There are some beautifully preserved cars appearing in today’s classic market, but finding one that has also been featured in a national magazine is less common. That is the story behind this 1968 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe. It presents superbly as an original and untouched survivor and recently featured in a four-page spread in Hemmings Classic Car Magazine. Its overall level of preservation is remarkable, and for those seeking a car with plenty of power, the big-block V8 under the hood should provide some satisfaction. Located in NW Chicago, Illinois, the Impala is listed for sale here on Craigslist. When you consider all it has to offer, the seller’s price of $39,999 would seem pretty fair. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring this beauty to us.

We’ve seen a few classics in the past at Barn Finds that have featured in magazines, and often the period between when they achieved that feat and when they appear on our site can be significant. That is not the case with this Impala. It made the pages of the Hemmings Classic Car magazine in November of 2020, making it a relatively recent feature car. The owner includes a copy of the magazine in the sale and a vast collection of documentation. These include the Owner’s Manual, original Window Sticker, the dealer’s copy of the Shipper Manifest, Warranty Book, Protect-O-Plate, and various other pieces of paperwork.

The Custom Coupe was a new addition to the Impala range for 1968, providing a formal roofline the same as the Caprice Coupe. The squarer roofline allowed for increased rear-seat headroom compared to a traditional hardtop, making it an attractive option for those seeking a slice of practicality. Our feature Impala wears its original Seafrost Green paint, an attractive shade that looks more gray than green. The seller indicates that the car has never been the recipient of any restoration work and that its paint and steel are original. The paint shines beautifully, but a close inspection reveals a few tiny chips and marks. None of these have exposed the steel beneath, and there is nothing that requires attention if the next owner craves complete originality. The panels are laser straight, with no dents, bruises, or evidence of rust. The same is true of the underside, with the factory undercoat effectively protecting the floor and frame from the ravages of the dreaded tin worm. The seller is the car’s third owner, indicating that it has always spent its time in a climate-controlled garage when not prowling the streets. The chrome is in excellent condition, while the same is true of the tinted glass. This Impala may not be perfect, but you will struggle to find many better-preserved examples in today’s classic market.

When the original owner ordered this Impala, he didn’t spare the cash to create the car of his dreams. In addition to the factory sticker price, he added factory options that increased the figure by a whopping 40%. One of those was the L35 version of Chevrolet’s ground-pounding 396ci big-block V8. It didn’t stop there because he also specified a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, a dual exhaust, power steering, and power brakes. At 4,100lbs, the Impala is a relatively heavy beast, but with 325hp on tap, it managed to offer its owner performance that was above average for a vehicle of this weight. If someone pointed this classic at a ¼ mile, it could romp through in 16.4 seconds. That figure may not sound that impressive by today’s standards, but when you consider that Chevrolet viewed this Impala as an offering with a focus more on luxury than as a genuine muscle car, it stacked up pretty well. It is a numbers-matching car that is in mechanically good health. The owner recently added a stainless steel exhaust and re-cored the original radiator, but it appears to be otherwise unmolested. It has a genuine 80,000 miles on the clock, and given the documentation the seller hold, this could probably be verified. He says it runs and drives beautifully, with no issues or vices. It is a turnkey proposition for a buyer who wants to immediately experience the joy of the classic car ownership experience.

The previous owner was this Impala’s custodian from 2000 until 2019. He entered the vehicle in numerous shows and walked away with his share of trophies. One of the joys of owning a preserved classic like this is repeatedly explaining to show judges that the interior is original and has received no form of restoration. The story remains the same today, and its condition would still turn heads and receive admiring comments. The seats are upholstered in Gray and Green cloth and vinyl and exhibit no evidence of wear or physical damage. The remaining upholstered surfaces appear perfect, as do the carpet, dash, and pad. It is also unmolested, with no genuine aftermarket additions. The original owner ordered the Impala with the factory AM radio with the rear speaker but soon substituted a NOS Delco AM/FM Stereo Multiplex radio to improve the listening pleasure, along with a Vigilite Fiber Optics Monitoring System. Other comfort features include a tilt wheel and ice-cold factory air conditioning.

It would be easy for some enthusiasts to mistake this 1968 Impala Custom Coupe for an older restoration, but that would not be doing this classic justice. It is a beautifully preserved survivor, and its next owner will be able to drive it with absolute pride. The asking price is right at the top end of what you might expect to pay out for a vehicle of this type, but its mechanical specifications, documentation, and overall condition justify the figure. It is a car that is guaranteed to turn heads, and while it has only been on the market for a few days, I won’t be surprised if a buyer pops up pretty quickly.