Vehicle Description
The true measure of great cars is their long-term value to
collectors. The 1994 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 (that's been slightly
upgraded in this one), 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 25 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 first-year black 1994 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 for a driver. Credit the car's condition to clean living
with four conscientious owners, and everyone thought these were
collectable, even when they were new. There are a few touch-ups on
the hood and decklid, which often take a brunt of the abuse, and
maybe a scratch here and there in other spots, 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 mods are
the cowl hood, the vintage SS emblem on the grille, and 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 barely used and if there have
been more than a handful of passengers back there over the past 25
years, it would be a surprise. The combination digital and analog
gauges are 100% functional, and it even retains the original Delco
AM/FM/CD stereo, with the only non-stock item being a tachometer
installed neatly into the replacement dash. Of course, everything
was included with the SS such as A/C, power windows and locks, a
tilt wheel, and cruise control. And as the last of the full-sized
sedans, the trunk is positively massive, still carrying its
original spare and a carpeted mat.
Power comes from GM's indestructible 5.7 liter LT1 V8, which makes
260 stock horsepower in the Impala. This one has been beefed up
just a bit, with a Stage 1 TPIS cam, an upgrade valve train, a TPIS
throttle body, and a cold air intake. 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 with the addition of
chrome valve covers, and it drives wonderfully. Power 4-wheel discs
and power steering were included, as well as a heavy-duty
suspension with coilovers, giving the Impala moves that belie its
size and comfort, and with stock 17-inch wheels, it rides like it
should. Four 245/50/17 Bridgestone 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!
