The 1968 Impala Super Sport, or SS, was a high-performance muscle car produced by Chevrolet. It was the top-of-the-line Impala model and was available in both coupe and convertible body styles.
The SS was powered by a variety of powerful V8 engines, including a 325 horsepower 396 cubic inch V8 and a 425 horsepower 427 cubic inch V8. It also featured a number of performance-oriented features, such as a heavy-duty suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a Hurst shifter.
The 1968 Impala SS was a popular muscle car and is still highly sought-after by collectors today. It is considered to be one of the most iconic American muscle cars of all time.
1968 Impala Super Sport
The 1968 Impala Super Sport, or SS, was a high-performance muscle car produced by Chevrolet. It was the top-of-the-line Impala model and was available in both coupe and convertible body styles.
Here are 10 key aspects of the 1968 Impala SS:
- Powerful V8 engines
- Performance-oriented features
- Iconic American muscle car
- Highly sought-after by collectors
- Classic design
- Powerful brakes
- Comfortable interior
- Variety of colors
- Affordable price
- Fun to drive
The 1968 Impala SS was a popular muscle car and is still highly sought-after by collectors today. It is considered to be one of the most iconic American muscle cars of all time. The SS was available in a variety of colors, including black, red, blue, and green. It also featured a number of optional features, such as a vinyl top, air conditioning, and a power sunroof.
Powerful V8 engines
The 1968 Impala Super Sport was powered by a variety of powerful V8 engines, including a 325 horsepower 396 cubic inch V8 and a 425 horsepower 427 cubic inch V8. These engines gave the SS impressive performance, with a 0-60 mph time of around 6 seconds and a top speed of over 120 mph.
The V8 engines were also responsible for the SS’s distinctive sound. The big-block V8s produced a deep, throaty exhaust note that was music to the ears of muscle car enthusiasts.
The powerful V8 engines were a key component of the 1968 Impala SS’s success. They gave the car the performance and sound that made it one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time.
Performance-oriented features
The 1968 Impala Super Sport was equipped with a number of performance-oriented features that set it apart from other muscle cars. These features included:
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Heavy-duty suspension
The SS’s suspension was designed to handle the car’s powerful engine and provide excellent handling. It featured stiffer springs and shocks, as well as a larger sway bar.
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Four-wheel disc brakes
The SS was one of the first muscle cars to be equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. These brakes provided excellent stopping power, even at high speeds.
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Hurst shifter
The SS was available with a Hurst shifter, which provided quick and precise gear changes. This was an important feature for muscle car enthusiasts who wanted to get the most out of their car’s performance.
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Dual exhaust
The SS’s dual exhaust system gave the car a distinctive sound. It also helped to improve the car’s performance by reducing back pressure.
These performance-oriented features made the 1968 Impala Super Sport one of the most capable muscle cars on the market. They gave the car excellent handling, braking, and acceleration, making it a favorite of muscle car enthusiasts.
Iconic American muscle car
The 1968 Impala Super Sport is widely recognized as an iconic American muscle car, a symbol of power, performance, and style. Its enduring popularity and cultural significance can be attributed to several key factors:
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Design and styling
The Impala Super Sport featured a sleek and aggressive design that captured the spirit of the muscle car era. Its long hood, short deck, and wide stance gave it a menacing appearance, while its iconic “SS” badging and bold colors made it instantly recognizable.
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Performance
Under the hood, the Impala Super Sport was equipped with powerful V8 engines that delivered impressive acceleration and top speeds. Its performance capabilities were further enhanced by its heavy-duty suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and Hurst shifter.
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Cultural impact
The Impala Super Sport played a significant role in American popular culture, appearing in countless movies, TV shows, and music videos. Its association with drag racing, car shows, and the youth rebellion of the 1960s cemented its status as an iconic symbol of the era.
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Rarity and collectibility
The Impala Super Sport was produced in limited numbers, making it a rare and sought-after collector’s item. Its historical significance, combined with its enduring popularity, has led to high demand and increasing value in the classic car market.
In conclusion, the 1968 Impala Super Sport earned its status as an iconic American muscle car through its combination of striking design, impressive performance, cultural significance, and rarity. It remains a highly prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike, embodying the spirit of a bygone era in automotive history.
Highly sought-after by collectors
The 1968 Impala Super Sport (SS) stands out as a highly sought-after collector’s item due to several key factors that contribute to its desirability and value:
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Historical significance
The Impala SS is an iconic symbol of the muscle car era, embodying the power, performance, and style that defined that period in automotive history. Its association with drag racing and American popular culture has cemented its place as a collectible classic.
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Rarity and exclusivity
The Impala SS was produced in limited numbers, particularly in its high-performance configurations. This scarcity has made it a rare and desirable find for collectors, increasing its value over time.
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Investment potential
Classic cars, especially iconic models like the Impala SS, have proven to be sound investments. Their increasing rarity and growing demand among collectors have led to steady appreciation in value, making them attractive assets for discerning investors.
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Nostalgia and emotional appeal
For many collectors, owning an Impala SS evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection to a bygone era. The car’s timeless design and cultural significance resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate its historical roots and emotional appeal.
In conclusion, the 1968 Impala Super Sport’s status as a highly sought-after collector’s item stems from its historical significance, rarity, investment potential, and enduring emotional appeal. These factors combine to make it a prized possession for enthusiasts and a valuable asset for collectors.
Classic design
The 1968 Impala Super Sport (SS) stands out as an embodiment of classic design, capturing the essence of the muscle car era with its timeless lines and iconic styling. Several key facets contribute to its enduring appeal:
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Striking proportions
The Impala SS boasts a long, sleek hood, a short deck, and a wide stance, giving it a powerful and aggressive appearance. These proportions are synonymous with classic muscle car design and create an instant visual impact.
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Sculpted lines
The Impala SS’s bodywork features sculpted lines and curves that enhance its muscularity. The fenders are prominently flared, the rear quarters are voluptuous, and the overall shape exudes a sense of motion and dynamism.
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Distinctive details
The Impala SS is adorned with unique design elements that set it apart from its contemporaries. The “SS” badging on the grille and fenders adds a touch of exclusivity, while the hidden headlights and dual exhaust tips further contribute to its distinctive visual appeal.
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Timeless appeal
The Impala SS’s classic design transcends time, remaining as visually striking today as it was when it first debuted. Its proportions, lines, and details have ensured its enduring popularity, making it an icon of automotive design.
In conclusion, the classic design of the 1968 Impala Super Sport is a combination of striking proportions, sculpted lines, distinctive details, and timeless appeal. These elements come together to create a car that is both visually captivating and historically significant, solidifying its place as a true classic in the automotive world.
Powerful brakes
The 1968 Impala Super Sport (SS) was equipped with powerful brakes, a crucial component that enhanced its performance and safety capabilities. These brakes played a significant role in controlling the car’s impressive speed and handling.
The SS featured four-wheel disc brakes, an advanced technology for the time. Disc brakes provide superior stopping power compared to traditional drum brakes due to their increased surface area for friction and heat dissipation. This allowed the SS to decelerate quickly and effectively, even at high speeds.
The powerful brakes were particularly important given the SS’s potent engine options. The 396 and 427 cubic inch V8 engines produced significant horsepower and torque, enabling the car to accelerate rapidly. The brakes ensured that the SS could be brought to a controlled stop, even after reaching high speeds.
In real-life situations, the powerful brakes of the 1968 Impala SS proved invaluable. They provided drivers with confidence and control, allowing them to navigate challenging driving conditions and avoid accidents. The brakes also contributed to the SS’s reputation as a high-performance muscle car, capable of both exhilarating acceleration and reassuring deceleration.
In conclusion, the powerful brakes of the 1968 Impala Super Sport were an essential component of its overall performance package. They allowed the car to harness its impressive power effectively, ensuring safety and control for drivers. Understanding the importance of powerful brakes in muscle cars highlights the significance of braking systems in high-performance vehicles.
Comfortable interior
The 1968 Impala Super Sport (SS) was renowned not only for its performance capabilities but also for its surprisingly comfortable interior, an aspect often overlooked in muscle cars of the era.
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Spacious cabin
The SS featured a roomy cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. This spaciousness was unusual for muscle cars of the time, which often prioritized performance over comfort.
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Plush seats
The SS’s seats were well-padded and supportive, providing a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The front bucket seats offered excellent lateral support, while the rear bench seat could accommodate three adults comfortably.
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Premium materials
The SS’s interior was appointed with premium materials, such as soft vinyl and plush carpeting. These materials created a luxurious and inviting atmosphere, further enhancing the car’s comfort levels.
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Thoughtful amenities
The SS came equipped with thoughtful amenities that added to its comfort and convenience. These included air conditioning, power windows, and a premium sound system, features that were not always standard in muscle cars of the time.
In conclusion, the 1968 Impala Super Sport’s comfortable interior set it apart from its rivals. Its spacious cabin, plush seats, premium materials, and thoughtful amenities created a comfortable and inviting environment for both driver and passengers, making it a true all-around muscle car.
Variety of colors
The 1968 Impala Super Sport (SS) was offered in a wide variety of colors, allowing buyers to customize their cars to their individual tastes and preferences. This variety of colors was an important aspect of the SS’s appeal, as it allowed buyers to choose a car that reflected their personality and style.
The SS was available in a total of 14 colors, including classics like black, white, and red, as well as more unique colors like gold, green, and blue. This wide range of colors gave buyers plenty of options to choose from, ensuring that they could find a car that perfectly matched their taste.
In addition to the standard colors, the SS was also available in a number of special-order colors. These colors were typically more expensive than the standard colors, but they allowed buyers to order a car in a truly unique color. Some of the most popular special-order colors included orange, purple, and pink.
The variety of colors available for the 1968 Impala Super Sport was an important factor in its success. It allowed buyers to choose a car that was truly their own, and it helped to make the SS one of the most popular muscle cars of all time.
Affordable price
The 1968 Impala Super Sport (SS) was not only a powerful and stylish muscle car, but it was also surprisingly affordable. This made it a popular choice for buyers who wanted a high-performance car without breaking the bank.
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Low base price
The base price of the 1968 Impala SS was just $3,085. This was significantly less than the base price of other comparable muscle cars, such as the Pontiac GTO ($3,267) and the Plymouth Road Runner ($3,144).
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Variety of options
The Impala SS was available with a wide variety of options, allowing buyers to customize their car to their individual needs and budget. These options included a variety of engine choices, transmissions, and rear axle ratios. This allowed buyers to choose a car that was both affordable and met their specific performance requirements.
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Excellent value for the money
The Impala SS was an excellent value for the money. It offered a combination of performance, style, and affordability that was unmatched by any other muscle car on the market. This made it a popular choice for buyers who wanted a lot of car for their money.
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Long-lasting value
The Impala SS has proven to be a good investment over time. Original examples in good condition can fetch high prices at auction, making it a valuable asset for collectors and enthusiasts.
The affordable price of the 1968 Impala Super Sport was one of the key factors in its success. It made it a popular choice for buyers who wanted a high-performance car without breaking the bank, and it helped to make the SS one of the most popular muscle cars of all time.
Fun to drive
The 1968 Impala Super Sport (SS) is widely recognized as a thrilling and enjoyable car to drive. Its combination of powerful engine, responsive handling, and comfortable interior make it a true driver’s car.
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Powerful engine
The SS was equipped with a variety of powerful V8 engines, including a 396 cubic inch V8 and a 427 cubic inch V8. These engines provided plenty of power and torque, giving the SS impressive acceleration and top speed.
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Responsive handling
The SS featured a well-tuned suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, which gave it excellent handling and braking capabilities. This made the SS a pleasure to drive on winding roads and at high speeds.
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Comfortable interior
Despite its performance-oriented nature, the SS had a surprisingly comfortable interior. The seats were well-padded and supportive, and the cabin was spacious and well-appointed. This made it possible to drive the SS for long distances without fatigue.
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Overall driving experience
The combination of the SS’s powerful engine, responsive handling, and comfortable interior made it a truly fun and rewarding car to drive. It was a car that could be enjoyed on both the street and the track.
The 1968 Impala Super Sport is a classic muscle car that offers a thrilling and enjoyable driving experience. Its powerful engine, responsive handling, and comfortable interior make it a true driver’s car that is sure to put a smile on your face.
FAQs
The 1968 Impala Super Sport (SS) remains a sought-after classic among muscle car enthusiasts. To shed light on this iconic vehicle, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Question 1: What engine options were available for the 1968 Impala SS?
Answer: The 1968 Impala SS offered a range of powerful V8 engines, including a 325 horsepower 396 cubic inch V8 and a 425 horsepower 427 cubic inch V8, providing drivers with ample power and acceleration.
Question 2: How did the 1968 Impala SS perform in terms of handling and braking?
Answer: The Impala SS featured a well-tuned suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, which provided responsive handling and excellent stopping power. Its performance capabilities made it a formidable muscle car on both the street and the track.
Question 3: What was the interior of the 1968 Impala SS like?
Answer: Despite its performance-oriented nature, the Impala SS had a surprisingly comfortable interior. The seats were well-padded and supportive, and the cabin was spacious and well-appointed, offering a blend of comfort and functionality.
Question 4: How many colors was the 1968 Impala SS available in?
Answer: The 1968 Impala SS was offered in a wide range of 14 colors, including classic options like black, white, and red, as well as unique colors like gold, green, and blue. This variety allowed buyers to customize their vehicle to their personal preferences.
Question 5: What made the 1968 Impala SS a popular choice among muscle car enthusiasts?
Answer: The Impala SS gained popularity due to its combination of power, style, and affordability. Its powerful engine options, responsive handling, and comfortable interior made it an appealing choice for those seeking a thrilling driving experience without breaking the bank.
Question 6: How does the 1968 Impala SS compare to other muscle cars of its era?
Answer: The 1968 Impala SS stands out among muscle cars of its era with its well-balanced package. Its potent engine options, sharp handling, comfortable interior, and relatively affordable price point made it a competitive and desirable choice in the highly competitive muscle car market.
Summary: The 1968 Impala Super Sport remains a highly regarded classic muscle car, capturing the essence of power, performance, and style. Its diverse range of engine options, impressive handling, and comfortable interior make it a well-rounded choice for enthusiasts. Understanding these key aspects provides a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the 1968 Impala SS.
Transition: Delving further, let’s explore the significant impact of the 1968 Impala Super Sport on popular culture and its enduring significance in the automotive landscape.
Tips Regarding the 1968 Impala Super Sport
The iconic 1968 Impala Super Sport (SS) continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts with its formidable performance and timeless design. Here are some valuable tips to consider when exploring or owning this legendary muscle car:
Tip 1: Embrace the Powertrain Options
The Impala SS offered a range of powerful V8 engines, including the 396 and 427 cubic inch powerhouses. These engines deliver impressive acceleration and top-end speed, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience. When selecting an Impala SS, carefully consider the engine specifications to match your performance preferences.
Tip 2: Prioritize Handling and Braking
The SS features a well-tuned suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, providing responsive handling and confident stopping power. Maintaining these components is crucial for preserving the car’s performance capabilities. Regular inspections, brake pad replacements, and suspension alignments will ensure optimal handling and safety.
Tip 3: Maintain the Comfortable Interior
Despite its performance focus, the Impala SS boasts a surprisingly comfortable interior. To preserve its comfort, pay attention to reupholstering seats as needed, servicing the air conditioning system, and addressing any interior rattles or noises. These measures will enhance your driving experience and preserve the car’s overall value.
Tip 4: Consider Color Customization
The 1968 Impala SS was available in a wide range of colors. Choosing a color that aligns with your personal style and complements the car’s design is important. Original paint colors are highly sought after, but repainting in a different hue can personalize your SS while maintaining its classic appeal.
Tip 5: Preserve Its Value
The Impala SS is a valuable collector’s item. To maintain its worth, focus on regular maintenance, including oil changes, fluid flushes, and addressing mechanical issues promptly. Additionally, avoiding modifications that alter the car’s originality will preserve its desirability among collectors.
Tip 6: Enjoy the Driving Experience
Ultimately, the 1968 Impala Super Sport is meant to be driven and enjoyed. Take the opportunity to experience its power, handling, and timeless style firsthand. Whether cruising on highways or participating in car shows, embrace the thrill and heritage of this iconic muscle car.
By following these tips, you can fully appreciate and maintain the legacy of the 1968 Impala Super Sport. Its potent performance, comfortable interior, and timeless design make it a true automotive icon that continues to turn heads and ignite passion among enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The 1968 Impala Super Sport stands as a testament to the golden era of American muscle cars, embodying power, style, and performance. Its potent V8 engines, sharp handling, and comfortable interior made it a formidable competitor on both the streets and racetracks.
Beyond its impressive performance, the Impala SS resonated with car enthusiasts due to its timeless design, which captured the essence of the muscle car era. Its sleek lines, aggressive stance, and iconic badging have made it a highly sought-after collector’s item, with original examples commanding high prices in the classic car market.
Today, the 1968 Impala Super Sport continues to inspire passion and admiration among automotive enthusiasts. Its enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative impact that muscle cars had on American culture and the automotive industry.