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Formal Roof: 1968 Chevrolet Impala Custom

Chevy expanded the Impala lineup in 1968 with the Custom, which used the Caprice’s formal rooftop instead of fastback styling. It was available through the 1976 model year, after which the full-size Chevrolets were all downsized in the name of practicality. This ’68 Custom Coupe looks like a decent survivor although it no longer has the engine advertised on the fender crest. It’s a good-running automobile that looks nice until you get up close, but with a little TLC, it could be a fine car to take to Cars & Coffee. Located in Waukon, Iowa, this fourth-generation Chevy is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $9,000.

The redesign of the full-size Chevies in 1965 proved to be a huge hit and more than one million Impalas would hit the road that year, a record that Chevrolet has never beat. The design would continue through 1970 with a facelift every couple of years. The ’68s look a lot like the ’67s with the most noticeable difference being the rear bumper that houses the taillights on the latter model. In its first year, the ’68 Impala Custom Coupe looked like a Caprice but without as many of the creature comforts.

With its aftermarket wheels, air shocks, and dual exhaust, this ’68 Impala looks a bit on the badass side. But it was not a barnburner from the factory. It started with a basic 307 cubic inch V8 and a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, not a fast combination for a large car like this. The story of this automobile dates to 1975 when the previous owner first bought the car during high school. It changed hands a couple of more times after that before returning to the same party who owned it during his teens. That’s who the seller bought it from.

The original 307 V8 went bad from sitting, so the prior owner dropped in a rebuilt 350 which most Chevy folks would agree was a nice improvement. That’s when the car gained the upgrades you see and not much else has been needed since then. The seller, who is also a dealer, bought the car for local shows and parades and would rather resell the car now rather than store it again through the harsh winter months that Iowa sometimes sees. We’re told it runs great, cruises nicely at 65, and the only mechanical touches needed may be in the braking department. A brief video of this automobile is provided here.

Until you get up close, the Chevy’s dark blue paint job almost looks black and presents okay. It has the usual wear and dings you might expect for paint that has not been restored. There is no notable rust and we’re told the undersides look good. Part of the trim on one wheel well is missing. The white vinyl top looks to be fine and the interior is a bit dirty and would probably clean up okay. But a new set of carpeting should be put on the to-list. At some point, the front bench seat may have to be recovered. If you were looking for a near turn-key car that doesn’t require an immediate fortune to be poured back into it, this Chevy might fit the bill.

Comments

  1. Avatar Taco

    Low rider

    Like 3
    • Avatar Matt in Flint

      The perfect candidate

      Like 1
  2. Avatar Greg

    I would keep it just like it is. Sure beats the price of a disassembled 73 Chevrolet for 9500.00

    Like 0
    • Avatar Neil

      C’mon, those rear tires have got to go.

      Like 4
  3. Avatar Old Beach Guy

    The engine looks untouched and original. I’d have to take a closer look, but I’d bet it’s the old 307. Who does and engine swap and retains the original GM bandaid tie downs? Nobody. They use the newer mounts. Just saying.

    Not that it would matter, for the right price. Great cars. I wish I had my butternut yellow one back.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Tom

      In 1979 I had a ‘68 Impala Custom 2 door fastback winter beater when I was in high school. 396 with a TH400. My goodness did that thing suck gas! It ran excellent, but there wasn’t a straight panel on it except for maybe the hood and trunk lid.
      The first time I went to my new girlfriend’s (now wife of 36 years) house I parked a block away so her mom couldn’t see it. Didn’t want to make a bad first impression! This looks like a decent car for the money.
      Side note; back in my truck driving days I used to pick up frozen organic chickens at a farm just outside of Waukon IA. Beautiful area right along the Mississippi. Where does the time go??

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Greg

    I would return to the stock height, then drive it

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Gary

    Even comes with handle bars to push with.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar KC John Member

    Leave it the way it sits. Make me think I’m running late for class. Lol. I like it for what it is. An honest guys high school ride. You could low ride it. Or pro tour it. But I’m betting she’ll get more attention and friendly comment like she sits.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Greg

    I agree with KC John, keep it just the way it is

    Like 2
    • Avatar Stevieg

      I agree too.
      Mid 1980’s, this is what these looked like in the highs hood parking lot.
      Someone’s grandma would have passed away or maybe just bought a new car, junior would end up with grannies old beater, and this is what the outcome would be.
      I love it!

      Like 0
  8. Avatar RMac

    Handlebars ? Huh? I am missing the joke?

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Gary

    When the pipes stick out like that, we call them handlebars instead of out each side as they should be. Maybe I’m too picky.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar RMac

    OK thanks for that Gary I also hate the pipes sticking out too far just never heard the called handlebars- I love it
    I in fact just trimmed about 3 inches off the stainless tips of a chambered exhaust I had sweet thunder fabricate because when installed it the pipes were sticking way out

    Like 1

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