1968 Chevrolet Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1968 Chevrolet Impala 427
1. 307 CID V-8 Replaces the 283
2. Front and Rear Fascias Change
3. Low Compression 327 CID 4-Barrel New
4. Formal 2-Door Roofline Appears on Impala Custom
5. Super Sport an Engine/Trim Option
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1968 BIG-BLOCK, LOW-BUCK CHEVROLET – Car Guy Chronicles“
1968 Chevrolet – Impala Custom Coupe Arrives
Chevrolets got a bit longer in 1968 with the addition of bumper, grille, hood and fender restyles. The L72 427 HP 427 CID V-8 engine returned and the 283 CID V-8 was replaced with a 307 CID unit. A new low-compression 327 CID V-8 was introduced. The SS427 was retired.
1968 Chevrolet Resources
Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:
1968 Chevrolet Service Manual
PDF Download
$17.95 – Click Below to Purchase
1968 Chevrolet Service Manual
1968 Chevrolet Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1968 Chevrolet
Collector Car Insurers
Click on the links below to find your car’s value or get a quote:
1968 Chevrolet Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1968 Chevrolet Full Size Car
The 1968 Chevrolet full size car models received a new front fascia. At the rear, the new bumper housed three “horseshoe” shaped taillights per side. The hood was restyled to cover recessed windshield wipers. Significant this year was a new Impala model, called the “Custom Coupe”. This two-door hardtop featured the same formal roof line as the Caprice Coupe. The 1968 Caprice was available with optional hidden headlamps. Caprice coupes had the new Astro Ventilation system – this included extra air vents in the dash along with no side glass vent windows.
Side marker lamps were now standard, and full size Chevrolets carried over the optional white corner marker lamps at the forward edge of the fenders in addition to the amber parking lamps which were illuminated with the headlights. The new front side marker lamps were located on the front half of the fender and cars with optional engines had its cubic inch displacement listed on half the bezel with the light itself on the other half. The fiber optics light monitoring system was still as an option.
The instrument panel was revised with a horizontal speedometer. A revised three-spoke steering wheel replaced the 1967 unit. Also offered was an optional instrument cluster that had a narrow speedometer within its opening with engine-turned gauges replacing the warning lights. In this configuration, the fuel gauge, that was set next to the speedometer within its own pod in base models, was moved next to the speedometer, and a tachometer took the place of the fuel gauge in the large opening where the fuel gauge had been located.
The L72 427 CID 425 HP Turbo-Jet V-8 returned to the option list as a special order. The new 200 HP 307 CID Turbo Fire V-8 replaced the 195 HP 283 CID V-8 as the base 8 cylinder engine. A low compression 327 CID V-8 (option L76), rated at 250 HP, now sat between the 307 and the L30 275 HP 327 CID V-8. The L36 385 HP 427 CID V-8 was also available along with the L35 325 HP 396 CID V-8.
1968 Chevrolet Full Size Car Factoids
Click a Tab to See the Details
The SS 427 – announced as as special SS model in 1967 was quietly retired as a stand alone model, but could still be ordered via option code Z24. This option code delivered a car with bucket seats, console, the 385 HP 427 CID V-8 – with a choice of 4-speed or t-400 automatic. Special order could get you the wonderful 425 HP L72 version, but only with the 4-speed.
The venerable 283 CID V-8 around for 10+ years was quietly retired in favor of the new 307 CID unit, with its displacement increased via a longer stroke of 3.25 inches. The torque increase from 285 to 300 helped move along the rather hefty big car.
The famous 425 HP 427 CID V-8, option code L72 returned this year, bust as special order. While the engine could be ordered on any Chevrolet large car, it was primarily returned for drag racing. You can find all the specifications on the famous L-72 by opening the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette AMA Specifications Sheets found HERE.
A new model offered in the Impala line was the Impala Custom Coupe, a more luxurious looking 2-door that copied the roof line from the Caprice Coupe. It was very successful, and remained available for many years.
1968 Chevrolet Facts – Models Offered
Click a Tab to See the Details
Biscayne. The Biscayne was still the base series with standard equipment and included all GM mandated safety features. Standard was front seat shoulder belts, door-actuated light switches, heater and defroster, cigarette lighter, locking glove box, carpeting, arm rests front and rear, dome light, and either the base I-6 or V-8. Passenger cars were fitted with 8.25 x 14 blackwall tires, while station wagons used 8.55 x 14 size.
The Biscayne was available as a 2-door sedan, 4 -door sedan and a 6-passenger station wagon.
Bel Air. The Bel Air line was Chevrolet’s moderately priced, full-size line for 1968. Bel Airs had all standard equipment found in Biscaynes, plus a mid-body side molding, and bright metal rear window trim, as well as stainless roof drip and windshield moldings. Also included were glove box and ignition switch lights, and interior trim upgraded from that of the Biscayne. Station wagons featured all-vinyl interior, seat belts for all passengers, and automatic ignition key alarms. The three-seat station wagon was fitted with a power tailgate window.
Bel Air series models were were 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, and 6- and 9-passenger station wagons.
Impala. The Impala Series had the same general styling features as the other large Chevrolets, and now a new formal-top roof line treatment was available, giving buyers a choice between a fastback or the new coach style roof. Standard equipment began with everything included for the Bel Air, however, bright roof drip moldings were not used on Impala two-door sedans or four-door sedans and station wagons.
Additional features for the series included a Deluxe steering wheel, door and window frame moldings, ignition switch and luggage space lights, and front and rear foam seat cushions. The Impala Sport Coupe also had thin, bright metal rocker panel accent moldings below the doors and stainless wheel lip trim. The convertible featured courtesy lights, all-vinyl upholstery and carpeting on lower door panels. The three-seat Impala station wagon had a built-in rear bumper step.
The Super Sport equipment returned to its original status as an optional equipment package, Code Z24.
Impala series models included 4-door sedan, 2- and 4-door hardtop, and 2-door Custom Coupe formal hardtop, convertible, and 6- and 9-passenger station wagons.
Caprice. The Caprice was the top of the full-sized Chevrolet. Its standard equipment began with all Impala features, plus full wheel covers, courtesy and ash tray lights, “Caprice” script fender light, distinctive side moldings. Inside were found an electric clock and front seat center arm rest. The Caprice coupe also included the Astro Ventilation system. Caprice station wagons had instrument panel courtesy lamps and, in three-seat styles, courtesy lights in the auxiliary passenger area.
The series featured a 2- door formal hardtop, a 4- door hardtop, and 6- and 9-passenger station wagons.
1968 Chevrolet Facts – Engines
Click a Tab to See the Details
- 250 CID I-6 155 HP
- 307 CID V-8 200 HP
- 327 CID V-8 250 HP
- 327 CID V-8 275 HP
- 396 CID V8 325 HP
- 427 CID V8 385 HP
- 427 CID V8 425 HP
Turbo-Thrift 255: Six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.530 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 155 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 235 @ 1600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust: 44°, Overlap 32°. Valve Lift: Intake 0.3880″, Exhaust 0.3880″.
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel: Standard Manual Transmission 7028017; Automatic Transmission 7028014. With Air Conditioning: Standard Manual Transmission 7028015.
307 CID V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 307 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.00:1.
Horsepower: 200 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 300 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Timing: Intake 280°, Exhaust 288°, Overlap 58°. Valve Lift: (intake) 0.3900″; (exhaust) 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV two barrel: 3-speed and 4-speed manual transmission 7028101, (with air conditioning) 7028103; Automatic Transmission 7028110 (with air conditioning) 7027112.
Turbo-Fire 327 V-8. (RPO L73) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 327 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.75:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 335 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 280°, Exhaust 288°, Overlap 58°, Valve Lift: Intake 0.390″, Exhaust 0.410″.
Carburetor: (SMT) 4-barrel Rochester Quadra-Jet (SMT) 7027213; (AMT) 7027212.
Turbo-Fire 327 V-8. (RPO L30) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 327 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.25 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 275 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 280°, Exhaust 288°, Overlap 33°30′ Valve Lift: Intake 0.390″, Exhaust 0.410″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (3-speed and 4-speed manual transmission) 7028213; (automatic transmission) 7028212.
Turbo-Jet 396 V-8 (RPO L35). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 396 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.094 x 3.76 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 410 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 286°, Exhaust: 286°, Overlap: 59°. Lift: Intake 0.3983″, Exhaust 0.3983″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission): 7028211; (automatic transmission): 7028210.
Turbo Jet V-8 (RPO L36). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.251 x 3.76inches.
Compression ratio: 10.50:1.
Horsepower: 385 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 460@ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 300°, Exhaust: 300°, Overlap 72°. Lift: Intake 0.4614″, Exhaust 0.4800″.
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission): 7028211; (automatic transmission): 7028210.
Turbo Jet V-8 (RPO L72). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.251 x 3.76 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.0:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 460@ 4000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 336°, Exhaust: 336°, Overlap 108°. Lift: Intake 0.5197″, Exhaust 0.5197″.
Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel (manual transmission only): 3923289.
NOTE: This engine was Special Order Only.
1968 Chevrolet Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 119 inches.
- Overall length: cars – 214.7 inches, station wagons – 213.9 inches
- Front tread: cars – 62.5 inches, station wagons – 63.5 inches
- Rear tread: cars – 62.4 inches, station wagons – 63.4 inches
- Overall width: 79.6 inches.
- Overall height: sedans & coupes – 55.8 inches, sport sedan – 54.8 inches, sport coupe – 54.3 inches, convertible – 54.6 inches, wagons 56.7 inches.
- Tires: Passenger cars 8.25. x 14; station wagons 8.55 x 14. Optional tires: Passenger cars 8.15. x 15 or G70 x 15; station wagons 8.45 x 15.
1968 Chevrolet Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 307 CID V-8: 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1
- 327 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1
- 396 and 427 CID V-8 Heavy Duty – 2.41:1, 2nd – 1.59:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.41:1
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: NONE
- 307 CID V-8: 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 2.02:1, 3rd – 1.85:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.85:1
- 327 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.80:1, 3rd – 1.32:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.54:1
- 396 & 427 CID V-8 close ratio: 1st – 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.27:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.26:1
- 396 & 427 CID V-8 wide ratio: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – Biscayne & Bel Air – 3.08:1, Others – 3.36:1; Station Wagon All – 3.55:1
- I-6: 3-Speed Overdrive SMT – 3.70:1.
- 307 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT and Powerglide – 3.36:1, Wagons – 3.36:1, Overdrive – 3.70:1
- 307 CID V-8: 4-Speed SMT – 3.36:1 Optional 3.70:1
- 327 CID V-8 250 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.08:1, Powerglide – 3.08:1; 4-Speed 3.08:1; 3-Speed T-400 – 2.73:1
- 327 CID V-8 275 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.36:1, Powerglide – 3.08:1; 4-Speed 3.31:1; 3-Speed T-400 – 2.73:1
- 396 325 HP: 3-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Powerglide – 3.07:1, T-400 – 2.56:1
- 427 CID V-8 385 HP: 3-Speed SMT & 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1, Turbo Hydra-Matic – 2.73:1
- 427 CID V-8 425 HP: 4-Speed SMT w/2.52 1st Gear – 3.31:1 4-Speed SMT – 3.31:1; 3.55:1, 3.73:1; 4.10:1; 4.56:1; 4.88:1
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.56:1 to 4.88:1.
1968 Chevrolet Facts – Powertrain Options
-
- 3-speed manual transmission with floor shift was standard with I-6, 307 and 327 CID V-8s.
- 3-speed manual heavy duty transmission with floor shift – RPO M13 was optional for 396 and 427 CID V-8s.
- 3-speed overdrive transmission RPO M10 was optional for the base six-cylinder and base 307 CID V-8.
- 4-speed manual transmission with floor shift – RPO M20 – was optional for all V-8 engines.
- 4-speed manual close ratio transmission with floor shift – RPO M21 – was optional for all V-8 engines.
- 4-speed manual heavy duty transmission with floor shift – RPO M22 – was optional for all V-8 engines.
- Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission was optional for all engines except the 427 CID V-8.
- Turbo Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission was optional with 327, 396 and 427 CID V-8s.
- RPO L73 327 CID 250 HP V-8
- RPO L30 327 CID 275 HP V-8
- RPO L35 396 CID 325 HP V-8
- RPO L36 427 CID 385 HP V-8. This engine was standard the RPO Z24 SS 427 package
- RPO L72 427 CID 425 HP V-8. This engine was special order.
- Posi-traction rear axle.
NOTE: Base 307 CID V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing, 250 CID I-6 in Six-Cylinder pricing.
1968 Chevrolet Facts – Significant Options
-
- Air conditioning ($356).
- Air conditioning, Comfort-On ($435).
- Automatic super-lift level control, not available on six-cylinder ($79).
- Bumper guards, front ($16).
- Bumper guards, rear ($16)
- Custom Deluxe front and rear seat belts ($6).
- Door edge guards on two-doors ($3); on four-doors ($6).
- Electric clock on Biscayne and Bel Air ($16).
- Floor mats, color-keyed ($11).
- Front shoulder belts ($23).
- Head rest with Strato-Back or buckets ($53).
- Head rests with standard bench front seats ($42).
- Heater and defroster deletion ($71 credit).
- Left-Hand outside remote control mirror ($10).
- Load area carpets on Caprice and Impala wagons ($53).
- Mag style wheel covers, Impala SS and Caprice only ($53).
- Mag style wheel covers, on all Chevrolets except Super Sports and Caprice ($74).
- Power seat, Four-Way on Impala, Super Sport or with bucket seats ($70).
- Power seat, Six-Way, not available on Biscayne or with bucket seats ($95).
- Power brakes ($42).
- Power steering ($95).
- Power tailgate window, standard on three-seat wagons ($32).
- Power windows, not available on Biscayne ($100).
- Radio, AM/FM stereo with front antenna ($239).
- Radio, push-button AM/FM with front antenna ($134).
- Radio, push-button AM/FM with front antenna and rear speaker ($147).
- Radio, push-button with front antenna ($57).
- Rear fender skirts ($26).
- Rear manual antenna, not available on wagons or with AM/FM radio ($9.50).
- Rear seat speaker ($13).
- Rear window air deflector on wagons ($19).
- Rear window defroster ($21).
- Roof luggage rack on wagons ($42).
- Simulated wire wheel covers on Super Sports and Caprice ($56).
- Simulated wire wheel covers, all except Super Sports and Caprice ($74).
- Special instrumentation, V-8 only ($79).
- Speed and cruise control ($50)
- Speed warning indicator ($11).
- Steering wheel, Comfort-lift with Powerglide, Hydra-Matic or four-speed transmission ($42).
- Steering wheel, Sport styled ($32).
- Stereo tape system with four speakers ($129).
- Strato-back bucket seats including console, floor mounted shift ($158).
- Strato-back cloth seat, Caprice Custom sedan and coupe ($105).
- Strato-back vinyl seat in Caprice Custom sedan ($116).
- Strato-back vinyl seat in Impala SS (no charge).
- Tinted glass on all windows ($37); windshield only ($21).
- Tri-Volume horn ($14).
- Two-tone paint ($16). Power antenna, rear ($28).
- Vinyl roof cover on black or beige hard
- Wheel covers, not available on Impala SS or Caprice ($21).
1968 Chevrolet Downloads and Images
1968 Chevrolet Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Chevrolet Full-Size Line will appear below:
1968 Chevrolet All Car Line Small Brochure
1968 Chevrolet Full Size Car Deluxe Brochure
1968 Chevrolet Station Wagons Brochure
1968 Chevrolet Full Size Car Print Advertisements
1968 Chevrolet Full Size Car Factory Information Kit
1968 Chevrolet Full Size Car 327 396 and 427 AMA Specifications Sheets
SEEKING: Back in the Day 1968 Chevrolet Full Size Car Magazine Road Tests!
Got One? Click HERE
1968 Chevrolet Facts –
Related Images
Related Images to the Full Size Chevrolet Line will appear below
1968 Chevrolet Caprice Coupe
The 1968 Chevrolet Caprice Coupe was the most upscale full size Chevrolet Coupe in 1968. Total Caprice production was 115,500.
1968 Chevrolet Caprice 4-door Sport Sedan
The 1968 Chevrolet Caprice Sport Sedan was the most upscale full size Chevrolet 4-door in 1968. Total Caprice production was 115,500.
1968 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe
The 1968 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe used the Caprice roofline and was trimmed in a more upscale fashion.
1968 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible
The 1968 Chevrolet Impala Convertible was the only convertible in the line.It could be had with I-6 or V-8 power and in SS trim.
1968 Chevrolet Impala SS Sport Coupe
The 1968 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe could be had in SS trim. It, and the standard Impala version, were the only other 2-door “fastback” hardtops in the line.
1968 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
The 1968 Chevrolet Impala Convertible was the standard convertible in the line – trimmed a bit less than the SS model.
1968 Chevrolet Impala SS 4-door Hardtop
The 1968 Chevrolet Impala 4-door hardtop was the mid-level 4-door hardtop and could be had with SS trim.
1968 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe
The 1968 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe was the standard Impala Sport Coupe.
1968 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Chevrolet Bel Air 4-door Sedan was the top level 4-door sedan this year. A 2-door sedan was available as well.
1968 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan
The 1968 Chevrolet Biscayne 2-door Sedan was the entry level 2-door and the choice of all racers due to its lighter weight. A 4-door Sedan was also available.