Presentation is often a problem when a project is seen sitting on top of a trailer, looking like it may not have moved under its own power in years, and it’s easy for a potential buyer’s first instinct to be focusing on only the bad. That’s not to say this 1968 Chevrolet Impala is exactly good, but it does offer some positives, such as being a convertible and a factory Super Sport, with the seller also stating that it’s completely original. There’s lots of work to be done, but if you’re seeing a promising restoration project here, this Chevy droptop can be found here on eBay. It’s located in Hebron, Maine, with the buy-it-now price set at $6,000. Offers are also being accepted if you find the asking price a bit steep. Our thanks go to reader CCFisher for sending in the tip on this one!
As beautiful as the New England area of the United States is, driving cars around these parts during the winter can easily cause metal deterioration, with this Impala showing quite a bit of rust on the body. At some point, another unfortunate incident occurred when a tree fell on the driver’s side quarter, causing more exterior damage in addition to the corrosion. It’s a certainty that lots of panel work will be required here, but the seller believes it’s not beyond saving, and points out that it’s straight except for the one area. Whether the convertible frame rails can be straightened and salvaged is questionable, but a new canvas roof will undoubtedly be required.
Although the interior will also need attention, the instrument panel looks better than I was expecting, and surprisingly, the dash pad doesn’t seem to have any visible cracks. The seats will need new upholstery and the door panels replaced, but it’s good to find the buckets and console still inside, plus power windows for all but the front flaps. This one does not have air conditioning, so be prepared to put the top down often for some fresh airflow during the summer months.
No photos are provided, but the owner says this one still has the numbers-matching 327 and lists the HP as 275, meaning it’s got the higher compression variant of the two engines that size available in ’68. The Turbo 400 is also original, but no word on the functionality of either, so I’m guessing it may be time for some rebuilds. While a floor patch or replacement is in order here, the frame rails seem fairly solid, at least the parts we can see. This 1968 Chevrolet Impala SS will be a hefty project, but it might be a worthwhile endeavor if you’ve got the skills needed to get this one back on the road. Do you think this one’s worth the effort?
How to become a millionaire…start with 2 million and restore this car.
That Rex…… Was hilarious. You made my day.
It’s restorable and will need a full drivers rear quarter installed. The top looks like thereat convertible bows or section is damaged and the will be part that is the harder one to find in bone yard or Ebay possibly. I think it’s an over priced but everyone these days feel they have the next Mecum car found. To attempt to get to the top price asked then start the car, tune it up and change oil etc. with a running video prove it will run. Then provide a video of the car moving back and forth for the transmission too. If not put more of a realistic price and it will sell.
GLWS!
When the steel behind the door cards is rusted through you can only imagine how much worse the car really is.
Parts car, not project.
Steve R
Add 100 to the 327 and it just might be a project, ambitious for certain.
I get it is a original complete car but this one is leaning to a parts car!
Wonder if this beauty used to blast up the road to Sugarloaf in the winter ❄️ for some great skiing ⛷️
Cudos to the seller for their plethora of honest pictures, albeit minus an open power barn. While anything can be restored with enough time, expertise, and money, sometimes fate should be accepted. There’s probably several thousand dollars in usable parts here, and IMO, that’s what the new owner’s intent should be – use it for a car worthy of restoration or part it out to other cars. The current price is an order of magnitude too high. Between $600 and $1000 feels right for the amount of time one would take parting it out and the cost of waiting, disassembly, and shipping to get your money back.
Nope.
Not a lot of engine for a two-ton car. My boss at the gas station had one with a 427 in it that was a runner once it was in motion. Never send a 17-yr old to get lunch.
And there you have it folks Jimmy Johns was born.
This vehicle is remarkably intact and the body lines, chrome and bumpers line up very straight. The frame needs to be stripped but it doesnt appear penetrated anywhere. It would be a shame to junk this or part it out, not a SS convertible. Needs front and rear quarters, likely trunk, floor pans, top frame may straighten, interior and rebuild the drivetrain. Asking price needs to come way down.
The Good: H.O. 327 V8, THM 400 transmission (not a Powerglide), convertible. The Bad: Interior, convertible top is no good, not running. The Ugly: Body rot and body damage, with possible frame damage to go with it. The Verdict: Restored, this car could fetch over six figures at auction, the problem is that restoration could cost over $100k. Aftermarket frames are between $20k and $40k, rebuilding the engine and transmission add another $10k, and at least $50k for a rotisserie restoration of the body and putting it back together with a new top and interior. For someone with deep pockets, maybe, but for the rest of us, a parts car! Take the engine, tranny, console bucket seats and dash, then scrap the rest!
$1500 car tops!
I’ll give him $2000 if he throws in the trailer, LOL!
I saw a skit once with a girl model in a bikini on the hood of a new Cadillac and a guy was passing by and she says to him you can have anything you want. He pushes her off of the car and takes the car. I would do that to this car and take the trailer.
The seller here is so funny.
“The car is in great shape except for where it isn’t.”
Ya gotta love that optimism.
Optimism or delusional?
The most shocking thing is that the delux steering wheel is not cracked!
I’ve seen this style wheel with more cracks than plastic.
I always loved the 67 more because of the round gauges and dashboard layout. But l’d try to find a candidate that wouldn’t cost a fortune to restore. If you’ve got the ridiculous amount of money it’ll cost you to bring this one back. You’ll have a sight to behold.
I had the opportunity in 1977 to buy one of these with a 427 and 4 speed in very nice condition for $1000. but I had to pass because I was busy buying her brother’s 1971 340, 4 speed Duster with 34,000 miles for $1200. This was the same week I looked at a nice 1965 ivy green, Shelby Mustang for $2500. Has anyone seen the key to my Time Machine?