Vehicle Description
The true measure of great cars is their long-term value to
collectors. The 1996 Chevrolet 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 20 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 black 1996 example are often well-preserved. This
one is almost entirely original, with no accidents or panel
replacements, and the finish is pretty well preserved with only
minor signs of use and age, which is to be expected. Credit the
car's condition to clean living with an owner who never used it as
a daily driver (which is why it has only 32,021 original miles),
and everyone thought these were collectable, even when they were
new. There are a few marks on the nose, which often takes a brunt
of the abuse, and maybe a scratch here and there, but this is a car
that still turns heads today. With no stripes, graphics, or any
other graphic add-ons, the car looks big, but its imposing nature
definitely makes a statement, and the most radical body mod is the
tiny lip spoiler on the trunk. Talk about a Q-ship! Even the
blacked-out grille is in great shape, the chin spoiler doesn't show
major damage from driveway aprons, and all the Impala emblems are
factory original. Give it a good buff and polish and you would
really make this one sparkle.
The only interior available with the Impala was gray leather with
buckets and a console. This one shows only modest signs of use,
certainly in line with the mileage, and the leather remains supple
and smooth. The back seat still looks brand new, and if there have
been more than a handful of passengers back there over the past 20
years, it would be a surprise. The combination digital and analog
gauges are 100% functional, and it even retains the original Delco
stereo, although it's been augmented by an aftermarket
satellite/Bluetooth unit under the dash. Of course, everything was
included with the SS such as A/C, power windows and locks, and
cruise control. And as the last of the full-sized sedans, the trunk
is positively massive, still carrying its original spare and an
unmarked mat.
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 tidy 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. 4-wheel discs were included, as well as a
heavy-duty suspension, giving the Impala moves that belie its size
and comfort, and with new shocks, it rides like it should. The
wheels are showing some discoloration in the clearcoat, which is
common on these, but the fix is relatively inexpensive. Four
255/50/17 performance radials have been fitted, making this car
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 instantly created and ended a niche
market, defined an entire market segment, and ended an era. That
alone ensures collectability, but the fact that it is also a party
to drive makes this one to own for yourself. Call today!
