1962 Chevrolet Impala 409

Description

In 1962, the guy driving this cool black-over-red Impala hardtop was well and truly The Man. Today, that's still true, and when you hear the not-so-subtle rumble of the 409, slip through the gears of the Muncie 4-speed, and watch all the envious eyes on you as you motor away, you'll understand. For the guy who understands performance and style, few cars can compare to the illustrious Impala.

This is the kind of car that you can recognize blocks away, whether it's the trim hardtop profile or the traditional trip taillights that were unique to the Imp. Driving this car is like dating a movie star, and you should be ready for question and answer session every time you stop for gas. The Tuxedo Black paint will stand up to scrutiny, even though it was refinished during the first Bush administration. It's a quality restoration that has just the right look of authenticity, making it a fantastic cruiser that's always properly dressed for an event. Fit and finish are quite good, with doors that fit nicely without needing to give them a hard slam. The sheetmetal is incredibly straight, so the black paint is a big bonus, not a demerit, because it shows none of the usual flaws a lesser car might have. Chrome and trim is quite good, including the delicate Impala badges on the quarters and crossed-flag emblems up front with the ever-so-small '409' underneath, just in case the guy in the other lane is really paying attention.

The interior is pure '60s style, a blend of conservative patterns and shiny trim that looks awesome today. The Impala is particularly interesting due to its unique blend of performance and luxury, making it a rather stylish gentleman's express. The seats wear reproduction covers with proper button-tufted seat backs, there's new carpeting with original-style rubber floor mats, and the door panels show an artist's touch. The instruments in that sweeping engine-turned dash appear to be original and a little faded but they all work properly, and a pair of auxiliary gauges have been stashed under the dash. Being a non-SS with a 4-speed is quite a find, and it looks especially butch with the bench seat, as if it doesn't care what people think it should be. It also includes the original radio delete plate (you think this car was built this way by accident?) and the trunk is neatly finished with a correct mat set.

Five years ago, the original engine was tossed in favor of a built 409 cubic inch V8. A legend of '60s performance, it's the ultimate early Impala powerplant. With an .030 overbore, a Z11 cam, 690 high compression heads, and a pair of Edelbrock 4-barrels on a factory intake manifold, it's definitely in combat spec. With just over 2000 miles on the build, it runs superbly, although you need to be sharp for a big horsepower engine like this, because it ain't no Toyota. Other upgrades include high performance exhaust manifolds, a fresh alternator, and a new exhaust system that sounds flat-out awesome. The weenie 14-inch wheels and tires are gone, replaced by a set of appropriate 16-inch Torque Thrusts and staggered 225/50/16 front and 255/60/16 rear blackwall radials.

A very pretty car with an unusual powertrain combination, this Impala will always be on the A-list. Call today!