Vehicle Description
Dubbed "White Suede," this custom 1961 Chevrolet Impala Bubble Top
is equipped with a fuel-injected Merlin 711 V8 engine, 4L80E
automatic transmission and Ford 9-inch posi-traction rear end. As
the original VIN indicates, this example was originally built at
the Los Angeles, CA, factory with a V8. The car spent its entire
life in California until 2024, and California black plates are
included. It was built by artist Derek McCowan over a six-year
period. It was featured at SEMA in 2023 and was the recipient of
two Goodguys Award of Excellence awards, which are included.
Everything on the car was restored or replaced to high show-quality
standards. The body retains most of its original factory sheet
metal, which is laser-straight with extremely precise gap lines.
The factory hood ornaments, door handles, gas cap lid, antenna and
miscellaneous emblems were shaved. The rear quarters were slightly
fabricated to accommodate the 4-inch side-exhaust pipes. It was
refinished in Ford White Suede and the paint quality is
magnificent. The new glass throughout is crystal-clear and the
brightwork is brilliant. The impressive front bumper was decorated
with a grille guard and black rubber bullets. The two inside
headlights were removed and now function as part of the air-intake
system. It has a killer stance on Budnik Tungsten Titanium 18- and
20-inch wheels with knock-offs and Falken Azenis red line tires.
The fully custom red interior was completed by Upholstery by Brent.
It was outfitted with a customized red 1959 Impala dash that houses
custom Classic Instruments red gauges, including a 200-mph
speedometer and 8,000-rpm tachometer. The dash is also home to the
Vintage Air system controls and machined vents. The lower center
dash flows into a customized center console with Cadillac CTS
components. The console features a Lokar LED shift indicator,
AccuAir E-Level control pad, billet shifter, cup holders, leather
padded armrest, storage compartment, concealed controls including
the ignition, power windows and power outlet. The sides of center
console, kick panels, door panels and rear package shelf were
wrapped with embossed red leather. The Chevelle-style bucket seats
and rear seats were upholstered with red leather and black accents.
Some additional features include a polished tilt steering column,
Budnik steering wheel, electric door poppers, custom front seat
bases with lighting, emergency brake handle and gray weaved
carpeting. The trunk compartment was outfitted with custom panels
that match the interior coachwork. The fuel filler was relocated in
the trunk and battery cutoff knob was added. The engine compartment
is extremely detailed throughout. The painted firewall, inner
fenders and support panel were fabricated, including vents and the
air-intake system. The fuel-injected Merlin Super Block 711 V8 has
an estimated 950hp. Some engine parts include a Callies crank,
Cunningham Rods, CE pistons, Dart Pro 1 aluminum heads, painted
machined valve covers with custom breathers, Hogan intake with FAST
fuel injection, Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine system and
Moroso aluminum oil pan. The engine is cooled by a Fluidyne
aluminum radiator with dual electric fans and breathes through
custom Lemons headers and a 4-inch side-exhaust system with
SpinTech mufflers. The engine is coupled to a 4L80E automatic
transmission with billet torque converter. The power is transferred
to a Ford 9-inch posi-traction rear end with Pro Center Section,
35-spline axles and 3.55 gears. The undercarriage is also extremely
detailed throughout. The original X-frame was boxed for strength
and powder-coated black. It's equipped with a CPP power steering
box, Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes, AccuAir suspension with tubular
control arms and rear 4-link. This car has been completely serviced
and detailed, which is documented with an invoice that's included.
From the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection. **TITLE BRANDED ODOMETER
DISCREPANCY** ** PREVIEW
