The 1968 Chevrolet Impala represents a pinnacle of American automotive design, sitting at the crossroads of muscular performance and elegant full-size luxury. This specific model year marked a period of refinement for the iconic line, moving away from the radical redesign of 1965 toward a more mature and sophisticated aesthetic. Under the hood, buyers were treated to a vast array of powertrain options, ranging from economical six-cylinder workhorses to race-bred V8s that could satisfy any gearhead. The 1968 model year is frequently celebrated by enthusiasts as the definitive year for the third-generation Impala, offering a perfect blend of style, power, and presence that remains captivating over half a century later.
Design and Styling Evolution
Visually, the 1968 Impala distinguished itself with subtle yet impactful changes that signaled a new era for the brand. The most notable alteration was the adoption of a concave grille, which created a more aggressive and modern front-end profile compared to the flat grilles of previous years. Headlights were set into slightly revised nacelles, giving the car a more alert and expressive appearance, while the signature triple taillight motif was refined for greater visual impact. The body lines flowed seamlessly from the front fenders to the rear quarters, emphasizing the car’s substantial width and creating a sense of planted stability that defined the full-size American sedan of that era.
Exterior Color Palette and Trim
Chevrolet offered an extensive range of vibrant and sophisticated color options for the 1968 model, catering to diverse tastes. Classic hues like Capri Red, Turbine Bronze, and Sun Valley Green allowed the car’s sculpted body to shine, while more conservative options like Jet Black and Summit White provided a timeless elegance. The introduction of the Super Sport (SS) trim package was a major highlight, featuring a distinctive blacked-out grille, unique wheel covers, and bold striping that screamed performance straight off the showroom floor. For the luxury market, the Impala Caprice package offered premium vinyl bench seats, enhanced chrome detailing, and a more refined interior ambiance that set it apart from its lesser-equipped siblings.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Driving the 1968 Impala was a revelation, thanks to its formidable selection of engines that delivered power for any driving scenario. The base model typically came equipped with a reliable 230 cubic-inch inline-six, providing adequate power for daily commuting and highway cruising with impressive fuel efficiency. For those seeking more excitement, the 327 cubic-inch V8 was a popular intermediate option, striking a balance between drivability and spirited performance. However, the true head-turners were the high-performance variants, including the legendary 396 cubic-inch Turbo-Jet V8 and the race-prepared 427 cubic-inch Y-block V8, which could propel the heavy sedan from zero to sixty in breathtaking time.
Transmission and Handling
Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a choice of transmissions that matched the driver’s intentions. A robust three-speed manual transmission was standard, offering direct engagement for enthusiasts. The Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 automatic transmission was a popular upgrade, providing smooth and confident gear changes under heavy acceleration. Handling, while not sports-car sharp, was competent and predictable, thanks to the well-engineered front suspension and live rear axle setup. The result was a car that felt planted and secure at high speeds, inspiring confidence for long-distance journeys or navigating through busy city streets.
Interior Comfort and Technology
More perspective on 1968 Chevy impala can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
