1968 El Camino SS396
Any comments/corrections/additions please send them to me and be
sure to specify which year.
The 1968 El Camino SS396 was a separate series from the 300, 300 Deluxe & Malibu series and can be readily identified by both the Fisher Body Number plate (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, etc.) and the Vehicle Identification plate (VIN).
The SS396 El Camino was added to the SS396 lineup in 1968 and was the only year a true SS396 El Camino had its own unique series/model VIN identification with 13880. The 396cid 325 horsepower Mark-IV engine was the base engine. As with all years of El Camino from 1964 thru 1971, the VIN only depicts the base engine and does not indicate any optional engine. The base 396 engine was the (L35) 325hp engine with two optional 396 engines, the L34 350hp version and a L78 375hp version.
Contrary to popular belief bucket seats, gauges, and 4-speeds were not standard equipment. A front bench seat, no gauges (except speedometer and fuel gauge), and a 3-speed heavy duty transmission were standard with the SS396.
All SS396 El Caminos came with a 12-bolt rear end but Positraction was still an option; an open rear end was standard. However, a 12-bolt rear end, as well as Positraction, was available on non-SS396 El Caminos as well so the presence of a 12-bolt (with or without Positraction) is not an indication of a 1968 SS396 El Camino.
Distinctive blacked out grille, Super Sport trim, a special SS396 hood with faux twin scoops, and SS396 emblems on the grille & rear cove.
Blacked-out grille and grille extensions along with SS396 badge centered
in the grille. The D96 stripes shown here were optional. The lower rocker
panels, below the lower belt-line trim, were blacked-out on SS396 El
Caminos and lower body color on non-SS396 El Caminos. This trim extended
from the headlamp area (shown above) to aft of the rear wheel well on
an SS396 El Camino. Disc brakes were still an option and rally wheels
were now optional on any 1968 El Camino.
All SS396 series El Caminos had black painted tailgate panel.
