1961 Chevrolet Impala SS Coupe

350ci OHV V8 (see text)
Single Carburetor
Approx. 300bhp at 5,500rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Ventilated Disc and Rear Drum Power-Assisted Brakes (see text)

*Nicely restored and uprated
*Numerous discrete modernization improvements
*"Bubble-top" styling
*One of the first "muscle cars"

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Once again Chevrolet came out with a totally redesigned full-size car with both bodywork and chassis completely changed. The 1950s were gone, and so were fins, baroque trim and fanciful panel shapes. The result was very clean and uncluttered, only the side flashes seemed held over from the past.

The specter of performance was raising its head, as it seems to at the start of each decade. This time the poster child was the "bubble-top" Impala Sport Coupe, which could be bought with the first dealer-installed Super Sport package. For a measly $55, the buyer got "SS" fender emblems, spinner hubcaps, tachometer reading to 7000rpm, dash pad, heavy duty shocks and brakes. It was usually ordered with the $43 power brakes and $75 power steering, which was a good idea if...you ordered the new monster 409 cubic-inch, big-block Turbo-Fire engine, which developed 360 horsepower at 5,800rpm and came standard with dual 4-barrel carburetors. Only 142 buyers ponied up the additional $484 for the big engine, while 453 buyers went for the SS package with a smaller mill.

This Impala was the subject of a comprehensive restoration by the antepenultimate owner. The car was torn down to the frame, sand blasted, and refinished with numerous new parts including springs, shocks, fuel and brake lines, uprated front disc brakes, and a rebuilt front end. The body was finished in Victory Red while the chassis was sealed in POR15. Bumpers were rechromed and stainless steel trim was replaced or refreshed as needed. Upgrades to the original spec include a heady 350ci V8 mated to an automatic transmission and additional power features including power brakes and steering, as well as cruise control and Vintage Air A/C. The retrimmed interior discretely hides the climate control system and modernized stereo hidden behind a vintage facia while sound deadening material has been added to the floors. A book of photos documents the restoration. Acquired by the prior owner in 2016 and driven less than 100 miles in the ensuing four years, it has been in the current owner's care for about a year where it has been sparingly used.

A classic machine with good looks that have stood the test of time, this uprated machine will no doubt provide plenty of enjoyment and comfort to its lucky new owner.