Used 1968 Chevrolet Impala

1968 Chevrolet Impala: A Pillar of American Automotive Design

The 1968 Chevrolet Impala, the third year of its highly successful fourth generation, stood as a confident and stylish statement in the American automotive landscape. Building upon the successful redesign of the previous year, the '68 Impala offered a compelling blend of modern aesthetics, comfortable interiors, and a range of potent powertrain options, cementing its position as Chevrolet's full-size flagship and a highly desirable vehicle for families and individuals alike.

Design and Styling:

The 1968 Impala retained the clean, crisp lines introduced for the 1967 model year, which marked a departure from the more flamboyant styling of previous generations. Key design elements that defined the '68 model included:

• Coke-Bottle Styling: The signature "coke-bottle" or "hips" design, characterized by its bulging rear fenders, was subtly refined. This gave the Impala a more muscular and visually dynamic stance.
• Concealed Headlights: A standout feature of the '68 Impala, particularly on the Super Sport models, was the availability of retractable (hidden) headlights. These were covered by electrically operated doors, presenting a sleek, uninterrupted front fascia when retracted and adding a touch of sophistication and aerodynamic improvement when deployed. Non-SS models typically featured exposed, dual headlights.
• Ventless Front Doors: For enhanced cabin quietness and a cleaner exterior look, the '68 Impala featured ventless front doors, a notable advancement in passenger comfort.
• Crisp Body Lines: The body featured sharp, well-defined character lines that ran the length of the car, contributing to its solid and premium appearance. The long, flat hood and trunk lid provided a balanced proportion.
• New Grille and Taillights: The front grille saw a minor refresh, often featuring a horizontal bar design. The rear of the car was distinguished by its four-lamp taillight treatment, a signature Chevrolet design of the era. These were often integrated into the rear bumper or the bodywork, creating a distinctive visual signature.
• Body Styles: The 1968 Impala was offered in a variety of popular body styles to cater to diverse needs:
  • 2-Door Sport Coupe: The most popular model, featuring a sleek, pillarless hardtop design.
  • 4-Door Sport Sedan: A comfortable and practical option for families, also with a hardtop roofline.
  • 4-Door Hardtop Sedan: Similar to the Sport Sedan but often with a slightly different roof contour.
  • 2-Door Convertible: The epitome of open-air motoring, offering exhilarating driving experiences.
  • Station Wagon (Biscayne/Brookwood/Nomad): While not strictly Impalas, the Chevrolet station wagon lineup shared many mechanical components and styling cues with the Impala, providing ample cargo space for families.

Interior and Comfort:

The '68 Impala's interior was designed with passenger comfort and a touch of luxury in mind, reflecting its position as Chevrolet's top-tier full-size offering.

• Spacious Cabin: The Impala offered ample seating for up to six passengers, with comfortable bench seats in both the front and rear.
• Quality Materials: The interior featured durable and attractive materials, often including vinyl or cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels could offer upgraded fabrics and more amenities.
• Dashboard Design: The dashboard was well-appointed with a driver-oriented layout, featuring a prominent instrument cluster with clear gauges for speed, fuel, oil pressure, and temperature.
• Optional Amenities: A range of optional features enhanced comfort and convenience, including:
  • Air Conditioning
  • Power Steering and Power Brakes (standard on most models)
  • Power Windows
  • Power Seat
  • AM/FM Radio
  • Tilt Steering Wheel

Powertrain Options:

Chevrolet offered a diverse range of V8 engines for the 1968 Impala, allowing buyers to tailor their vehicle to their performance preferences.

• Standard Engine: Most Impalas came equipped with a 250 cubic inch (4.1L) inline-six engine as standard, offering good fuel economy and reliable performance for everyday driving.
• V8 Engines: The real appeal of the Impala lay in its potent V8 offerings, which provided impressive acceleration and cruising power. These included:
  • 307 cubic inch (5.0L) V8: A popular choice offering a good balance of performance and efficiency.
  • 327 cubic inch (5.4L) V8: Available in various states of tune, offering enhanced power.
  • 396 cubic inch (6.5L) V8: A larger and more powerful option, providing substantial torque and acceleration.
  • 427 cubic inch (7.0L) V8: The king of the Impala lineup, particularly for the Super Sport models, this engine delivered exceptional performance for its era.
• Transmission Options: Buyers could choose from a variety of transmissions:
  • 3-speed Manual: Standard on some base models.
  • 2-speed Powerglide Automatic: A common and reliable automatic transmission.
  • 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic: Available on larger V8 engines, offering smoother shifts and improved performance.

The Impala SS (Super Sport):

The 1968 Impala SS was the performance-oriented variant, distinguished by its aggressive styling and a focus on power.

• Unique Styling Cues: SS models typically featured distinctive badging, sportier wheel covers, and often the aforementioned concealed headlights.
• Performance Engines: The SS was primarily offered with the more powerful V8 engines, including the 327, 396, and the formidable 427.
• Handling Upgrades: Some SS models could be equipped with suspension and brake upgrades to complement their increased performance capabilities.

Significance and Legacy:

The 1968 Chevrolet Impala was a significant success for Chevrolet, embodying the evolving automotive tastes of the late 1960s. It offered a compelling package of style, comfort, and performance that appealed to a broad spectrum of American consumers. Its durable construction, wide range of options, and availability of powerful V8 engines made it a versatile and sought-after automobile, contributing to its lasting presence and enduring appeal in automotive history. The '68 Impala remains a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts and a testament to Chevrolet's engineering and design prowess during this golden era of American motoring.