but I would probably go look at this one in person or have one of my Floridfa friends closest to Largo, FL go put eyes on it for me! I'd also check the casting date on the passenger side of the block. The only likely reason the dealer has it now is the last family-owned titleholder has a health issue.

As for value, I just saw a '69 numbers matching restored gorgeous Huggar Orange L78 Nova pass over the block today at Mecum Dallas and sell for $90.000. Not nearly as rare or desirable as a '67 Chevelle SS L78! So, due to rarity, the asking price isn't off the mark much if at all IMO, as these cars should be well into the six figures in restored to factory specifications. Yes, that will cost a lot for this car......could be 10's of thousands of $$$'s IMO. I'd likely offer more like low $70's to $75,000. I am assuming the car needs a ton of improvements to bring it up to factory specifications and present well.

Anyone in Florida wanna go take a look up close at this one just for fun? The sales manager offered to do a facetime call with me and take any photos I asked for. Seems like a reputable dealer!

More opinions on this one? My gut feel is this one won't last long....only been advertised for about 30 days!

Largo is 30 or so minutes from me depending on how many Idiots are in my way LOL, be Happy to go look at it and take pics as long as they don't get weird about that

 

[Nashville Cat]

Largo is 30 or so minutes from me depending on how many Idiots are in my way LOL, be Happy to go look at it and take pics as long as they don't get weird about that

The stuff I would want to know : is the rear end and trans original ? I don't think they will let you sand on the axle housing
And I doubt you can put it on a lift to look at the trans.

 

[L78fanatic]

The one thing I find interesting is the Tonawanda build date is June 7th and the cars assembly date on the trim tag is 06B or the 2nd week in June! That engine must have been quickly shipped to Baltimore, as it’s normal for the gap in engine build to car build to be 3 or 4 weeks. But I suppose it can vary!

That block was assembled 2 days before my L78 block & the car my block went into was a Kansas City build the end of June (right at 3 weeks later).

 

[L78fanatic]

Largo is 30 or so minutes from me depending on how many Idiots are in my way LOL, be Happy to go look at it and take pics as long as they don't get weird about that

It’s up to you Rick, but everyone on here might be interested in finding out more about this car by an up close look now that we have more information on it. It’s always fun to stay on top of values of Chevelles especially a supposedly rare one like this. If I hadn’t already bought my ‘67 I’d be interested in this one (maybe). But, my gut tells me the car isn’t in that good of a condition besides the obvious cosmetic items visible in the pics & video.

John

 

[Shovelrick]

It’s up to you Rick, but everyone on here might be interested in finding out more about this car by an up close look now that we have more information on it. It’s always fun to stay on top of values of Chevelles especially a supposedly rare one like this. If I hadn’t already bought my ‘67 I’d be interested in this one (maybe). But, my gut tells me the car isn’t in that good of a condition besides the obvious cosmetic items visible in the pics & video.

John

I don’t mind driving up there to look at a Chevelle, I kinda likem Edit I guess it depends on work though, I never got a chance to meet with Steve from OCS because of so many things going on here and he was even in St Pete but it was later in the day when I was home taking care of home stuff, I use to be able to roll at the drop of a hat but not the case anymore

 

[cheveslakr]

It's always a great excuse to go for a quality road trip. This particular car or the rarity of it, perks my ears and adds a bunch of caution flags. Too many sellers, either the present seller or previous, have given into the fraud bug. High dollar fakes are more common than not at the auction houses, dealers too. You have to get creative with your phone cam and stick it places that unveil a rebody, or the major body parts mated to lesser more mainstream chevelles. Correct trim tag rivets, vin rivets, graphed areas around those tags, firewall replacements, heck I've had 2 cars in my possession that were split right down the center, and mated to another. One was a '69 L78 and long ago and had such patina that I didn't notice until certain other flags made me look closer. I almost bit on another '69 that ended up to be a restamp block and he was selling it for authentic L78 money. If I didn't have a voice of reason in my ear, I could very well have let my passion get the better of me. My buddy, being more of a frod guy, was drug to vegas for a high flying auction and he couldn't believe the crap that was passing for real......he said he sas the ONLY one crawling under the cars. How can you open your wallet for these prices and live with being took or having to commission legal help to recoup your sucker purchase. BE careful if you go this far.

 

[L78fanatic]

It's always a great excuse to go for a quality road trip. This particular car or the rarity of it, perks my ears and adds a bunch of caution flags. Too many sellers, either the present seller or previous, have given into the fraud bug. High dollar fakes are more common than not at the auction houses, dealers too. You have to get creative with your phone cam and stick it places that unveil a rebody, or the major body parts mated to lesser more mainstream chevelles. Correct trim tag rivets, vin rivets, graphed areas around those tags, firewall replacements, heck I've had 2 cars in my possession that were split right down the center, and mated to another. One was a '69 L78 and long ago and had such patina that I didn't notice until certain other flags made me look closer. I almost bit on another '69 that ended up to be a restamp block and he was selling it for authentic L78 money. If I didn't have a voice of reason in my ear, I could very well have let my passion get the better of me. My buddy, being more of a frod guy, was drug to vegas for a high flying auction and he couldn't believe the crap that was passing for real......he said he sas the ONLY one crawling under the cars. How can you open your wallet for these prices and live with being took or having to commission legal help to recoup your sucker purchase. BE careful if you go this far.

Keep in mind, this is only for fun! . If this car was 30 minutes from me I’d go look at it just for fun if nothing else. I wouldn’t do that for just any car.

Years ago circa 2008 I flew and rented a car for a trip to Michigan from Eastern PA to buy a 1990 BMW M3 that I wanted so bad I had already submitted a deposit on! The car was junk! I managed to get about 1/2 my deposit back as the guy did lie to me about condition (and he knew it) but I still lost money & time on that deal. So I know all about being careful...on the other hand I bought my latest collector car from a dealer in NC sight unseen and although it does have a few flaws overall it’s definitely a keeper! Sometimes circumstances can dictate outcomes like my latest buy as I had just gotten out of the hospital and I took a chance on the ‘67.....and I love the thing! But, learning to walk away when already vested in a deal takes courage as I well know! Losing out on a plane ticket, rental car, and associated travel costs with deposit loss can still be better than buying a piece of junk and feeling sick in the gut!

Hell, this can all be avoided when a possible worthy car is only 30 minutes away!