It shouldn't be news to anyone that big Chevys like this 1968 Impala SS hardtop are being snatched up by collectors as quickly as we can find them. V8 power, full-sized comfort, lots of options, and a beautiful, almost artistic look and you have one of the sleeper hits of the last few years. This one is a good, clean car in great colors that will be fun to drive and will undoubtedly attract a lot of attention at shows. Root Beer Brown Metallic is a bit of an uncommon color on a classic, but on something as big and dramatic as this Impala it makes one heck of a statement. The somewhat formal styling of the hardtop Imp lends itself to bold colors and nobody's ever going to miss this heavy cruiser. There's no vinyl top like so many of its siblings, so it has a clean, uncluttered look that's bookended by the big, bright bumpers fore and aft. It certainly looks sharp and crisp, particularly the arches over the rear quarters, suggesting that it was a clean car to start with, since this stuff isn't available from the aftermarket. No, it's not perfect, but it is fresh and has a finish that will lend itself to use, not trailer queen status. There are still six taillights set into the bright chrome bumper out back, reminding you that this is Chevy's top-of-the-line machine. And while most of the trim is original, it remains bright and shiny and it's obvious that a lot of extra time went into making everything fit together just right. Light Tan (or Parchment, depending on your angle) is a popular choice that will always look good in a brown car. Root beer float, anyone? The smooth patterned vinyl upholstery on the seats was added during the restoration, and despite the tendency of light colors to stain quickly, it has managed to remain in great shape. The door panels, headliner, dash pad, and plush carpets were redone as well, and you guessed it, they look great too. The upgraded Dakota Digital instrument panel puts everything in front of the driver, with the wide white speedometer flanked by matching temp and fuel on the left, and a tachometer on the right. The original radio is still in the dash but it is supplanted by an AM/FM/CD/DVD/Bluetooth head unit in a neat enclosure underneath that controls Alpine speakers in the cabin and two subwoofers in the trunk. A beautiful Impala steering wheel rests atop a chrome Ididit tilt column, and arguably most importantly of all, a Vintage A/C was installed during the restoration and its controls and vents fit neatly under the dash. And, of course, you get a massive trunk that carries the aforementioned subs and two amplifiers, yet still has enough room to fit a Yugo inside. The engine in this SS is a period-correct, double-hump head 327 cubic inch V8 with a few upgrades to make it feel a bit more energetic around town. With Chevy Orange paint, it looks pretty correct, but the list of upgrades includes an Edelbrock 600CFM carburetor with electric choke on an Edelbrock intake manifold, an HEI ignition, and a chrome Edelbrock air cleaner. It starts easily and runs smoothly, as you'd expect, and with a TH350 automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes, anyone can get behind the wheel and have some fun. The exhaust system was upgraded to a dual setup, and it gives the car a great small-block note from the glasspack-style mufflers. Shiny aftermarket wheels look right and carry 215/60/15 (front) and 235/70/15 (rear) blackwall radials. These cars are not going to stay under the radar for much longer, and we can't seem to keep them in stock. Don't miss another opportunity at a real SS and call us today!
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