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Classic Custom Coupe: 1968 Chevrolet Impala

031316 Barn Finds - 1968 Chevrolet Impala 1

This Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe is located 15 minutes west of Wall Drug in Wasta, South Dakota. The Craigslist ad lists the asking price as being $3,500. Can that possibly be right? It looks like it’s in perfect condition!

031316 Barn Finds - 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2

My dad had a dark green 1968 Impala as a company car and we loved it. I’m sort of partial to the ’65 model with the famous tail lights, but this looks like a great project car. Wait, did I just say, project car? Yes, sadly, the seller mentions that both the original 327 engine and automatic transmission need to be rebuilt. Sigh, that’s why it’s only $3,500. But, still, we all have an idea of what we’d like to do with a 2-door Chevy like this beautiful blue one. Being a purist I’d want to bring it back to original spec, but I also wouldn’t mind having a modern, uber-reliable drivetrain in this car. It sure looks like it’s in beautiful condition. 1968 was the year that a lot of the GM vehicles got hidden windshield wipers for a much cleaner look and they had something called Astro Ventilation which was an option for Custom Coupes. The cars that had that option didn’t have the side vent windows, so this car must not have that feature.

031316 Barn Finds - 1968 Chevrolet Impala 4

While the exterior looks nice, the interior needs a little work. I’m not sure why folks don’t clean out their cars before they take a few photos and try to sell them. Literally three minutes worth of work might yield a higher selling price. You only get one chance to make a first impression. They say that the “interior needs redone (sic) due to mice.” That doesn’t surprise me in western South Dakota, the western prairie is full of those little devils. I love those brocade-like fabric seats, that may be my favorite material for upholstery. As with any Chevrolet Impala, just about every part that would be needed is available from numerous suppliers.

031316 Barn Finds - 1968 Chevrolet Impala 3

Surely this car can be brought back to life, the body looks great and the seller says that it has a “good body with little rust.” You could restore this car back to like new condition again or take it in another direction. What would you have in mind for this cool Custom Coupe?

Comments

  1. Avatar Rick

    Always liked this roofline, was used on the 67 Caprice coupe. Anyway could be a really nice street rod with nice wheels (nothing bigger than 15 in like torque thrusts) and paint and interior work and . . .

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Charles

    This will make a nice street rod.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Greg

    1. Replace the whole interior with used or replica pieces.
    2. Find a good used th400 transmission.
    3. Buy a GM 502 crate motor.
    4. Replace brakes, springs, shocks, exhaust, front end pieces as needed.

    It’s actually quite a bit of work to do all these things and can take more time than you think. But it’s all doable with basic skills and a vision.

    For $20,000 you’d have a nice driver that would sell for decent money. You won’t lose much.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Alan (Michigan)

    Will ya look at the size of that trunk!

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Scot Carr

    ~ ‘big-block’ Chevy Impala between a rock and hard place.
    This image is making the rounds on Facebook recently.
    Not the same year, I know.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

      Now that’s a big block!

      Like 1
    • Avatar lrry

      Ran when I parked it. Air conditioner was cold too !

      Like 0
    • Avatar harold

      there is another car under rock also

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Donnie

    Looks like it has ben hit front drivers side our something happened there.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar lrry

    Ran when I parked it. Air conditioner ran cold too !

    Like 0
  8. Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

    Love that “Caprice” roofline. Mousey smell will be there forever though unless you strip the interior to bare metal and start over

    Like 0
  9. Avatar CattooButt Member

    If a rock falls on a Chevy in the woods and nobody hears it.
    The Chevy still got crushed.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Kevin

    I’ve driven past Wasta many times on the way to and from The Black Hills and once did a drive through. Don’t blink!

    Like 0

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