Make: | Chevrolet |
Model: | Impala |
SubModel: | Custom |
Type: | Coupe |
Trim: | Custom |
Year: | 1968 |
Mileage: | 10,972 |
VIN: | 164478Y177041 |
Color: | Red |
Engine: | 327 V8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Interior color: | Black |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
It shouldn't be news to anyone that big Impalas like this 1968 hardtop are being snatched up by collectors as quickly as we can find them. V8 power, full-sized comfort, lots of options, and a beautiful, almost artistic look and you have one of the sleeper hits of the last few years. This one is a good, clean car in great colors that will be fun to drive and will undoubtedly attract a lot of attention at shows. Bright red always looks sporty, but on something as big and dramatic as this Impala it makes one heck of a statement. The somewhat formal styling of the hardtop Imp lends itself to bright colors and nobody's going to miss this heavy cruiser. There's no vinyl top like so many of its siblings, so it has a clean, uncluttered look that's accentuated by the single strip of trim running the entire length of the bodywork. It certainly looks sharp and crisp, particularly the arches over the rear quarters, suggesting that it was a clean car to start with, since this stuff isn't available from the aftermarket. No, it's not perfect, but this car has the look of a car that someone has enjoyed and properly maintained. There are still six taillights set into the bright chrome bumper out back, reminding you that this is Chevy's top-of-the-line machine. And while most of the trim is original, it remains bright and shiny and it's obvious that a lot of extra time went into making everything fit together just right. Basic black is a popular choice that will always look good in a read car. The funky patterned cloth upholstery is a mix of original and replacement pieces, and it has survived the intervening decades in very good shape with just minor fading but no rips or tears in the seat materials plus recent carpets that look good. The instrument panel puts everything in front of the driver, with the wide speedometer augmented with a column-mounted tach and auxiliary gauges under the center stack. The original radio is still in the dash but it is supplanted by a Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit in a neat enclosure underneath. And, of course, you get a massive trunk with full-sized spare, another clue that this car was built for the road. The engine is the original, numbers-matching 327 cubic inch V8 with a few upgrades to make it feel a big more energetic around town. With Chevy Orange paint, it looks pretty correct, but the list of upgrades includes a rebuilt Holley carburetor on a Jegs intake manifold, a fresh electric fuel pump, and a chrome air cleaner. It starts easily and runs smoothly, as you'd expect, and with a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes, anyone can get behind the wheel and have some fun. The exhaust system was upgraded to a dual setup, and it gives the car a great small-block note and there appear to be new shocks at the corners. Rally wheels look right and carry big 225/75/15 Khumho radials. These cars are not going to stay under the radar for much longer, and we can't seem to keep them in stock. Don't miss another opportunity and call us today!