Engine:
L72 427cu in 425HP
Transmission:
Manual
Drive:
RWD
Odometer:
50,312 mi
Color:
Red
Interior color:
Parchment
VIN:
16487S148068
Inventory number:
MUSC-P7697
From rappers to cops to grandparents and everyone in between, there are not many cars that have experienced nearly universal acceptance like the Chevrolet Impala. In 1958, to celebrate its 50th year of production, Chevrolet released anniversary models for each of its brands; the Cadillac Eldorado Seville, the Buick Roadmaster Riviera, the Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday, the Pontiac Bonneville Catalina, and of course the Chevrolet Bel-Air Impala. Just like many famous Chevy brands, the Impala debuted as a trim option for another car. The following year, the Impala broke away from the Bel-Air to become its own model and immediately became Chevrolet's best-selling car, moving 473,000 units! The early 60s saw the first "Super Sport" badge on an Impala, a real focus on performance and what many consider the first true muscle car ever designed. By the end of the decade, competition was fierce within the company and Chevrolet had really nailed the SuperSport formula. A total of 1178 Impalas were created in 1968 with the SS 427 package. The RPO Z24 SS 427 option included the RPO Z03 Impala SS features such as fully vinyl Strato-Bucket front seats, center console, SS wheel covers, and a big block of 385 or 425 horsepower. This very special and uniquely ordered Sport Coupe is a fully original example with 50312 miles and ordered without the Z03 production option. It has a center console deletion, a comfortable bench-style seat replacing the bucket seat, with the Muncie four-speed shifter and no supersport badge anywhere... a real sleeper! Not only does the Impala hold the title of the first muscle car produced, but it has also entered history as one of the most iconic vehicles produced by the talented minds of Chevrolet and in the world of Impalas, this particular vehicle is in a class of its own. While it is difficult to determine exactly how many Impalas in this specification are on the road today, you can be assured that you will have to travel far before seeing another one like this. This 1968 Impala is a sleeper with rare options, from an iconic lineage of American performance vehicles.
This 1968 Impala Sport Coupe is right in the middle of the 4th generation of production, an era considered by many as the last great Impalas ever made. At the time of its release, it was a graceful and futuristic design mounted on a large-bodied coupe. The long rear end and iconic exaggerated wheel arches influenced a whole era of automotive design and the absence of excessive "SS" badges gives your eye a chance to focus on the beautiful design rather than being distracted by a name. Having undergone a complete restoration and having very little mileage since, this car is also presented in impeccable and incomparable condition that adds to the appeal of this rare machine.
Simple and functional, spacious and old school, the Parchment vinyl seats on black carpet are an excellent visual complement to the Matador Red exterior and are indicative of the era from which they come. With a beautiful simplicity, cars like this Impala take you back to a time when driving was a complete sensory experience. Simply equipped with heating and radio, the cockpit allows you to stay very comfortable while allowing you to focus on the driving experience.
The engine is a fully original L72 427, with matching numbers and only 50312 original miles, is capable of 425 horsepower and the rear differential is a 4.56:1 axle. As you will surely notice in the photos, this is a fully restored L72 2-door Sport Coupe Impala. The 425HP 427 Big Block L72 fire-breathing engine was, in 1968, available in any full-size Chevrolet, even though it was not featured in official brochures. Enthusiasts ordered this engine in a stripped-down package, like this example, which has been well-maintained and fully restored a few years ago and barely driven since.
