Chevrolet introduced the Super Sport on the Impala series in 1961. At first, it was a low-production muscle car. But after Chevy decided to focus more on image and less on power, sales went through the roof in 1962 and beyond. The company would retire the Impala SS after 1969 as consumers were looking for smaller automobiles with pizzazz (like the Chevelle SS 396). This ’68 Impala is an SS 396 and a convertible, making it an awesome combination in the heyday for both types. This one is located near Portland, Oregon, and is available here on craigslist for $38,988. Another great tip brought to us by Rocco B.!
Sales during the 1960s for the Impala SS looked like this: 1961 – under 500 copies; 1962 – 99,300; 1963 – 153,200; 1964 – 185,300; 1965 – 243,100; 1966 – 119,300; 1967 – 78,100; 1968 – 38,200; 1969 – 2,400. Some of the decline in demand was due to the introduction of the luxurious Caprice in 1965, which replaced the Super Sport as the top-end full-size Chevrolet. And you could also get the SS package with the Nova, Chevelle, and the new Camaro.
We’re told that this Impala SS has only had two owners and its condition suggests that it was well-cared for by both. The indicated mileage is 41,000, which would be unusual for a car equipped like this. Not only does it have a big-block 396 cubic inch V8, but it also has a 4-speed manual transmission, normally in demand with younger buyers of the day. It’s also said to be numbers-matching and comes equipped with power steering and brakes. The convertible top is also power-operated.
The VIN and cowl tag decoding provided by the seller pegs this car as being finished in Matador Red with a white top (under the black bonnet?). The red interior looks great and everything about the car suggests it’s been restored, but the seller says it’s a very nice original automobile. We’re told that the Chevy is priced for the Winter months; once Summer comes around again and if the car is still available, the price tag will go up.
I thought the asking would be even higher. Prices will go up come summer time??
What a beautiful car. The price almost sounds reasonable for what your getting. Someone buy this and drive the wheels off it. No good insights from me, just envy.
Gorgeous car, but the condition looks too good to be true. The seats are too new looking, and the paint is too new looking. Still, if the mileage is original, and especially if the numbers matching is authentic, especially with documentation, it’s worth a lot. It is really beautiful, and whoever gets it will have a very nice car. Power windows are a rare option, too.
The ad refers to it as an SS 396 Impsla, but I see no SS badging. Also , the SS Impalas from 68 had what appeared to be shark gills on the front fenders. Am I missing something here?
There are 7 SS badges that I can see
I believe the SS427 had the “shark gills” on the fenders. The SS396 did not.
Yes Kevie you’re missing a lot .
As of 1968, Impala Super Sport was no longer a distinct model. The Super Sport package became an option package for 2-door Impalas. Impala SS427 was a separate option package for 2-door Impalas with the 385 hp 427 (or the unadvertised 425 hp version). SS427 and Super Sport packages could be combined, but there was no requirement to do so. This is an Impala Super Sport with a 396. There was no Impala SS396.
Confused yet? How about this: A 2-door Impala with the top 427 could be an Impala, an Impala Super Sport, an Impala SS427, or an Impala Super Sport SS427.
I have a turn key 1957 Chevy with a 283 eng, Needs a little body work and a paint job, Retired truck driver cannot afford to restore, Would like to trade
What are you looking to trade with?
Kevin kev, I believe you are thinking of a an SS427 which has unique trim including large fender louvers, a special domed hood along with other exterior differences.
There was no such model as an impala ss396 in 68. This is just an ss impala with a 396. And oh yes there was an Impala ss427.
I don’t understand your comment. Can anyone please explain. The way it’s written seems like 68’ Impala SS but not Impala SS 396.
If a 68’ Impala SS has a 396’ which most definitely was available doesn’t that make it a Impala SS 396?
This is a nice car and an oddity with a 4 speed in it. The price doesn’t seem bad either.
The Impala SS was hardly a “muscle car”, Super Sport was always just a sporty trim package, it was nothing more then an Impala with some exterior trim and a pair of bucket seats. In 61 it was available on any body style (including the wagon) and with any engine. Starting in 62 it was only available as a two door hardtop or convertible, but the base engine was still a 6 cylinder, with any V8 as an option.
To Kevie Kev’s question about fender “gills”, they were only included on the 68 SS427, which was a complete package and came with different trim then the regular 68 Impala SS.
The ’61 Impala Super Sport was available only with a 348 or a 409, so it’s a muscle car by some definitions. It was the only Impala Super Sport without bucket seats (SS427 was a distinct model from ’67-’69 that did not come with standard bucket seats). The package was available on any Impala, but the catch is that there was no Impala wagon. The top ’61 wagon was called Nomad, and it was not available with SS equipment. From ’62-’67, Super Sport was just trim and bucket seats. Any Impala engine was available. For ’68, Super Sport was V8 only, and for 1969, only the SS427 was available, without standard bucket seats.
There was an excellent article in Collectible Automobile magazine on the Impala SS a while back.
Very nice car, just needs a set of redlines.
When ordered new the buyer went nearly all out on options, but no a/c. Of course in the PNW a/c isn’t really needed so if this car originated in or around Portland Oregon then it sort of makes sense, with the drop top and all. In those days a/c was an expensive option and a lot of people ordered without a/c and then bought one from Sears and had it installed, they save some money that way. I worked at a Sears store in North Seattle in the 70’s and we did a lot of a/c and cruise control after market items.
Anyway, this is a beautiful car, buy and enjoy.
God Bless America
A man I used to work with bought a 71 or 72 Nova with the 6 cyl and had Sears install their knee-knocker air conditioning. He said if you wanted A/C from the factory, you had to get the V8, and he wanted the 6. I didn’t know they installed cruise control as well. Interesting.
Fastest way to devalue a classic? Hang fuzzy dice on the mirror! I’ve never understood what people are thinking when they do this…not even period correct.
The nerve!!! Take 10 grand off for that. Come on Bill …
I have a disco ball hanging from the mirror in my 70s Chevy van. I guess the pull-a-part is the last stop for mine.
The ad has been deleted.
There was no such model as an impala ss396 in 68. This is just an ss impala with a 396. And oh yes there was an Impala ss427.
Nice car.Looks to be worth the scratch.The SS 427 was not an Impala but an option on top of the SS 427 Impala.The SS 427 was a Z24.That’s the one with the gills .A Z24 will not have a Impala emblem anywhere on it.The gills were painted until final production before 69 when they left them chromed because the paint wouldn’t stick to the chrome plated diecast.Late Z24’s got regular 427 callouts on the front fender side marker lights early pre Feb. ones got SS427 callouts.Z03 got you buckets and a console with SS door panels.I think u16 was the tach and gauge package.Took my z24 out today and beat the snot out of it .Last nice day probably this year.That’s what they’re meant for.This was a deal if it was a real seller and the car was as nice as it looks in the pics.Auction is over so I couldn’t see the listing.Craigslist is sketchy unfortunetly.
This car would make an awesome restomod. I would leave it as it is and enjoy it. Gorgeous Chevy.