1968 Chevrolet Impala

The '68 Impala? Oh man, it's a classic! Think long, sweeping lines; that's the key. It's instantly recognizable, you know? A really iconic profile. The Coke bottle shape of the body is what most people remember, and it's got that signature long hood and short deck. Plus, those huge tail lights – they're unmistakable. It's like, if you saw a photo of a '68 Impala, you'd just know what it was. Some might say it's even better looking than some of the newer cars – but hey, that's just my humble opinion. The details, though, like the trim and badging, vary quite a bit depending on the model and options. So, really, there's a '68 Impala for everyone.

Okay, so under the hood – that's where things get interesting. You could get everything from a pretty small-ish six-cylinder engine for everyday driving, though those are pretty rare these days, to monstrous big-block V8s that could, let's just say, move the car quickly. Think of it like this: you could have a reliable daily driver, or a real muscle car. The 327 and 350 small-block V8s were popular choices, offering a good balance of performance and fuel economy (relatively speaking, of course!). Then you've got the real muscle car monsters – the 396 and 427 big-block V8s were top-of-the-line, serious powerhouses. Those were the beasts. It’s just what you wanted for some real highway horsepower. Choosing the right engine really depended on what the buyer wanted to do with the car – and of course, what their budget was like back then.

That's a tricky one. Reliability depends heavily on how well the car has been maintained. Think of it like an old house; regular upkeep makes all the difference. A well-maintained '68 Impala can be surprisingly reliable, even today, (though parts might be a little harder to come by). But a neglected one? Yeah, it might end up costing you a pretty penny. Lots of parts are still available, thankfully; but finding someone who knows how to work on these old beauties is a key factor too. So, a lot of it has to do with the individual car's history and the current owner's dedication to keeping her running smoothly. You've gotta love that old girl!

Pricing is all over the map, my friend. It really depends on several factors: condition (obviously!), options (those power windows and AC make a difference), mileage (lower is generally better), and the overall level of restoration (or lack thereof). You’ll find anything from project cars that need a ton of work (and, thus, are cheapish) all the way to concours-quality, beautifully restored examples that fetch a pretty high price. A really top-notch one? You might need a pretty hefty bank account. A quick online search or checking out some collector car price guides will give you a better ballpark figure, but keep in mind that these are estimates. It's a bit of a game of supply and demand, plus condition.

Thankfully, there's a pretty big network of suppliers for these classic cars. You'll find parts through online retailers specializing in classic car parts; lots of them cater specifically to Chevys. Then, there are also parts swaps and classic car shows – you can sometimes score some great deals. Plus, there are specialized restoration shops – those are a real lifesaver if you're not a DIY mechanic. Don't underestimate the power of online forums and communities, either; you can find a wealth of knowledge and helpful folks willing to share their sources. Just remember, parts can be a bit pricier than you might think sometimes.