1969 Chevrolet Impala

Description

Expand your horizons. If you're looking for a cool convertible this summer that isn't a Camaro, how about a big, fast, stylish 1969 Impala? With room for six, a fresh 350 under the hood, and enough performance DNA to make it a blast on the street, this big ragtop is the official car of summertime.

The Tuxedo Black paint with contrasting white trim makes a statement about the owner: someone who appreciates the finer things but isn't willing to give up performance to get them. Thanks to the Impala's longer chassis and full-sized proportions, this is more of a cruiser than a brawler and it's got a reputation for being good at both. This one was originally Cortez Silver, but it was repainted a few years ago and we sure can't argue with the color choice. Bodywork is quite good, with straight sheetmetal that shows well even with black paint and great attention to detail that ensures that even those gigantic quarter panels are straight. There are a few signs of use, but it will still look great at the local cruise night festivities. The Impala is easy to spot, with its quartet of headlights up front and traditional taillights with three lenses per side, and it was definitely built to turn heads. Chrome bumpers are in excellent condition, the single strip of white trim that runs the length of the body is bright and straight, and all the emblems are either good originals or reproduction pieces. Full-sized '60s luxury muscle was defined by the Impala and this one delivers.

The Impala also allows you to carry six in comfort, something no convertible has been able to do for decades. With black upholstery that works nicely with the Tuxedo Black bodywork, the interior is an awesome place to spend a Sunday afternoon. Both seats appear to be original, and if that's the case, it really does speak to how well-preserved and clean this Imp really is. The carpets are newer and match the original specification, and all the gauges are functional, including the auxiliary water temperature gauge below the dash. The original AM/FM radio remains in the dash, however it is probably due for an upgrade that would make this cruiser just about perfect on a summer day. There's also factory A/C, which is a nice find, and if there's a demerit inside, it's that the woodgrained appliques throughout the interior are showing their age. The power convertible top is a little sluggish (the system just needs to be bled), and hides underneath a contrasting white boot when it's stowed. And for a cruiser like this, a giant carpeted trunk is just about perfect for your next road trip.

Rebuilt just 200 miles ago, the 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood runs superbly and offers plenty of muscle to get the big Impala rolling. Thanks to a Holley 4-barrel carb and electronic ignition system, and long tube headers, the torque curve is wide and flat, just the way you want it in your luxury cruiser, and offers enough punch to live up to the promises made by the Impala's reputation. The engine bay is tidy, with a few dress-up pieces, but it's all about function rather than flash. A TH350 3-speed automatic handles the gear swaps, and a 12-bolt out back ensures you'll never have to worry about breakage. The chassis and floors are entirely original and it offers that unique combination of comfortable ride and smooth acceleration that defined the '60s. Directional aluminum wheels wear staggered 195/75/14 and 215/75/14 whitewall radials, but just imagine this one with a set of Rallys.

Big, fast, and comfortable, this Impala is the coolest ragtop on the block and ready to cruise. Call today!