Vehicle Description
Incredible resto-mod build. 350 cubic inch crate motor dressed to
look like an original 283. 4-speed manual. Power steering, power
disc brakes, ice cold A/C. New interior with upgraded gauges and
stereo. One of the very best driving cars we've ever
experienced!<BR><BR>If you're a purist, this probably
isn't the car for you. But if you like the look and feel of the
1960 Impala (who doesn't?), then the way this one has been
skillfully re-engineered should appeal to you. It still feels very
much like a vintage Impala but all the primary systems have been
augmented to improve the experience. Starting with a clean
6-cylinder car certainly helps, and this one was indeed Roman Red
with Ermine White top from the factory. 6-cylinder cars were never
raced or abused and didn't have the power to do any damage, so this
car feels tight, solid, and well-assembled, and thanks to a full
repaint about 15 years ago, it looks fantastic. Up close you might
find a few minor flaws, but even from five feet away this car looks
like a movie star. The sheetmetal is laser-straight with excellent
panel alignment and even gaps all around, and the doors swing
closed with a mechanical THUNK that just sounds expensive. All the
bright stainless and chrome trim is excellent, including the ribbed
tail panels that are virtually impossible to replace, and aside
from some wiper scratches on the windshield, the glass is nicely
preserved. The only visible modification is that little peep mirror
hanging from the vent window on the driver's side, but that's just
smart.<BR><BR>The red and white vinyl interior is 100%
new from Ciadella Interiors and it replicates the original look
exactly. New carpets, fresh seat covers, and beautiful door panels
give the inside of this lovely Imp a like-new look and feel. Even
the headliner is quite nice, and we believe it's original. The only
visible modifications include Auto Meter gauges in place of the
originals and an upgraded AM/FM/MP3 stereo system, but they blend
in so well that many folks may never notice. Of note, the warning
lights for voltage, brakes, and temperature, plus turn signal and
high beam indicators have been cleverly relocated into the ashtray
and all remain 100% operational. Too cool! There's a powerful
Vintage Air Gen IV A/C system neatly installed under the dash, and
it uses the original heater controls to help with the illusion.
That device on top of the dash is for the remote-controlled
Excalibur security system, but that's really the only thing that
most folks may notice. The rest is factory Chevrolet and nothing
changes the inherent goodness of the 1960s feel you get when you
turn the key. The massive trunk has a new mat and side panels, and
you'll note that there's even a pad under the mat designed to hide
the body mount bolts-this car is full of such thoughtful details.
There's also a full-sized spare and jack assembly, just in
case.<BR><BR>The engine is a fresh GM crate motor
making 290 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. of torque, plenty to make the
Impala feel quick and entertaining on the road, and certainly more
than you could get in 1960. Everything you can see on the engine is
new, including a 750 CFM QuadraJet carburetor rebuilt by Benchwick
Carburetors, a new HEI distributor, Edelbrock intake manifold,
aluminum water pump, and a giant radiator to keep things cool no
matter what. It's finished in Chevy Orange to give it a suitably
vintage look with correct 1960-style valve covers to help with the
illusion. The dual master cylinder and new power brake booster feed
a set of front disc brakes to really improve stopping power, and
there's a fresh GM 605 power steering system that makes this car
effortless to drive. The T10 4-speed manual transmission was
rebuilt by Ed Hartnett 4-Speeds and features a fresh Ram clutch
with light pedal action and crisp take-up. The front suspension is
completely rebuilt with new springs, shocks, bushings, ball joints,
and tie rods, while the original rear end was augmented with a set
of 3.55 gears and heavy-duty Moser axles and bearings, all
assembled by Henderson Driveline. The gas tank, sending unit, lines
and hoses, and brake cables are all new, too. The exhaust system is
a custom 2.5-inch system with Magnaflow stainless mufflers and
12-inch resonators, so it has a great V8 burble that is almost
silent at cruising speeds. The stock wheels wear factory hubcaps
and a fresh set of 215/75/14 wide whitewall
radials.<BR><BR>Documentation includes original an
owner's manual, warranty booklet, brochures, and various manuals
for parts like the radio and security
system.<BR><BR>This is a beautifully engineered,
thoughtfully built, and carefully assembled car-they're rarely this
good. We deal with hundreds of cars each year and have had
thousands pass through our showroom, and this one rises to the top
of the heap. If you're shopping price alone, well, this isn't your
car. But if you care about quality, reliability, ease of use, and
yes, the fun-to-drive factor, then this car scores big in every
category. It isn't for bargain shoppers, it's a car for someone who
wants an outstanding car that just works like it should. Call
today!<BR><BR>Harwood Motors always recommends and
welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
