Vehicle Description
Beautiful survivor with original paint and interior. L36 427/385
with TH400 automatic transmission. Bucket seats, console, and rare
tachometer gauge package. Nicely optioned, including factory A/C,
tilt column, and AM/FM radio. An unusual full-sized cruiser with
plenty of punch.The guy who ordered this 1968 Chevrolet Impala with
a 427 didn't do it to win street races. The L36 wasn't designed for
all-out performance, but rather effortless power and a torque curve
as flat as Nebraska. That isn't to say the guy behind the wheel
doesn't enjoy speed, but he's just more grown-up about it, maybe
preferring the kind of performance that lets him pull away from a
pesky Mustang on the highway without even a downshift. That's what
this Impala is all about. Look it over and you'll see a fairly
amazing survivor-that's original paint, original black vinyl top,
and an original interior that's in fantastic condition. The car has
lived an easy life, and if you're a fan of untouched, original
cars, this is a great choice. Sure, there are some bumps a bruises,
some scratches and nicks, but original paint also means that there
are no nasty surprises waiting for you underneath. There's
laser-straight factory sheetmetal, doors that fit the way the
factory intended, and no signs of rot, suggesting that this car
spent its years someplace warm (it was originally sold in Alabama).
Frost Green is an awesome sleeper color, blending in instead of
standing out, and with a black vinyl top, it looks every bit the
gentleman's hot rod. Speaking of the vinyl top, it is also original
and in excellent shape with no signs of bubbling underneath.
There's also some nice chrome and stainless trim, including those
all-important '427' emblems on the front fenders. If you like the
soft patina of a quality survivor, this Impala should talk to you
loud and clear.The black interior is in remarkable condition, so
nice that we were just sure that it has been restored. Nope, that's
original stuff, just properly maintained. The carpets have been
replaced, of course, but the door panels, seats, and headliner
appear to be factory-issue with the kind of detailing that the
repro stuff just can't quite match. The woodgrained steering wheel
adds some warmth to the all-business interior, and you'll find a
nice list of options, including factory A/C (still R12 but in need
of a recharge), a tilt steering column, and a full set of gauges
that includes a factory tachometer-a rare find! Buckets and a
console are a nice find in a big cruiser like this and there's a
factory AM/FM radio still in the center of the dash. Don't be
fooled by the mileage-this is not a 2900 original mile car-but the
condition of the soft parts is rather remarkable and suggests that
this car has always been a favorite. And, as a full-sized Chevy,
there's a massive trunk in back with original spatter-finish paint,
a correct mat, and a matching spare tire assembly.The L36 427 cubic
inch V8 wasn't built to be a screamer-with a hydraulic cam and
modest compression, it idles smoothly and just goes about its
business without any fuss. But you get the impression from the
first turn of the key that there are rather substantial reserves of
power on tap, and that's what luxury was all about in 1968. When it
was new, this car could just walk away from some pretty serious
hardware without any drama. Today it remains a lot of fun to drive
with big block torque and a smoothness that's hard to describe but
easy to understand. It fires up easily, idles nicely, and pulls the
big coupe around without ever seeming to work hard. It makes a
healthy V8 burble but never gets boy-racer annoying-this is a car
for grown-ups, remember? We believe the engine was rebuilt, as it
has a rebuilder's stamp on the pad, and it certainly acts like a
much fresher engine than the mileage would indicate. No chronic
leaks, no signs of deferred maintenance, and it stays nice and cool
on the road. It's correctly detailed with Chevy Orange paint,
chrome valve covers to match the air cleaner (with original
'Turbo-Jet' decal), and even little things like tower hose clamps.
Cast iron manifolds dump into a mellow dual exhaust system that has
that heavy cruiser V8 sound that stays quiet at cruise. Power
steering and power disc brakes are part of the package, and they
work with the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission to make this car
easy to handle. The beefy 12-bolt rear end was standard equipment
behind the 427 and carries what feel like 3.36 gears, so it's
punchy but also easy on the highway. The suspension is luxury car
soft and it sits on a set of Rally wheels with fat 215/70/15
blackwall radials for the perfect low-key look.Extras include the
original owner's manual, warranty booklet, and a set of accessory
fender skirts.The proverbial iron fist in a silk glove, we love
luxury muscle like this Impala. We also love survivors, and this
car has all the hallmarks of a car that has never been apart-doors
that close with authority and that intangible feeling of quality
going down the road. If you're through with your need for spoilers
and stripes, then perhaps this clean Impala fits the bill. Call
today!Harwood Motors always recommends or welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
