Vehicle Description
There are only a select few cars that have been cool from the
moment they were built, and the 1961 Chevrolet Impala Bubbletop is
one of them. No matter what a build may change, it remains an
American icon that will forever look fantastic. This frame-off
restored, 427 resto-mod packs insane big block power via a 427 V8
Corvette crate engine mated to a smooth-shifting AOD transmission,
meets the road a narrowed-and-tubbed rear end, and turns heads with
its blazing Torch Red on Red color combination that practically
sears the eyes. Full stop, this might be the first time that anyone
has actually improved upon a '61 Imp Bubbletop. If that's not a
compliment, then I don't know what is.
If you're getting tired of the somewhat ubiquitous styling of the
1950s, this dazzling 1961 Imp is the antidote. Fins are gone,
replaced by sleek, sculpted quarter panels that look fast just
sitting still. And with that much sheetmetal, it would be easy to
go astray during the restoration, yet the guys in charge of putting
this one right took the time to eliminate any potential ripples,
they aligned the gaps precisely, and bolted everything together
with far more care than the factory could ever manage. The Torch
Red paint is about as close to perfect as you can get (seriously,
if 'perfect' wasn't such a subjective concept, we'd definitely use
it here - they don't get much better than this), and it has a depth
and clarity that you simply don't see on resto-mods. It's obvious
that a large portion of the restoration was spent on paint and
bodywork and my goodness did they get it every square inch of this
sled right. The long trim spears with contrasting inserts make the
already Imposing Imp look about a mile long and low enough to
limbo, and with the beefy, tubbed-out rear-end out back, it looks
like a crouching tiger, ready to pounce and collect the pink slips
of an-and-all challengers. Bumpers are beautifully re-chromed, the
trick gun sight ornaments atop the front fenders are crisply
rendered, and all six taillight lenses (an Impala staple) are in
outstanding condition. We could go on and on, but bottom line, all
you need to do is picture the best looking '61 Impala you've ever
seen, and then understand that this one is even better.
Bright red is the smart choice in your Torch Red Impala, because if
you're going for it you might as well go all the way, and the fully
restored interior in this one looks downright amazing. The pristine
red seat covers replicate the originals exactly and offer true
six-passenger comfort, although we'll have to take the builder's
word for it because it sure doesn't seem like they've ever been sat
in. Exquisite door panels are spectacularly ornate pieces with
silver inserts and jet-exhaust-like armrest trim, and the gorgeous
carpets replicate the original weave and texture and are protected
by black vinyl mats with Bowtie emblems. The two-tone steering
wheel mounted atop an Ididit tilt column was restored back to
stock, and you guessed it, it looks completely untouched, while the
bright gauge bezel just ahead of it is now filled a vast array of
digital/analog units that look so good you'll struggle to keep your
eyes on the road. The same goes for the dash, which was impeccably
restored and lined with bling to a level GM never dreamed of, and
with a reproduction All Transistor Radio in the center it maintains
the spirit of the original design. That center console is the
largest deviation from stock inside, but it's a welcome sight
filled with a big VDO multimedia screen that handles the
entertainment and a back-up camera, a set of billet cup holders,
and switches for the power windows. An under-dash Vintage Air A/C
system was installed to look like it always belonged, and the
modern hardware and R134a refrigerant inside fills the spacious
hardtop coupe with ice-cold air. As you might expect, the rear seat
is so clean Howard Hughes would comfortably kick his feet up back
there, and the giant trunk is extremely clean with a gray mat set,
relocated battery, and oversized fuel cell.
In 1961, the top motor was the mighty 409, but this Imp does it a
few better by packing a thundering L-88 427 cubic inch big block
Corvette V8 under the hood. It's clearly dressed for show with
black enamel on the block and a bunch of polished and chromed bits,
ranging from the aluminum intake, to the blacked-out '427
Chevrolet' valve covers, to the serpentine drive system. The
firewall was smoothed and coated with Torch Red paint, while the
inner fenders are gloss black, and with ceramic-coated Hooker
headers, a chrome open-air cleaner decked out with proper decals,
and chromed-out alternator, compressor, and master cylinder all add
so much bling under the hood you'll want to pop the hood everywhere
you go. Other upgrades include HEI ignition, a giant aluminum
radiator with dual electric fans, and a Holley 770CFM 4-barrel
carburetor that all help the block fire with ease and run great,
while the ground-shaking soundtrack comes via a great-sounding
Hooker dual exhaust system below. Modern power steering and power
4-wheel disc brakes help the car's road manners, which says a lot
even with the huge tub out back. A heavy-duty Phoenix 700R4 4-speed
transmission spins an aluminum driveshaft mated to a Ford 9-inch
POSI rear-end filled with 3.89 gears, so this Imp is as impressive
on the highway as it is on the strip. Underneath, it's insanely
clean and painted for show, with a custom full frame and bespoke
suspension that's brand new and features the best-of-the-best in
performance parts. Aggressively staggered Budnik wheels are wrapped
in 225/70/15 BFGoodrich radials up front and 29x15.5x15 Hoosier
meats out back to finish off the killer look.
One of the best car we've ever seen, period. And with only 578
miles on the build, it will wear the crown for many years. Call
today!
