1968 Chevrolet Impala

The Impala is one of the most common and most graceful of all Africa's antelopes. A slender, agile creature, it can clear formidable obstacles and run at speeds faster than 60km/h. They are fleet runners who can leap up to 30 feet in length and 10 feet in height. They use their tremendous speed and agility to avoid predation, and seemingly for pure enjoyment. The name 'Impala' comes from the Zulu language meaning 'gazelle'. Aptly named, the Chevrolet version introduced in 1958, continued to emulate its animal namesake through years of design modifications, and power options made available. In 1963, the jet age was in full swing, and automobile designers were transitioning from non functional visual embellishments, to sleek, cleaner line designs for their cars. Engineers also caught on that more power will attract more buyers, and the “race” was on!

For consignment, our consigner has turned a sleek clean lined 1968 Chevrolet Impala into a real animal. Our consignor states that it has a 496ci Blueprint crate engine, however no documentation comes with it, so we will take his word and let you be the final judge. This car is all buttoned up on its exterior and interior, and is a real runner right to its namesake.

Exterior
Long straight rust free steel panels are minding their gaps very nicely. From the long hood framed below buy a pristine grille containing dual headlights and a shiny bumper running through the egg crate grille, back to all the seriously straight body panels all the way to the gently sloping rear deck which ends in a trio of inset lights into the rear bumper. Miles deep blue paint combines with the like new chrome trimmings, and it's all framed by American Racing Polished Torque Thrust, (17-inch on front, and 18-inch on back), 5-spoke wheels wrapped by Kumho radial G/T's. All badging is excellent. And this is a beautifully presented example of some 68 muscle.

Interior
Opening the doors and black straight molded vinyl with some thin chromed accenting and black knobbed cranks are on these faux buttoned panels. Inside floating in a sea of black carpeting is a split back long and luxurious tuck and roll bench with smooth bolsters. This sits in a chromed tub and some power adjusters are seen on the sides. The rear bench is emulating this front one, and is very nicely done with plenty of tuck and roll for the seat and back. The dash retains its originality only with a few add ons which help and monitor performance from the mill. These include a B&M converter lock up controller which allows you to select the rpm at which the converter locks up. Also, a column mounted tachometer, and an under dash trio of aftermarket gauges on a black panel. A newer AM/FM/CD digital radio is installed where the original was, and there is a mysterious toggle that is simply labeled LOUD!? The dash top is black and padded and presents nicely with no cracks or fading.

Drivetrain
Under the hood in a showroom clean and detailed restored engine bay, sits a 496ci V8 Blueprint crate engine with aluminum heads and it just gleams. It is topped with a 4-barrel carburetor and has a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission on the back. A 12-bolt 3.07 rear axle is on as well. All hoses are like new, an aluminum radiator is installed, MSD ignition is now on, and the mill exhales through titanium coated headers. All parts and bolt ons are like new throughout this screamer.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust is seen, along with road dirt and plenty of patina. All is structurally sound with no invasive rust to be seen. The floor pans and rockers are all clean and black. Dual exhaust have a side exit just past the rear wheel well, and sport cherry bomb mufflers with some small pipes coming out either side on this underside just prior to the cherry bombs. These are referred to as electric exhaust cutouts. Independent coil spring suspension is up front and a 4 link with coil springs is on back. Power disc brakes for the front, and power drums for the rear. A custom driveshaft which was balanced for the new transmission is on.

Drive-Ability
This car is an awesome build and the test drive did not disappoint. Ran like a dream, and all functions were working perfectly. Neck snapping power and a fun driver with a comfy interior. Oh, and pesky "LOUD" switch...it operates the electric exhaust cutouts and loud may be an understatement. Need I say more?!

A fine build with beautifully painted straight steel, a like new interior and of course that 496ci engine. Colorful, loud and tastefully done looking like it could be a sleeper, but you are the only one who has to know! Some restoration photos included.

VIN DECODE
163878T163792
1-Chevrolet
63-Impala 6 Cylinder
87-2 Door Hardtop
8-1968
T-Tarrytown, NY Assy Plant
163792-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
12B-2nd Week December Build
ST 68 16487-1968 Impala 2 Door Hardtop
BDY TAR175913-Tarrytown Body #
TR 805-Black Vinyl
PNT GG-Ash Gold

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.