Numbers-matching classic cars, especially those with a big-block under the hood, will always command their share of attention. While this 1968 Impala SS no longer features its original 396ci V8, the 427 that has taken its place offers the promise of an exhilarating motoring experience. Once again, Barn Finder Larry D has proven how effective his radar is by spotting this giant for us. Thank you so much for that, Larry. It is located in Madera, California, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $9,500, but you could try your luck if you are interested by submitting an offer.

You can’t help but think that this Impala would’ve made quite an impact when it was new. It rolled off the line wearing Tripoli Turquoise paint with a White vinyl top. At first glance, it seems that its best days might be behind it. It will take a determined person to return the SS to its former glory. The paint is faded, the vinyl top is gone, and the owner admits that there’s plenty of rust for the buyer to consider. I can spot some in the lower rear quarter panels and around the rear wheel arches, along with a spot in the lower front fender on the passenger side. It also appears that there is some in the trunk pan and floors, but it isn’t clear how extensive it is. In a car of this type, I probably wouldn’t mess around with patches. It is possible to buy a one-piece floor with all of the correct bracings for around $1,100, and that would consign any floor issues to the pages of history. A multi-piece trunk pan would add a further $380 to the bill, but once again, it represents a permanent solution to the problem. It appears that the tinted glass is in good order, while the exterior trim looks to be restorable.

It’s unfortunate that the Impala is no longer numbers-matching because its original 396/4-speed combination would’ve been pretty entertaining. However, the empty space is now occupied by a non-running 427ci  big-block backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. Rounding out the package is the original 12-bolt Posi rear end. It isn’t clear what state the motor is in, but I suspect it would probably benefit from rebuilding. If the buyer tackles this project as a frame-off refurbishment, that will provide the perfect opportunity to refresh the V8 and detail it within an inch of its life. Depending on how the builder specifies the engine, it could produce some substantial power, with a figure beyond 400hp a distinct possibility. If that is the case, it will make it a potent piece of equipment.

The refurbishment of this SS will continue once the buyer turns their attention to the interior. The Parchment trim has seen better days, while the pad is cracked and the console is missing. The dash is intact and features the factory tachometer. Whipping the interior into shape will not be a cheap proposition, but as I’ve stated in previous articles, it should represent a one-off expense. A trim kit that includes everything but the pad and console will cost around $2,000 in the correct color and material. The pad will add a further $320, and a reproduction console generally retails for around $620. It’s not cheap, but the interior would appear factory fresh. Whether the expense is justified is something we’re about to investigate further.

There’s no doubt that if the buyer returned this 1968 Impala SS to its factory appearance, it would have the ability to turn heads. However, that is going to take some work, and it will cost a bit of money. How viable this is as a project build will depend on many things. The first of these is how extensive the rust is. If the buyer can cut and weld to a high standard, they could save a considerable amount on labor in that area alone. The interior refurbishment will also cost a bit, but a competent individual could potentially install the trim. That leaves the drivetrain to consider. If the buyer knows the right people, it could be returned to a healthy state for little more than the cost of parts. If they need to pay someone, the bill could run into thousands of dollars. The lack of a numbers-matching drivetrain will potentially negatively impact the car’s ultimate value. If the right person came along, they might be willing to pay top dollar for a non-original Impala SS with a 427 under the hood. If the car were 100% original and meticulously restored, I would expect to command a value well north of $40,000. Interestingly, I have found this car advertised on another site with a price of $13,999. If you are interested in tackling this project, you should grab it via the eBay listing because the money you save would cover the cost of the parts that I’ve listed in this article. It proves that it pays to shop around.