The man who originally drove this 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle home from the dealership has finally decided to let it go. After decades of ownership, the car is now being offered for sale, marking the end of a long chapter and giving the classic Chevy a chance to begin a new life with another caretaker.
It’s not hard to imagine how difficult the decision must have been. According to the seller, the Chevelle was purchased brand-new by the individual now parting with it, meaning the car has remained in the same hands for nearly its entire existence. Whoever ends up buying it will receive the vehicle in essentially the same state it has been preserved in over all those years.
That history alone makes the car worth a closer look.
A full restoration seems like the most sensible long-term plan. The Chevelle appears largely original, and while the engine choice under the hood wasn’t exactly the most desirable option back in 1967, the car’s provenance gives it a certain appeal that goes beyond performance specs.
“The original owner, who is 87 years old, told me stories of him and his dad going to the dealer and buying it,” the seller explains in the listing.
Normally, deal-breakers are saved for later in the discussion, but in this case, the powertrain is likely the first thing many prospective buyers will focus on—and potentially walk away from.
When Chevrolet launched the 1967 Chevelle, the model could be ordered with no fewer than seven different engines. One of the major changes that year involved the six-cylinder lineup. The 194 cubic-inch unit was discontinued, making way for the 230ci inline-six, which became the new standard engine. Producing 140 horsepower, it offered a reasonable compromise between efficiency and everyday usability, appealing to buyers who didn’t necessarily want V8 power.
For customers looking for a bit more punch without stepping up to a V8, Chevrolet also offered a 250ci inline-six, rated at 155 horsepower.
Things got far more interesting in the V8 department. The big-block options started with the 396 cubic-inch engine producing 325 horsepower. Buyers wanting more performance could step up to the L34 version of the 396, though its output was slightly reduced compared to the previous year, dropping from 360 horsepower in 1966 to 350 horsepower in 1967.
The legendary L78 396 was officially dropped from the lineup, but a small number of cars still received it as a dealer-installed option. Only 612 Chevelles are believed to have been equipped with the L78, making those examples extremely desirable today.
Unfortunately for muscle car purists, this particular Chevelle doesn’t fall into that rare category.
Instead of a high-performance V8, it’s powered by the standard 230ci inline-six, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. That’s where the deal-breaker comes into play. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this setup—especially if the goal is to create a comfortable daily driver—it feels somewhat underwhelming given the car’s one-owner history and long-term preservation.
Visually, the car presents well. It has already been repainted in its original Granada Gold color, and from the outside, the body appears solid. That said, anyone familiar with classic cars knows to pay close attention to the undercarriage. Surface corrosion is almost certainly present, even if it hasn’t yet turned into a serious structural issue, and a thorough inspection would be wise.
Inside, the Chevelle remains largely original. The seller notes that new upholstery is needed, as both the seats and the headliner show clear signs of age. Still, the interior is complete, which is always a plus for restoration projects.
Adding to its authenticity, the car comes with its original wheels, the factory window sticker, and the Protect-O-Plate.
Perhaps the most reassuring detail is that the Chevelle isn’t just a static display piece. It starts, runs, and drives without issue. The seller mentions that the car is currently stored at his restoration shop and is driven regularly, meaning the odometer continues to climb. That’s good news for anyone who wants a usable classic rather than a dormant project.
In practical terms, this means the Chevelle doesn’t necessarily require an immediate, costly frame-off restoration. A lighter refresh, addressing the most urgent mechanical and cosmetic needs, would allow the car to be enjoyed in its current condition while preserving its originality.
That said, a vehicle with this kind of backstory arguably deserves a full restoration at some point. Finding a restorer willing to commit to such a project may prove challenging, particularly given the six-cylinder engine, but as always, the final decision comes down to budget and personal vision.
Interest in the car is already strong. At the time of writing, the eBay auction has attracted 33 bids, with 51 users adding the Chevelle to their watchlists. The highest bid currently stands at $4,950, though the seller has set a reserve price. While no official valuation has been disclosed, it’s hard to imagine the reserve being set below $10,000.
The Chevelle is located in Picayune, Mississippi. Given that it’s roadworthy, a nearby buyer could realistically drive it home. For those farther away, transporting it on a trailer may be the safer option. The car comes with a clean title and includes the original wheels, though they are not the ones shown in the listing photos.
For now, the waiting game continues, as this long-owned Chevelle looks for the next person willing to take on its story.