Vehicle Description
Inspired by pictures of a custom Chevy Caprice, GM executive Jim
Perkins ordered up a custom B-Body show car for the 1992 Detroit
International Auto Show. Debuting as the Impala SS, the 500 cubic
inch monster was such a phenomenon that, within 18 months, GM
rolled the first Impala SS street car into Chevrolet showrooms. For
just three short years in the mid-1990s these modern muscle
cruisers fronted a trend that most of us didn't even know existed:
hot, rear-wheel-drive, full-size sedans. Now, 25 years later, the
B-Body Impala's undeniable collectability ensures that these beats
STILL trade hands at original sticker price or more!
THE BRAND IN BLACK
Coming from a brand that was synonymous with legends like Dale
Earnhardt and Jon Moss, it seems fitting that the Impala SS is most
well-known for small block power and menacing aesthetics. Sporting
original Black paint that's backed by a clean CARFAX Report, this
2,173-mile time capsule was pampered by just one owner until late
2019. And, averaging a scant 95 miles per year, the car rolls as an
exclusive collector piece that's been a protected toy from DAY
ONE!
The sedan's serious digs kick off with a unique, single bar grille
that floats a chrome bowtie between a body-matched bumper and clean
Twilight Sentinel Headlamps. Behind that grille, a smooth hood
founds chrome-trimmed glass between a power antenna and
pillar-mounted mirrors. At the sides of that hood, radiused wheel
arches frame tasteful blackout door guards and flush blackout door
handles in front of sporty "Impala SS" quarter scripts. And at the
back of the car, a second monochromatic bumper bends between
polished exhaust tips, a legendary Impala badge, distinct
taillights and a subtle deck spoiler.
SMALL BLOCK FOR LIFE!
While a Chevy this sinister couldn't have just any old engine, the
show car's 500+ cubic inch big block just wasn't practical. Not to
worry since GM usually has quite a few excellent V8s hanging
around, and dipping into the Corvette parts bin for a few 350 cubic
inch LT1s seemed a natural solution. The Impala SS-exclusive LT1
utilizes cast iron heads and a slightly tweaked cam to turn an easy
260 horsepower into 330 lb./ft. of quick torque. Of course, to make
sure the car's accessories communicate with its fresh engine,
Chevrolet had to install a higher output electrical system and a
high capacity reverse flow cooling system. The result was a durable
package that, routinely hammered by police forces and taxi drivers,
is known for logging hundreds of thousands of miles.
That choice engine is backed by a reliable 4L60E 4-speed automatic
transmission that's equipped with a factory transmission cooler.
That transmission spins a limited-slip differential around mild,
3.08 gears. Holding that tough drivetrain in place is a
larger-gauge frame that, along with this Chevy's sport-tuned
suspension, was lifted directly from the Caprice's hugely
successful 9C1 Police Package. At the front of the car, a
traditional double A-arm suspension benefits from quick-ratio power
steering, a larger front stabilizer bar and DeCarbon gas shocks. At
the back of the car, a rugged 4-link suspension includes a second
beefy stabilizer bar and reinforced springs that were borrowed
directly from the Corvette. At the corners of those
one-inch-lowered bones, standard ABS clamps four calipers around
12-inch discs. Retrofitted Flowmaster exhaust lets the LT1 sing in
all its glory. And striking, brushed aluminum wheels ride pliable
255/50ZR17 Nitto NT555 G2s.
AMERICAN TOUR DE FORCE
Leather was the only choice in the Impala SS and, in this classic,
it remains in excellent, showroom-fresh condition. Naturally, part
of the Impala SS package was embroidered logos on both the car's
power-operated buckets and fixed bench. Straight-on, a pristine
dash cages 1996-exclusive analog gauges above factory climate
control and a factory stereo that's wired to a retrofitted, 10-disc
CD changer. A 1996-exclusive console centers a simple shifter
between a small armrest and a snazzy Impala badge. Padded door
panels hug chrome buttons for power windows, power mirrors and
power door locks that are sequenced to standard Remote Keyless
Entry. And the driver spins a Camaro-style, Impala SS-exclusive
steering wheel around a tilting column that's finished with
standard Cruise Control.
Through the years, original, unmodified B-Body Impalas have
remained rock-solid values. And, as more and more of these classics
are modified or just plain used up, cars like this low-mile beast
are poised to continue gaining value. If you've been looking for
some clean modern muscle to show and have fun with, you'll be hard
pressed to find a better car than this exclusive, final-year
SS!
HIGHLIGHTS
2-owner Impala SS survivor
Only 2,173 miles since new
5.7 liter GM LT1 V8
GM 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
Limited-slip differential / 3.08 gears
Factory air conditioning
Factory quick-ratio power steering
Factory 4-wheel power disc brakes
Factory Caprice 9C1 frame and suspension
1996-exclusive leather interior
Flowmaster exhaust
10-disc CD changer
Original temporary tag (with original owner's info)
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world