1996 Chevrolet Impala SS

Description

The true measure of great cars is their long-term value to collectors. The 1996 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 sticker price 15 years after it went out of production. Special? You'd better believe it.

It's 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 incredible 32,170-mile original are often beautifully preserved. Black was the most popular choice, and looks spectacular on the big sedan's bodywork, offering an appropriate dose of menace to this full-sized muscle sedan. This one remains 100% original, with no accidents or panel replacements, and the finish is amazingly well preserved thanks to years of care by two careful owners. Heck, there are barely any marks on the nose, which often takes a brunt of the abuse and there's no evidence that they've been spinning the tires, either, because the quarters are virtually unmarked. The blacked-out grille is as new, the chin spoiler doesn't show 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. The front seats are surprisingly supportive with no splits, tears, or discoloration, and the leather remains supple and smooth for long road trips. The back seat still looks brand new and if there have been more than a handful of passengers back there over the past 15 years, it would be a surprise. The gauges are 100% functional, and it even retains the original Delco AM/FM/CD stereo, which sounds decent even compared to some of today's audio tech. Of course, everything was included with the SS such as A/C, power windows and locks, and cruise control, and it all works like it should. In back, there's a giant trunk carrying the original space-saver spare, which you'll hopefully never need.

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 living 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, right down to the exhaust system and those gorgeous 17-inch aluminum wheels, which still look fantastic. 4-wheel discs were included, as well as a heavy-duty suspension, giving the Impala moves that belie its size and comfort, and thanks to new 255/55/17 performance radials, it's 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 simultaneously created and ended a niche market, yet remains popular years later. This SS also includes a ton of factory documentation, including manuals and even the original temporary tag, so you know someone thought it was special. Call today!