Description
Lot #1142 - Ed Cole, Chevrolet's chief engineer in the late 1950s, defined the Impala as a "prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen." For many years, the Impala was the best-selling automobile in the United States, and its 1965 sales of over one million units still stands as a record. The 409 was the Impala's muscle car. Chevrolet's third-generation Impala is a stylish piece that, with its absence of excessive chrome, suggests GM had officially left the tailfin-induced bender America enjoyed throughout the '50s. At the front of this sleek showboat, a broad stainless grille hangs four halogen headlights and small amber parking lamps between an ornate Chevrolet crest, a blocky "Chevrolet" script and a mirrored, wraparound bumper. At the top of that grille, subtle hood spears lead the eye to tinted glass that's cleared by bright wipers, sealed-in straight frames and capped with a power-operated roof. At the sides of that hood, dent-free rocker guards, optional fender skirts and engine-turned SS-specific trim spears found bold "Impala" scripts beneath traditional cross-flag emblems and "SS" quarter badging. Opposite those guards, correct door handles and classy bowtie mirrors perfectly complement optional edge liners, ornate fuel filler trim and angled antennas. At the back of the car, a stainless-trimmed, engine-turned valance hangs six familiar taillights between a second Chevrolet crest, a small "Chevrolet" script and a second wraparound bumper. This real-deal Impala SS 409/409hp 4-speed was the center of Chevrolet's universe in 1962. A full ground-up restoration was performed a few years ago and was recently refreshed by its new owner. Correct 1867-coded SS Super Sport Convertible. Other features are its correct QB-coded 409/409 2x4 carburetors, correct solid-lifter camshaft, correct L-coded close ratio 4-speed transmission and differential. The cowl tag is #62-1867 B 815 923. The paint looks amazing and it's the correct Roman Red (923) paint, correct black bucket SS (815) seats.
