The Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 took several steps forward and a couple steps back for 1967.
Advancements in thismuscle carcame mainly in road manners and driveability. Replacing the standard rayon two-ply 7.75x14tireswere lower-profile F70X14s with nylon belts. Grip andsteeringresponse improved, and the car felt more secure in changes of direction. The Wide Ovals also helped get the most out of the newly available frontdisc brakest选项,79美元hat enhanced stopping power and pedal modulation. Accompanying the discs were purposeful-looking new 14-inch slotted wheels.
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A three-speedmanualwas again the standard transmission, with a four-speed costing $105 more. The two-speed Powerglideautomaticreturned as a $116 extra, but for the first time, the three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic was offered. It cost $231 and was a quantum leap over the Powerglide, particularly in its ability to kick down promptly for better passing response.
Federal safety regulations brought an energy-absorbing steering column and padded instrument-panel surfaces, but the dashboard still was boring compared to, say, the GTO's. At least the optional tach was relocated from just above the driver's right knee to left of the steering wheel. Exterior changes were minor, with a slightly reworked bumper and grille and a blackout tail panel. The hood louvers remained nonfunctional.
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 edict against any car but Corvette having more than 1 bhp per 10 pounds of curb weight. In a second underhood reversal, the 375-bhp L78 was no longer listed in sales brochures but did remain a $476 dealer-installed conversion fitted into 612 cars.
All in all, Chevy had improved the SS 396. And with prices starting at $2,825 for the coupe and $3,033 for the ragtop -- just about $285 more than comparable Malibu models -- it was affordable, too.
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