1968 Chevrolet Impala

Description

The Impala meant full-sized comfort in 1968, but with a 396 under the hood, this big ragtop still has some impressive moves. Nicely turned out in a classic color combination, this big Imp represents an opportunity for the person who knows a good car when he sees it.

Yes, the first thing you notice are those giant 22-inch wheels, so let's just start there. Quite honestly, they fit right and are tucked up in the fenders properly, so it rides and handles quite well. The car is big enough to wear the oversized rims proudly, and looks good doing it. However, if you're clever, I bet you can trade them even-up for enough cash to buy a set of Rallys that'll look just fine, too. Whatever you want to do, it's more important to note that the big white body is in great shape. This isn't a car that has been hammered and slapped together, but a clean car from a good home, and today offers straight sheetmetal and a genuine look. Ermine White is this car's original color, and it shows off the creases atop the fenders and the miles-long quarter panels to great effect. Look closely and you'll find that the original hood has been stamped full of louvers for a subtle custom look that's actually quite refreshing in the face of all the generic cowl-induction units we're used to seeing. Chrome is good, including the bumpers and grille, and the original Impala script has a very '60s coolness to it.

In a white ragtop, there's nothing more dashing than a bright red interior, especially when it's a pair of buckets flanking a console. All the seats seem to be wearing newer seat covers that replicate the original patterns correctly, and new bright red carpets with matching floor mats have been fitted all around. The steep dash reaches up and hovers over the instrument panel, which covers the basics but not much more. Fortunately, some enterprising soul installed some small auxiliary gauges at the head of the console, so they're easy to read while you're resting your hand on the horseshoe shifter. Although this isn't a real SS, it does wear SS door panels, but that's an easy sin to forgive, especially since they look so good. Factory A/C, an AM/FM stereo radio, and a white power top are welcome additions that make cruising a pleasure, and there's a matching red boot to hide the stack when you're touring al-fresco.

The 396 cubic inch big block is the real deal, and even in the Impala it was capable of dealing some serious damage. Finished in Chevy Orange with the requisite chrome valve covers, it's still pretty docile around town. It moves all that sheetmetal with effortless ease, even with the giant wheels, and makes great V8 sounds thanks to a chambered dual exhaust system. A TH400 3-speed automatic and 12-bolt rear are the usual heavy-duty accomplices and the chassis is remarkably clean and solid throughout. Those giant wheels and tires are almost new, showing very little wear and no curb rash on the ultra-low-profile 255/30/22 radials.

A classic full-sized cruiser with big V8 power, a top that goes down and a classic color combination? Yeah, it really is hard to resist. Call today!