Vehicle Description
1970 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
1970 would be the last year for the fourth generation Impala and
the only year that would not get an SS version. Only 9,562 Impala
convertibles were produced for 1970 and they were one of three
convertibles available from Chevrolet including the Chevelle SS and
the Corvette. Full sized convertibles were desirable at the time
and the list of available models in 1970 included the Cadillac
DeVille, Buick Electra, Chrysler Newport, Oldsmobile 98, Plymouth
Fury, and the Mercury Monterey.
For consignment, a 1970 Chevrolet Impala convertible with a numbers
matching drivetrain, a great looking interior, and enough trunk
space for a hockey team's equipment. It's big, bold, and gold and
is a surviving remnant of a time when large convertibles were as
common as small ones are today.
Exterior
Drinking in the Champagne Gold we realize it must have taken quite
a few quarts to cover this car, especially the rear quarter panels
which go on for miles. A black pinstripe starts on the front fender
and follows the top edge all the way to the back which raises
slightly just behind the rear window, then continues straight to
the sloping edge. Door molding to prevent dings from other long
doored cars parking adjacent also runs the length of the car
accentuating the dimensions of the car. Chrome headlight bezels,
the front bumper, and grille are in glimmering condition and so is
the rear bumper which embeds the wonderfully distinct three lens
tail lights. Three creases not only strengthen the hood but add a
design element in line with the sculpted edges, leading back to the
vented cowl so common in the era. 17-inch polished American Racing
Torque Thrust wheels bump up this cruiser's street cred and its
black canvas top shows some wear with several tears and
separations, but its glass window is intact. Other imperfections
include some touched up scratches in the paint.
Interior
Stitch patterned black vinyl doors are enhanced with upholstery
buttons and a vertical faux wood panel with an Impala logo, while
the split bench seat retains the buttons in rows of vertical black
vinyl. The rear bench does not divert from the design and both
seats and door panels are in good shape although some cracking and
tears can be found. An Impala in full stride can be found on the
faux wood steering wheel as well which shares the column with the
shifter and turn signal stalk. A horizontal gauge cluster includes
the 120 mph speedometer, the fuel gauge, and a clock, all situated
above a row of idiot lights that create a line above the next
section, the climate control panel and AM radio in a richly grained
faux wood plate. With no center console, the floor space is quite
generous, impeded only by the transmission hump and all of it
covered in black loop carpet in good condition. The trunk is very
clean and contains a spare tire and a ton of empty space.
Drivetrain
Sitting cleanly in the large engine bay is the numbers matching
350ci V8, rated at 250 horsepower and supplied fuel by a single
2-barrel carburetor. The numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission is in place as well and sends power to the 10 bolt
rear and 2.56 gears. Power brakes are a welcome feature with discs
up front and drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath reveals surface rust in the usual place,
a single exhaust that is intersected by a Spintech muffler and
exits out the rear with a chrome downward turned tip, and residual
oil on the pan and rear differential. Coil spring suspension is
supplied in the front while a 3 link with coil springs and a
panhard bar are out back.
Drive-Ability
The seating dynamic is all about cruising, one arm on the window
sill, the other draped over the steering wheel, gently guiding this
big Impala onto our flat test loop and daydreaming about the next
cruise night in an arbitrary small town. The original 350 runs
great, not blistering fast but with more than adequate power to
roll this land yacht with confidence and power brakes make slowing
and stopping easy. We're hearing a bit of extra noise that we
detect as exhaust leaks. Beyond that, everything except the clock
and wipers work just fine.
Here's an uncommon opportunity to own an original, numbers matching
Impala and one that's been taken care of as it's in great shape. It
needs very little and is ready to take on the summer to provide
miles of open air fun. Picture yourself with the family heading out
for ice cream on a hot summer night or attending the next car show
or cruise night. Opportunities like that are worth their weight in
gold!
164670U133842
1-Chevrolet
64-Impala V8
67-Convertible
0-1970
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
133842-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 70 16467-1970 Impala Convertible
BDY LOA045264-Lordstown Body #
TR 806-Black Vinyl Bench
PNT 55B-Champagne Gold, Black Top
10B-2nd Week October
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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