Vehicle Description
This Impala has a heck of a lot going for it. One of a kind vintage
styling, a great color scheme, some serious collectability by way
of its rarity, a well-conceived drivetrain that's an inspired
pairing of new and vintage components, and a careful and meticulous
restoration. All of these combine to make this 1961 Chevrolet
Impala one coveted top tier cruiser with undeniable curb
appeal.
Roman Red paint takes the place of the turquoise shade this Chevy
began with, and it's a great color choice, giving the car an
era-appropriate "stock-plus" look. After taking a quick lap around
the car, your first thought is likely to be just how revolutionary
several of the styling cues you see had to have seemed when they
first debuted. The Impala's designers had already come up with a
markedly trimmer and sportier model for 1961 and further upped the
novelty factor on their new design by adding its revolutionary
"bubble top" - a windshield carrying very pronounced curves at both
ends, and no traditional pillars anywhere to be found. After
nodding appreciatively at its intriguing styling, you're then
likely to notice that this is a very finished looking classic - the
front and rear bumpers are blemish-free and level as are the long
expanses of chrome trim running the lengths of the sides - and the
body panels line up well, with nice even gaps. The generously-sized
side windows, with their rear portions not much smaller than those
in front, and framed by still more clean, shiny chrome, give the
cabin a very spacious, deluxe look.
The red and ivory interior, a great combination of vinyl and cloth,
is very well-crafted and complements the exterior perfectly. The
front and back bench seats are still amply-padded - just as
comfortable as they look and show very little wear, while an
expanse of fresh red carpeting, featuring a pair of floor mats up
front bearing signature Chevy bowties, runs underneath. A
column-mounted tach just behind the stock steering wheel is the
only deviation from stock configuration to be found in the
impressively well-restored dash area that features great chrome
ornamentation and still easily readable factory gauges against a
shiny, red steel backdrop. The AM radio sitting front and center
provides an era-appropriate look, while the AM/FM/CD player
residing in the glove box provides plenty of modern-day audio
options. In back, the spacious trunk area is in good order, with no
visible dents anywhere, and a fresh spare sitting securely inside
on an interior shelf, leaving plenty of luggage space.
Chevy was already packing some impressive power into its engines
going way back, and the 348-cubic inch engine sitting underneath
the Impala's hood is a great example of their handiwork. Carrying a
full 335 horsepower and fed by a trio of 2-barrel Rochester carbs,
it starts right up and has a nice, mean growl to it as it exhales
out its headers. A Tremec 5-speed manual transmission sits in place
of its factory-issued counterpart, providing much improved gearing
that includes engine- and fuel-sparing overdrive. Featuring power
brakes and admirably precise power steering, this Impala is an easy
driver - no mere trailer queen, it's one classic you'll actually
enjoy taking out on the road. This vintage Chevy sits on a set of
14" stock and era-correct Chevy rims, outfitted with white wall
tires.
If you're looking to put a top tier classic cruiser in your garage,
you can't do better than this 1961 Chevrolet Impala, a nameplate
synonymous through the years with legendary boulevard magic. Call
today!