Vehicle Description
Watching our inventory, it seems we've had a run on early '60s
Impalas. Proof that these cars remain popular is this beautiful
Ermine White 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS tribute, which will
undoubtedly last only a few days in the showroom. With a full
mechanical and cosmetic makeover, this car has the performance to
back up the legendary nameplate on its flanks.
Ermine White is the car's original color, and the handsome
low-profile paint job is a great choice for the muscular Impala.
There's a maturity and grown-up look to this Imp, suggesting that
it's no boy racer toy and it's got a great shine thanks to modern
two-stage urethane. It seems to bring out the character lines that
sweep across the bodywork, and really makes the chrome and
stainless pop. This one appears to wear all its original body
panels, and during the restoration, not even the floor pans were
replaced, suggesting that this was a clean car to begin with. All
the factory-style emblems are in place even though this is a
tribute, including on the quarters and trunk lid, plus the '409'
flags on the front fenders, and the beautiful engine-turned trim
that stretches the length of the body instantly identifies an SS.
As a tribute car, it would have been easy to make a bunch of
non-stock mods, but instead they aimed to keep this one very much
the way it might have been back in 1962.
An all-new interior was installed in the correct code 853 Aqua, and
it's nice to see they kept the original bench so that it remains
very comfortable. The funky upholstery and awesome color
combination gives it a proper 1960s vibe, while the door panels and
headliner have been finished to match. New carpets offer the
correct weave and nap and it's got a 4-speed sticking out of the
transmission tunnel, lending it an industrial look (which was
entirely the point). Upgrades include a powerful A/C system, a
column-mounted tachometer, and auxiliary gauges tucked underneath.
For cruising, there's an AM/FM/iPod stereo in the original slot and
it even uses original-style knobs to help it blend it. They even
added an Impala SS grab handle on the passenger's side, and given
the performance, it's not a bad idea.
Extensive mechanical upgrades transform this from a merely pleasant
driver to a potent hammer that can cruise at high speeds all day.
Even though the emblems say '409' it's actually a 348, but nobody
can tell just by looking at it. Fully rebuilt with an Edelbrock
intake manifold and a Holley carburetor, it's plenty stout and
throws the Imp around with ease. A few dress-up items give it a
clean look, and those valve covers will simply never go out of
style. A modern alternator replaces the outdated generator that GM
was still stuffing under some hoods in '62, and it can easily keep
up with the demands of the A/C system. A massive radiator keeps the
warmed-over 348 cool under all conditions, and we like the
original-looking air cleaner that really helps the illusion. It's
backed by a 4-speed manual transmission and the exhaust offers a
wonderfully potent soundtrack. 4-wheel disc brakes, upgraded sway
bars, and a perfect stance help when you're on the street. Steel
wheels with simple hubcaps look great and carry staggered 235/60/15
front and 245/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.
Look through our inventory and how many early Impalas wear SOLD
signs. There's a reason for that, and to find out what it is, all
you have to do is take this one for a test drive. Call today!
