1962 Chevrolet Impala

Description

Early '60s Impalas are red-hot right now, and this classically-styled 1962 Impala hardtop is a super clean car that isn't trying to be anything other than what it is. Fortunately, it is a V8-powered hardtop in great colors and a great vintage performance look that's 100% Impala.

By 1962, the fins were long gone and the resulting car was one of the cleanest, most attractive designs in years. Restrained and handsome, it was relatively easy to make it look racy with just a few additions like the crossed-flag emblems on the fenders and subtle twin tailpipes just behind the rear wheel wells. This particular Imp carries all its original sheetmetal and floors, a testament to just how clean it really is. After spending decades in Tennessee, it got a nice freshening a few years ago in its original Ermine White, which was pretty popular with the guys going racing on weekends. Gaps are tight, the long strip of trim with a red insert adds some brilliant contrast, and the distinctive shape of the top is evidently designed to mimic that of the ragtop. Regardless, it looks fantastic from any angle and the work really was top-notch. Nice chrome bumpers, traditional triple Impala taillights, and no fake SS badges really make this one stand out.

This car also came with a factory code 874 red interior, which gives it a ton of eyeball appeal and looks wonderfully vintage inside. The upholstery was obviously restored at some point in the not-too-distant past and uses correct striped cloth and vinyl surrounds to re-create the original look. Beautifully ornate door panels look like they should be on a much more expensive car and the dash is covered in engine-turned trim, just like on the SS. A handsome steering wheel surrounds an accessory column-mounted tachometer, and the factory gauges are augmented by a set of vintage Moon Eyes dials under the dash. And yes, that's a 4-speed shifter with Hurst cue ball knob sticking out of the transmission tunnel, so you know this car is serious about performance as much as looking pretty. In fact, the relative lack of options, including no radio, suggests that this Imp was originally purchased for something other than commuting to the office each day. However, the trunk is nicely finished and includes proper spatter-finish paint and a full-sized spare up there on its own shelf.

The stout 327 under the hood is an awesome runner that more that fulfils the promises of the vintage racer look. Brightly dressed in Chevy Orange, it's deceivingly stock-looking with a twin-snorkel air cleaner, original-style generator, and even factory hose clamps and decals. But underneath there are upgrades like double-hump heads with a 3-angle valve job, Comp Cams roller rockers, and a custom exhaust system with Flowmasters and cut-outs so it sounds intimidating as hell. The Borg-Warner T10 4-speed gearbox was rebuilt in 2013 and the car was fitted with a 409 front suspension for better weight transfer. With correct red oxide primer on the underside, a stout rear end with 3.70 gears inside, and no signs of cancer, this is a really well-done period street brawler. Even the chrome steel wheels look period-correct with BFG Silvertown bias-ply tires up front and a set of Hurst cheater slicks out back.

Nicely finished for a great '60s look and feel, this is a surprisingly quick car that often catches the other guy looking the other way. Fast fun for not a lot of cash. Call today!