1970 Chevrolet Impala Custom Coupe

Description

Remember when everyone was driving full-sized cars like this 1970 Chevrolet Impala Custom? Life was good, big V8s were in fashion, effortless highway cruising was the norm, and luxury was standard. Journey back with us to those days of your childhood and enjoy the good life at a surprisingly affordable price.

OK, we know a Gobi Beige Impala isn't going to set the world alight with desire, but look carefully at this extremely well-presented Imp. When was the last time you saw one, let alone one this straight and clean with a substantial pile of money invested in a restoration? I mean, nobody restores these cars, right? Well, here's one of the nicest, with super straight bodywork, doors that open and close easily, and a no-frills look that's appealing in today's over-styled age. Gobi Beige is the car's original color and it looks totally appropriate on a luxury cruiser designed for more civilized society. There's no question about it, this is a big car, but it also looks muscular so it carries the size well, and the bodywork is so shockingly straight that you'll do a double take when you see your reflection in the quarter panels. Excellent chrome bumpers, a simple grille, and the Impala's traditional triple taillights give this car a familiar look that will bring back great memories. And we have to say the black vinyl top, which is also in fantastic shape, gives it a bit of an edge that's much appreciated.

The black interior is a combination of old and new components, and shows off a lifetime of easy living. Bench seats mean there's room for everyone inside, and the smattering of luxury equipment means that this is a fantastic road trip candidate for those long journeys. The upholstery is in excellent shape with only minor signs of age and activity, the carpets are a little faded but certainly not in need of replacement, and the door panels appear almost new with original arm rests still in place. A tilt steering column and a modern AM/FM/iPod stereo are welcome features for those long-distance drives. A few woodgrained details on the doors and steering wheel remind you that this is Chevy's top-of-the-line, and rear seat occupants are treated to spacious first-class accommodations. A giant trunk looks like it'll help you move your apartment and all that sheetmetal inside is covered in correct spatter paint and finished with a matching Rally wheel and a new redline radial.

Chevy's 350 cubic inch V8 is a great choice in the Impala, powerful and torquey, yet much easier on gas than a big block. The matching-numbers small block is nicely detailed with bright Chevy Orange paint and a correct air cleaner up top, and thanks to careful maintenance, it's a great runner. They didn't try to upgrade it with the usual parts, instead leaving it as the factory intended and once you experience it, you won't wonder why. It's so smooth you can barely feel it running and on the road the matching numbers Powerglide transmission shifts almost imperceptibly in true luxury car fashion. You've probably forgotten the incomparable ride of these big '70s sedans, but you'll be delighted by the hovercraft-like ride and the gentle burble from the brand new dual exhaust system. It's clean underneath, albeit not restored, and those Rally wheels with new 225/70/15 redline radials give it a bit of a sporting look.

Complete with a factory build sheet, this big cruiser is one of the nicest of the breed we've ever seen. Don't dismiss full-sized luxury until you've experienced the whole package. Call today!