Campbell Street Sighting - 1968 Chevrolet Impala Wagon

On rare occasions I encounter an interesting vehicle used by a business for advertising, that's cool enough to feature here. And sometimes I'd like to give that business a free plug. This car belongs to the owner of Jalisco Mexican Food in Campbell, California. My friends in San Jose introduced me to Jalisco a few years ago (they're friends with the owner) and I've been coming back ever since for their really good beef tacos.

The '68 Impala is a fairly straightforward car, body on frame construction with a V8 optional and rear-wheel drive. GM sold a boatload of them and they can still be found around in decent numbers. Wagons are getting to be less common, which is part of the reason why I photographed this lightly customized example. Bright yellow isn't stock and neither are the ghost flames. The owner's also "shaved" the door handles and side markers, installed Chevy Rally wheels and painted the grille black. The yellow is probably an older paint job since it's fading on the hood and crackling in a few places on the sides. Note the "Hide-A-Way" windshield wipers tucked behind the car's cowl for a cleaner, sleeker appearance. That's stock, a new feature for '68. These cars could also be ordered with hideaway powered headlight covers, but that was mainly a rare Caprice option and apparently had to be special-ordered for lower Impalas. This car still looks presentable from across the street and it draws attention to the business.

Dang it, now I'm hungry for a taco and some rice and beans.