Vehicle Description
The true measure of great cars is their long-term value to
collectors. This 1995 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, an athletic
suspension, and that distinctive paint job, and you have a
slam-dunk of a collector car that STILL sells for sticker price 20
years after it went out of production. Special? You'd better
believe it.
It's probably 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 105K-mile 1995 example are often beautifully
preserved. This Black Cherry example is essentially 100% original,
with only the aesthetic choice of painting the roof slick-black
taking away from its factory specs. Credit the car's good condition
to clean living with owners who never abused it and drove the car
seldomly over the last 27 years. Black Cherry is arguably the most
desirable Impala SS color and aside from the regularly expected
signs of use and age (much of which could be erased with a proper
buff), it's still in really solid, driver-grade shape. Even the
blacked-out grille is in great shape, the chin spoiler doesn't a
bunch of scuffs from driveway aprons, and all the Impala emblems
are factory original and still in place. Impressive.
The only interior available with the Impala was gray leather with
buckets and a console. This one shows only minor signs of use,
certainly not in line with its age, and the leather remains supple
and smooth. The back seat still looks almost new, and if there have
been more than a handful of passengers back there over the past 20
years, it would be a surprise. The gauges are 100% functional, and
the only change inside is the upgraded Sony AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit
that took the place of the old Delco stereo. The carpets show a
little more age, as does the driver's door panel, but again,
nothing that seems out of line for its age and mileage and it would
be a mistake to do anything but give them a good cleaning. Of
course, everything was included with the SS such as A/C, power
windows and locks, and cruise control. And as the last of the
full-sized sedans, the trunk is positively massive, still carrying
its original spare, cargo net, and an unmarked liner.
Power comes from GM's indestructible 5.7 liter LT1 V8, which makes
260 horsepower in the Impala. Mated to a 4-speed automatic, it's
the same powertrain that struck fear into the hearts of motorists
when it lived inside black and white police cruisers. Properly
maintained from new, the engine bay looks fresh (albeit not overly
detailed), and it drives just like it should. And unlike many
Impalas, this one has not been modified in any way except for a
newer exhaust and pair of chambered mufflers out back that sound
pretty darned wicked (original catalytic convertor is still in
place). Power 4-wheel discs were included, as well as a heavy-duty
suspension, giving the Impala moves that belie its size and
comfort. Performance radials have been fitted to the gorgeous
5-spoke alloys, 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 destroyed a
niche market, defined an entire market segment, and signaled the
end of 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!
