396-Powered 1968 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe SS Tribute 4-Speed

Description

The fourth-generation 1965–70 Chevrolet Impala was a sensation: a sales success, it offered a wide array of powertrains, luxury options, vibrant colors, and uplevel interiors to suit any buyer. But the 1968 Impala’s curves stole the show — especially in Sport Coupe form. Featuring a seductively swept back roofline, the Sport Coupe was devoid of the Custom Coupe’s formality, and looked fast just sitting still. But ensuring that it was fast and livable required an uplevel option: a 396 cu-in V8.

The 396 was the daily-driver’s big block: its hydraulic cam and torque-based power curve offered reliable, low-maintenance grunt that effortlessly propelled the full-size Chevy forward. But it also happily revved to redline — most effectively when paired with the optional 4-speed manual gearbox as seen here.

This 1968 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe SS tribute is powered by a 3855961-casting 396ci V8 and features some added SS upgrades. It has been refinished in Gunmetal Grey, wears SS vinyl bucket seats, door panels, and badges, and has been tastefully modified with a lowered front suspension, new bushings, aftermarket wheels, and more as detailed below.

Factory Equipment

• “3855961” 396 cu-in Chevrolet V8 rated at 325 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque  

• Reportedly an (M20) fully synchronized 4-speed manual transmission 

• 10-bolt rear end with 3.31 gears 

• Superlift air shocks 

• Black interior 

• Power steering with tilt column  

• 120-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temp, voltage, and fuel level gauges with clock 

• AM push button radio and electric clock 

• The chassis number (164878S136054) decodes as:  

  • 1 – Chevrolet  

  • 6487  – Impala 2 door coupe 

  • 8 – 1968  

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri assembly plant   

  • 136054 – Sequential production number    

• The trim tag decodes as:  

  • 10D – Fourth week of October build date   

  • 68 16487 – 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2 door coupe 

  • STL – St. Louis, Missouri assembly plant 

  • 005077 – Body production number 

  • R-R – Matador Red paint (now Gunmetal Grey)  

  • 805 – Black cloth (now vinyl buckets)  

Modifications 

• Refinished in Gunmetal Grey with black vinyl interior 

• Super Sport (SS) bucket seats with console, door panels, dash badge, and exterior emblems

• 2” lowered Eaton-Detroit front springs, original height Moog rear springs 

• Energy Suspension bushings 

• Ridetech adjustable track bar 

• American Racing 15x8” front, 15x10” rear wheels 

• Cooper Cobra 215/65R15 front, 255/60R15 rear tires 

• Dual exhaust system

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips on exterior 

• Passenger side rear interior panel worn 

• Radio inoperable

Ownership History

The Georgia seller of this 1968 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe has owned it since 2016. It was purchased from Gateway Classics in Chicago in July 2016.

Included Items 

• Owner’s manual 

• Spare tire and jack