1962 Chevrolet Impala SS

Description

Watching our inventory, it seems we've had a run on early '60s Impalas. Proof that these cars remain popular is this beautiful Ermine White 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS tribute, which will undoubtedly last only a few days in the showroom. With a full mechanical and cosmetic makeover, this car has the performance to back up the legendary nameplate on its flanks.

Ermine White is the car's original color, and the handsome low-profile paint job is a great choice for the muscular Impala. There's a maturity and grown-up look to this Imp, suggesting that it's no boy racer toy and it's got a great shine thanks to modern two-stage urethane. It seems to bring out the character lines that sweep across the bodywork, and really makes the chrome and stainless pop. This one appears to wear all its original body panels, and during the restoration, not even the floor pans were replaced, suggesting that this was a clean car to begin with. All the factory-style emblems are in place even though this is a tribute, including on the quarters and trunk lid, plus the '409' flags on the front fenders, and the beautiful engine-turned trim that stretches the length of the body instantly identifies an SS. As a tribute car, it would have been easy to make a bunch of non-stock mods, but instead they aimed to keep this one very much the way it might have been back in 1962.

An all-new interior was installed in the correct code 853 Aqua, and it's nice to see they kept the original bench so that it remains very comfortable. The funky upholstery and awesome color combination gives it a proper 1960s vibe, while the door panels and headliner have been finished to match. New carpets offer the correct weave and nap and it's got a 4-speed sticking out of the transmission tunnel, lending it an industrial look (which was entirely the point). Upgrades include a powerful A/C system, a column-mounted tachometer, and auxiliary gauges tucked underneath. For cruising, there's an AM/FM/iPod stereo in the original slot and it even uses original-style knobs to help it blend it. They even added an Impala SS grab handle on the passenger's side, and given the performance, it's not a bad idea.

Extensive mechanical upgrades transform this from a merely pleasant driver to a potent hammer that can cruise at high speeds all day. Even though the emblems say '409' it's actually a 348, but nobody can tell just by looking at it. Fully rebuilt with an Edelbrock intake manifold and a Holley carburetor, it's plenty stout and throws the Imp around with ease. A few dress-up items give it a clean look, and those valve covers will simply never go out of style. A modern alternator replaces the outdated generator that GM was still stuffing under some hoods in '62, and it can easily keep up with the demands of the A/C system. A massive radiator keeps the warmed-over 348 cool under all conditions, and we like the original-looking air cleaner that really helps the illusion. It's backed by a 4-speed manual transmission and the exhaust offers a wonderfully potent soundtrack. 4-wheel disc brakes, upgraded sway bars, and a perfect stance help when you're on the street. Steel wheels with simple hubcaps look great and carry staggered 235/60/15 front and 245/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Look through our inventory and how many early Impalas wear SOLD signs. There's a reason for that, and to find out what it is, all you have to do is take this one for a test drive. Call today!