1995 Chevrolet Impala SS

Description

The true measure of great cars is their long-term value to collectors. This 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS was special when it was new, but it has only been in the fullness of time that we've learned just how special. As the last rear-wheel-drive, body on frame sedan built by GM, it does hold a place of distinction. But add in a Corvette-sourced LT1 under the hood, an athletic suspension, and that distinctive monochromatic paint job, and you have a slam-dunk of a collector car that STILL sells for close to sticker price 20 years after it went out of production. Special? You'd better believe it.

It's probably safe to assume that the guys who bought these cars new realized that they were buying a piece of history. As a result, cars like this 49,676-mile 1995 example are often beautifully preserved. This Black Cherry example is 100% original, with no accidents or panel replacements, and the finish is amazingly well preserved. Credit the car's wonderful condition to clean living with an owner who never used it as a daily driver. Black Cherry is arguably the most desirable Impala SS color and aside from a few signs of age that could be erased with a proper buff, it's in awesome shape. Heck, there are barely any marks on the nose, which often takes a brunt of the abuse. Even the blacked-out grille is in great shape, the chin spoiler doesn't show many scuffs from driveway aprons, and all the Impala emblems are factory original. Impressive.

The only interior available with the Impala was gray leather with buckets and a console. This one shows only minor signs of use, certainly in line with the mileage, and the leather remains supple and smooth. The back seat still looks brand new, and if there have been more than a handful of passengers back there over the past 20 years, it would be a surprise. The gauges are 100% functional, and it even retains the original Delco AM/FM/CD stereo. The carpets show a little discoloration, but again, nothing that seems out of line for its age and mileage and it would be a mistake to do anything but give them a good cleaning. Of course, everything was included with the SS such as A/C, power windows and locks, and cruise control. And as the last of the full-sized sedans, the trunk is positively massive, still carrying its original spare and an unmarked liner.

Power comes from GM's indestructible 5.7 liter LT1 V8, which makes 260 horsepower in the Impala. Mated to a 4-speed automatic, it's the same powertrain that struck fear into the hearts of motorists when it lived inside black and white police cruisers. Properly maintained from new, the engine bay looks fresh off the showroom floor, and drives like it should. And unlike many Impalas, this one has not been modified in any way except for a pair of Flowmaster mufflers out back that sound pretty darned wicked. The largely stock condition also suggests that this one has been gently driven and never abused, and it drives like a much younger car. 4-wheel discs were included, as well as a heavy-duty suspension, giving the Impala moves that belie its size and comfort. Four 255/50/17 performance radials have been fitted to the gorgeous 5-spoke alloys, making this car ready to rock immediately.

The Impala SS is a rare machine, not just in terms of production, but in that it is a car that instantly created and destroyed a niche market, defined an entire market segment, and signaled the end of an era. That alone ensures collectability, but the fact that it is also a party to drive makes this one to own for yourself. Call today!