I have been covering a lot of full-size American hardtops and sedans as of late, and of course, the erstwhile Chevrolet Impala always makes the cut. It’s pure math, there were so many built from the late ’50s through the mid-’70s that they are still everywhere. Spotted less frequently is the Impala one-upped version known as the Caprice but today, we have a 1968 example for your review. This Caprice is located in Walnut Creek, California and is available, here on craigslist for $5,800. Thanks to local_sheriff for this tip!
The Caprice coupe was introduced for the 1966 model year, following the Caprice four-door hardtop introduction in mid-model year 1965. The immediate thing that sets the Caprice coupe apart from the lesser Impala version is the slope of the roofline. The Caprice used a squared-off, formal look while The Impala maintained a flowing fastback style. That would change in 1968 when the Impala Custom was introduced, utilizing the same buttoned-down roofline signature as the Caprice Coupe. What really set an Impala apart from a Caprice? Very little, trim, fender skirts, interior materials, things of that nature. The Caprice was always a V8 equipped ride but the Impala Custom Coupe required that motivation too, so the differences between the two were minuscule. Production-wise, Chevrolet assembled just shy of 700K Impalas in ’68, compared to about 115K Caprices – apparently, enough buyers valued the differences to warrant the additional expenditure.
The seller has little to say about this example other than it has been sitting since ’92 and is worthy of restoration. The body is a bit rough and there is rust in the typical places like the lower fender leg of the passenger side and perhaps in the quarters – all typical, and you can include the lower edge of the trunk lid in that rust review too. The frames on these later first-gen Caprices are generally less corrosion likely than those employed in the inaugural year but they still warrant a review. Some of the unique Caprice trim is missing, the passenger-side door has a notable dent, and the finish, well, what finish, right? Though not photographed, the seller suggests that the rear floor pans need to be repaired. Check out those wheels!
Under the hood is a 325 gross HP, 396 CI “Turbo-Jet” V8, one that looks like it has been inoperative for a long time, actually since 1992 to be exact. There are two observable engine mods including an Offenhauser aluminum intake manifold and a Holley carburetor. I haven’t spied an Offenhauser big-block intake in years! A Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic transmission puts the power to the twelve-bolt rear axle. Unless the original purchaser specified an optional ratio, this Caprice should have a 2.56:1 final drive, new for ’68 with this engine and transmission combination. It’s not much on acceleration but boy can you cruise!
There is no interior image included so there’s no telling what’s going on inside but it should look something like this stock image – or it at least it used to look like this stock image which is probably the case…You can’t get a good view through the windows but it appears to be a bench seat that accommodates front seat passengers.
So, should this Caprice trade for what a similar Impala would? An Impala Custom maybe but not an SS, SS427, or, obviously, a convertible. The seller claims that this car is “worthy of a restoration” and that’s probably true as long as one isn’t concerned with covering their investment in time, effort, and $$$ with a completed value. But saving an old car for the sake of saving it is a worthy endeavor too, wouldn’t you agree?
I wonder if this engine produces any of those gross 325 hp, as in, does it run?
Just so everyone knows, these cars are not “everywhere”. Yes, this chassis was GM’s best selling of all time. However, people like me pulled the drivetrains and sent these land yachts to the crushers. The bodies were only worth scrap metal. Don’t believe me? Try to find sheet metal for a 1968-1970 Impala. While there are some repops available for the ’65/’66 version, the ’68-’70 has not yet materialized. In fact, if you need parts, your best bet is to buy an entire car.
bry593:
You are correct that you cannot purchase entire fenders or quarters for a ’67 to ’68 but patch panels, which are where most of the problems are that need to be rectified, are commonly available. For example https://www.classicindustries.com/shop/1968/chevrolet/impala/parts/?q=patch%20panels
The used market for ’68 parts is still pretty robust as there were 1.2MM B-Body Chevies produced that year and that means a lot of used parts even 53 years after the fact. So far, I’ve been able to find everything that I have needed for my ’68 Impala.
JO
FIRST THINGS FIRST, Those Tires and Rims GOTTA GO.
This was my first car in 1978, well not this exact car, but one just like it. For a 16 year old it was a mix of luxury and muscle. I would restore this for sentimental reasons.
Yes me too!!!
not my first car though, in fact my third car and second ’68 Chevy, the year was ’79.
Mine was an Impala SS, same car Green with tilt wheel, white buckets in a black interior, console, power windows & white vinyl top …
Really miss how that “modest” big block would sink you into the seats!!!
B-rad
This model was my first car as well, also in 1978.
Although mine had a 307 2BBL. I would be a contender on this car, as I would love to have that cruiser again; but I already have too many projects!!!!
Wonder if it has the caprice only hideaway headlights. Came optional only on Caprice in 68 and 69. Worth big money for those alone.
The most important view is missing – the front end!
Does it have the hidden headlites? – that front end alone would be worth 5 grand, if you ask me – incredible rarity.
Behold the ONLY BIG chevy in ’68 with door glass that has no vent windows!! They are NOT on the 4 door caprice or ANY Impala!!, much less the BelAir or Biscayne. Odd.
Personally I like vent windows as they reduce wind noise when all windows are down – but I guess Chev brass needed at least one argument for buyers to opt for the Caprice instead of the Impala Custom 2dht?
As for the hideaway headlight face (RPO T83 @ $79) it was exclusively installed on Caprice (some claim 1 Impala ‘vert), 14.929 factory installed. IMHO with that face a ’68 Caprice coupe comes into personal car territory
14,929 caprices got the hidden headlites in ’68?! Considering i only saw ONE in the last 53 yrs!, i would have thought more likely only 14 cars got em. & i’m in a very congested area yet, tho affluent – maybe they were sold more in other areas & people here just decided to move up to an olds, buick, or pontiac? I sure would like to know where those almost 15,000 front ends are!!
IMO hidden wipers, hidden headlites, FULL door glass, & thin windshield pillars give the ’68 caprice a very futuristic look. If only Chevy offered a hidden antenna in the windshield as well to complete the uncluttered look.
Ironically, all “cars” 53 yrs LATER have stepped way backwards & have NONE of those features! & instead have excessive amts of cheap tacky soon to fade plastic exterior trim, & soon to turn cloudy headlite covers.
Who would have predicted ANY of that – back then?!
That trunk looks like it could sneak at least a dozen kids into a drive-in.
Turbo? More like turrable.
Would get it running, redo brake system, suspension fix rust, interior, change wheels to stocks with a thin whitewall & drive like that till I could afford body/paint.
Pictures are one of the most important if you want to sell it as is the description. No front view, no interior view and poor description of the condition of the motor or body.
Shaky purchase unless you go see it.
I agree, get rid of those rims!!!!!