Vehicle Description
1961 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
The Chevrolet Impala was rejuvenated again for 1961, officially the
year when the third generation rolled into production. Chevy's
flagship full-size model was now entirely modern and, more
importantly, an SS version became available.
This current consignment takes us back to 1961 and firmly planted
in the new development within which we live, and formally called
suburbia. Dad goes to work, and mom stays home except when she
needs to go on an errand then she takes the Impala. She puts the
top down and takes off to the grocery store. Really? Does it
honestly take 4 hours at the grocery store? Of course, this car is
the star of the show, fully restored to near perfection, and a very
fine example of what careful attention to detail can produce. A
show winner, and a grocery getter (well, maybe, ask mom what was
going on in those 4 hr. store trips!)
Exterior
Laser straight steel rust free panels are minding their gaps very
nicely on all corners of this car. This lovely metal is bathed in
Seamist Turquoise and has the perfect accenting colored convertible
top...white. Additionally, the teardrop taillights that sat on
either side of the V-shaped rear end were gone and the traditional
setup of six taillights, three on either side, returned. What is
more, the car now had a more compact look with a much shorter front
overhang. Also, in tune with the times, the tail fins were gone
although they were mimicked by a design line that went up and
around the back creating a ridge that formed a V shape in the
middle of the rear panel. This model really put the Impala on the
map as an incredibly popular model and, by 1965, when the fourth
generation was launched, the Impala sold 1,000,000 units in one
year. Borrowing just a smidge from the Tri-Five Bel Air, a side
spear with a smaller panel is working its way from the bow to the
stern where it widens just a bit then angles upward towards the top
of the rear quarter. A horizontal teardrop shaped fender skirt adds
to the long and thin look of this design. Upfront clean dual
headlights flank an egg crate grille that has been slimmed down
since its inception model of 1958. A smaller bumper with some mini
rubber tipped "Dagmars" hangs below, and on each top of the front
quarters is a V style chromed jet trimming. Cross flagged center
hub badged wheel covers with a surrounding turbine pattern is
wrapped by wide white thin bias ply tires on all 4 corners.
Interior
Put the top down and let the sun shine in on this beautifully
restored and detailed interior. Chromed buttoned and stitched upper
blue vinyl panels are on the doors with a mid level band of brushed
aluminum complete with blue door pull/armrest, chromed GM styled
actuating paddle and window cranks. Below is another smooth blue
panel simply screwed on to the interior of the door. Feast your
eyes on some snazzy two tone dark and light turquoise benches for
the passengers which look like new. With dark horizontal white
stitched inserts, smooth exterior bolsters and some light blue
stripes creating the border between the stitched and smooth panels
it is simple but effective design. Chrome edging shows up and holds
the seats at the bottom and rear sides. All original and matching
turquoise dash has a nice angled design, with an insert panel with
horizontal ribbed stainless for the background and the gauges. A
lower run of more blue metal is housing the knobs and climate
control levers, as well as the ignition. As we move to the center,
a long ribbed metal covered glovebox presents itself and above is
an original AM radio, and cigarette station, well hidden behind a
flip up door. Beautiful thick loop turquoise carpeting floods the
floors, and there are some blue rubber floor mats for extra
protection. The white top slips neatly behind the rear bench and
has a turquoise tonneau cover which is just showroom condition.
Drivetrain
So it's 1961, and we are in the showroom and looking at the engine
and pretending we know exactly what's going on inside as the
salesman drones on. What we see is a beautiful orange painted block
and intake complete with orange painted valve covers, a like new
master cylinder, supple shiny hoses and wiring, and a black air
cleaner atop. This is the standard 283ci V8 topped with a single
2-barrel carburetor and a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission
on back. The rear axle has 3.36 gearing, and the consigner states
the engine is original to this car but has undergone extensive
restoration and maintenance. Looking just beautiful underneath the
hood. So, we just nod in affirmation!
Undercarriage
Underneath is all fully restored to original showroom condition,
and there is certainly no rust or even road dirt. Shiny exhaust,
solid X frame, nice floorpans, tubs and rockers as well as clean
wheel wells all is just fine underneath. Power drum brakes are on
all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and we were off to the test track where it
accelerated smoothly, cruised like no tomorrow, and had bias free
solid braking on the panic stop. All functions were working just
perfectly, and the interior is not only snappy looking it is
extremely comfortable.
This 1961 Convertible Impala can definitely provide the WOW factor
and is near perfect. Deep paint, excellent trimmings, very cool
interior, and all working like it should, you can drive this one
right out of our halls, but you may want to put it in a trailer to
keep it as pristine as it already is! Do not touch!!
VIN DECODE
11867N167258
1-1961
18-Impala V8
67-2 Door Convertible
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
167258-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
12B-2nd Week December Build
ST 61 1867-1961 Impala Convertible
BDY VN1442-Norwood Body #
TR 853-Turquoise Vinyl
PNT 917A-Seamist Turquoise, White Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.