Vehicle Description
The 1961 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport bubble top was a result of a
banner year for GM to offer the Super Sport, bubble top and the 409
engine. This bubble top has undergone a comprehensive,
no-expense-spared, restoration to a high level. The previous owner
spent years sourcing NOS parts before even starting the
restoration. It is finished in two-tone with Sea Mist Turquoise
#917 with the complementing, correct white bubble top. The car
features the Sea Mist Turquoise SS interior with contrasting silver
trim. The cabin incorporates a split front bench seat, Impala trim,
a cluster of small instruments (including a temperature gauge, fuel
gauge and clock), correct SS passenger grab handle, the original
floor-mounted shifter with console plate, all the correct emblems
and badges, and a working original AM push-button radio with front
and rear speakers and dual antennas on the rear fenders. At the top
of the powertrain offering was a new, factory-built,
matching-numbers 409ci W-Series Chevrolet V8 engine. It featured a
4.3125-inch bore and a 3.5-inch stroke. With an 11.25:1 compression
ratio, it developed 360hp at 5,800 rpm. Like the rest of the car,
the engine compartment and 409/360hp engine are clean and
well-detailed with all correct accessories and surfaces. Both the
engine bay and undercarriage are highly detailed and ready for
showing. The Chevrolet additionally comes with a Muncie 4-speed
manual transmission on the floor, 336 posi-traction rear end, a
7,000 rpm Sun tachometer system mounted on the steering column,
aluminum intake manifold, dual exhaust, power steering, heavy-duty
drum brakes with sintered metallic linings and power assist, dual
snorkel air cleaner, tinted glass, correct hose clamps, heavy-duty
police suspension (which included stiffer springs, heavier shocks,
a beefier front sway bar), and NOS spinner wheel hubcaps with
whitewall tires. It also comes equipped with the original
carburetor, intake manifold, exhaust manifold and distributor,
which are all date-coded 1961. Featured in the SS are five matching
8.00-145 BFGoodrich thin whitewall tires as well as an
original-style battery, washer bottle refill with sticker mounted
by the radiator, and all the correct tags, stickers and markings
displayed throughout the engine compartment. The full-size
Chevrolets were all-new for 1961, featuring a 119-inch wheelbase
chassis, revised powertrains and a new performance-oriented Impala
SS model. This Impala comes with a show sign, trophy, documentation
of the previous awards, spare tire and jack. It was well cared for
and maintained over the years prior to its restoration, and since
the restoration has been driven less than 20 test miles. As a
testament to its high quality, this fine example won the Gold Award
with a score of 981 in its first showing at the National Impala
meet. In its second showing, it won First in Class at the San
Marino Motor Classic in June 2019.
