1968 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible

- 396ci/325hp V8
- 4 Speed Manual
- 12 Bolt Rear End
- True SS Convertible
- Upgraded Dual Exhaust

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1968 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 170 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: Garage Kept Motors.)

“… a surprising brawler.” – Hemmings Muscle Machines, July 2014

The Hemmings writers told the SS story: “… the Impala stands out in the minds of many simply because of the Super Sport editions. Starting as a dealer-installed option in 1961, by 1964 the Impala SS had been elevated to a separate model within the series. Since its inception, the package consisted of special trim (though not in all model years), emblems, wheel covers, bucket seats and a center console, and was available only on coupes and convertibles.”

“By the latter portion of the '60s, adding the heavy-duty F41 suspension, power disc brakes, one of three optional transmissions and one of four optional 'performance' engines, could transform an otherwise placid cruiser into a surprising brawler.”

Offered here in orange over black under a black fabric top is a 1968 Chevy Impala true SS 396 convertible. Fewer than 3,000 miles have been added since the car's refurbishment was completed. This is a late-Sixties big-block muscle car in a striking color.

The Impala's exterior orange paint is the result of a recent driver-quality re-spray. The color is even across the entire body. There are no dents, dings, scrapes or other damage on any body panel. The chrome bumpers front and rear are in excellent condition. The car's front and rear showcased unique designs: the front grille incorporates the quad headlights below a forward-facing, body-color-painted panel, while the low-set rear bumper incorporates the Impala's six taillights. Both flanks of the car feature thin trim to protect from parking-lot scrapes. Cabin glass and lighting lenses are clear and free of cracks. All factory badging—including the “Impala Super Sport” badges used before the shorthand “SS” badges came into being—are in place. The “396” emblems are present on the front fenders forward of the wheel wells. Even the original selling dealer's chrome badge is still mounted on the rear deck lid. Classic steel wheels with chrome trim rings (as used on period Corvettes) are mounted with Firehawk® Indy 500 raised-white-letter tires. The car's black fabric convertible top is free of damage or signs of unusual wear.

The interior shows the results of a quality restoration accomplished without extensive modifications to the design or original equipment. Front buckets and rear bench seat have been reupholstered in black leather with a correct vertically pleated design. The upholstery is free of cracks or signs of significant wear. Door trim echoes the black theme and includes cranks for the roll-up windows. The steering wheel—trimmed with brushed metal, wood-look rim, and a bowtie-emblem with red, white, and blue trim on the center—frames an instrument panel laid out horizontally with a 120-mph speedometer its focal point. Pedals are trimmed with metal. The black dash incorporates the factory AM/FM pushbutton radio and a handsome “Super Sport” emblem facing the passenger. The shift lever for the 4-speed manual transmission is located on the center console, with the shift pattern displayed on the face of the console much as it was on Corvettes. A combination storage compartment and armrest is located at the rear of the console between the bucket seats. Behind the rear seats, the black “boot” for the convertible top stowage (a perfect spot for the homecoming queen to ride) completes the interior.

Opening the hood reveals the 396-cubic-inch V8 producing—as the crossed-flags sticker on top of the chrome air cleaner advises—an impressive 325 horsepower. The engine block is properly painted orange and the entire powerplant is clean. Chrome valve covers are fitted, and the exhaust headers are an impressive sight. Hoses and wiring are properly routed. Viewed from below, the upgraded dual exhaust (with crossover) extends rearward from the racing-style headers to the mufflers, and exits at both rear corners of the car past the 12-bolt rear differential. The chassis is well-ordered and free of damage.

All factory identification and build tags remain in place. The car's original owner's manual is included in the sale.

While the more than 170 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this '68 Impala SS Convertible in detail from every angle, including from below, we expect and encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance as our showroom is not open to the public. And feel free to get in touch anytime by phone or email if you have questions.

This Impala SS convertible would've been a star on a rotating turntable in a Chevy dealer's showroom back in the day. It would've attracted scores of admirers of all ages. Lots has changed in the world of automobiles over the past half-century, but one thing remains the same: An orange '68 Impala SS drop-top will still draw a crowd.