The 68 ss impala represents the pinnacle of American muscle car engineering from the golden era of Detroit. This specific model year combined aggressive styling with potent performance options, creating a machine that remains highly desirable among collectors today. Understanding the nuances of the 1968 model helps distinguish the true performance variants from the more common base models.
Design and Styling Evolution
For 1968, the Impala received a significant exterior refresh that gave it a more sculpted and aggressive appearance. The most notable change was the adoption of a new roofline on the Sport Coupe, featuring a more pronounced concave rear window that gave the car a distinctive fastback profile. This design not only improved aesthetics but also enhanced rigidity and high-speed stability on the highway.
Alongside the roofline update, the front end was revised with a new grille design that sat lower and wider, integrating the iconic "Impala" script more prominently. The taillights were also restyled, moving to the rear bumper area on the lower deck, which created a cleaner separation between the body and the light clusters. These visual cues signaled a move towards a more modern and sophisticated look compared to the previous year.
Performance Specifications and Options
Power under the hood was substantial, with the standard 396 cubic-inch V8 producing 325 horsepower. However, the true performance enthusiasts sought the top-tier options that pushed the boundaries of what a family sedan could achieve. The legendary 427 cubic-inch V8 was available in several configurations, with the L72 version producing an impressive 425 horsepower straight from the factory.
The L88 option, often mistaken for the standard 427, was a high-performance racing engine that required significant investment and was intended primarily for track use. It featured aluminum cylinder heads, a forged crankshaft, and high-flow components that delivered exceptional power output. This engine transformed the Impala into a legitimate drag strip contender, capable of quarter-mile times that stunned contemporary competitors.
Handling and Drivetrain Refinements To manage the power delivery, the 68 ss impala utilized a robust three-speed manual transmission as standard, with the heavy-duty four-speed manual and the new three-speed automatic Super Turbine 400 available as upgrades. The Super Turbine 400 was a significant innovation, designed specifically to handle the torque of the big-block engines without failure. Suspension upgrades were critical to handling the brute force of the large displacement engines. The SS package typically included heavy-duty shocks, sway bars, and high-capacity springs that kept the car planted during aggressive acceleration and cornering. This combination of power and control made the 1968 model a joy to drive on both open highways and winding backroads. The SS Package and Market Presence
To manage the power delivery, the 68 ss impala utilized a robust three-speed manual transmission as standard, with the heavy-duty four-speed manual and the new three-speed automatic Super Turbine 400 available as upgrades. The Super Turbine 400 was a significant innovation, designed specifically to handle the torque of the big-block engines without failure.
Suspension upgrades were critical to handling the brute force of the large displacement engines. The SS package typically included heavy-duty shocks, sway bars, and high-capacity springs that kept the car planted during aggressive acceleration and cornering. This combination of power and control made the 1968 model a joy to drive on both open highways and winding backroads.
The Super Sport (SS) package was the performance identity of the 1968 Impala, signifying a commitment to serious driving dynamics. This option bundle included the distinctive SS badging, unique rallye wheels, and performance-oriented instrumentation inside the cabin. Owning an SS model meant prioritizing the driving experience over pure luxury, a philosophy that resonated with the era's car culture.
