1968 Chevrolet Impala SS 427
HIGHLIGHTS: – Extremely rare SS 427 ‘Z24’ optioned Impala – Known history with only 3 owners from new – Matching numbers L36 code 427ci 385hp V8 engine – Automatic transmission – Power steering and power disc brakes – Bench seat, power windows, deluxe gauges – Correct SS 427 unique items in place – Only 1,778 SS 427 cars built
This 1968 Chevrolet SS 427 Impala is one extremely rare and special car. The SS427 was an option rather than a separate model for 1968, but the “Z24 code” pack came with a host of goodies that made it unique. The SS427 option wasn’t well advertised and in turn, there was an extremely low production run of only 1,778 cars. The cars featured an L36 big block 427ci, 385hp V8 engine which was advertised by Chevy as “Chevrolet’s top power in 1968” however there was a L72, 425hp option not listed in the catalogue but available on dealer order sheets. The cars are very hard to authenticate because the option was never listed in the vin or build plate meaning unless you have the original build sheet, you need to follow a series of clues to best prove or disprove the car. Luckily, there was a vast number of differences in these cars to cross reference.
This particular vehicle was purchased by the current owner in March, 2017. The car was purchased new by James Stephens of Kelso, Washington who owned the car for 30 years before selling it to his best friend. Jame’s friend owner the car for 4 years but put the car on blocks as a collector piece, removing the original wheels. Circumstances changed and the original owner James actually ended up buying the car back off his friend and owner it for another 15 years. The current owner stumbled across the car at Portland swap meet where he waited all weekend for the owner to return to the car to purchase it. The car was imported back to Australia and would have to be one of only a couple of known examples here in the country.
The tags tell us that car was built at the Janesville Plant in Wisconsin, USA during the first week of January, 1968. The car was finished in Emerald Turquoise, the same colour it is presented in here today. The interior in the car is believed to be the original 842 code Impala cloth insert trim. Many “experts” will comment that SS Impala’s all had bucket seats which for most cases is true but the 68 SS427 Cars were certainly available and documented to have come in the bench seat, column shift configuration like this car.
The outside of the body has been repainted at some stage in its original colour and presents well. The car appears to tick all of the boxes externally for a correct SS427 car including, grille badge, over riders, side badges, rear badges and the all important side gills and steel bulge bonnet that is exclusive to the SS427 cars. The original wheels were misplaced by the second owner which is why the car now sits on a set of American racing wheels.
Inside the trim appears to be original and is extremely well presented. Again, the boxes are ticked for SS427 correctness with no Impala badging anywhere, black strip with SS427 above glovebox, SS427 on original steering wheel and 5,500RPM tacho that was on the L36 427 cars. As mentioned above the car is a bench seat with auto column shifter which is absolutely correct for the car and matches the tags. There are some fantastic options including power windows, cloth insert trim, deluxe gauges, tilt column, power steering and power brakes.
Under the bonnet is the matching numbers, L36 option 427ci V8 engine that makes these cars so special. The 3916321 casting number appears to be correct for an early L36 427 engine and the stamp pad contains the correct partial VIN for the car. The engine bay has a factory presentation with the correct air cleaner in place with heat riser intake. The engine is paired to the factory automatic transmission. Stopping the car is some power assisted brakes with factory discs up front. These cars are so exceedingly rare that even many die-hard Impala enthusiasts aren’t even aware of their existence. A true unicorn, you may never get the chance to own one of these cars again.
PLEASE CALL LOCKY MCCANN WITH SALES ENQUIRIES ON 0403 935 488
Located at 2 Palings Court, Nerang on the Gold Coast.
PLEASE NOTE: Vehicle information is provided to us by the consignee. We do everything we can to qualify the best cars in the Australian market to represent on consignment however, they are still old cars and we can’t capture everything in the photos, we don’t drive them any significant distance and can’t know everything about them. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied themselves as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgement solely. Vehicles may have been sitting for some time and it is suggested that to protect your investment, you allow to change fuel, oil, fluids, filters and inspect brakes prior to use. All vehicles are sold under standard auction conditions, consignment and auction vehicles are sold as is, without registration unless otherwise stated and there is no cooling off period or warranty expressed, written or implied. Independent inspections are welcome and encouraged.