Remember the good old days when cars came straight from the factory
with actual style? You know, back when the highways of America were
lined with sweeping rooflines and oh so much chrome? Not like today
where almost every automobile just looks like a glorified bar of
soap. There really was something special about car design in the
1950s and '60s that we just don't see today. Take, for instance, a
1961 Chevy Impala-a Bubbletop as it's affectionately known. From a
side view. it is just perfect: a thin, sweeping A-pillar followed
by no B-pillar whatsoever, then an equally lean C-pillar that
blends in with that iconic rounded rear glass. And that's just
describing the roofline; we'll leave the rest to your
imagination.
For consignment, a transformation by a previous owner from an
Impala 2 door sport coupe to a Chevrolet Bel Air that is a bubble
top showing 24,554 non verifiable miles. It sports a 409ci V8, is
fed by dual 4-carburetors Edelbrock carbs, and a 4 speed manual
Muncie transmission. Add on a snappy paint job using burgundy, some
Cragar wheels, updated dash and super clean interior and highway
101 here I come!Wayfarers on kids...
Exterior
In 1962 the "bubble top", (referring to the thin "B" pillar and
large rear rounded glass, along with the curved front glass), which
gives the appearance of the futuristic all glass tops which one
would see on prototype cars in the futuristic vision of 1962. There
was a bubble top available only on the Bel Air in 1962, but not the
Impala.So this one now has it and is badged Bel Air!The car retains
its original Impala exterior look and styling.Rust free panels with
well minded gaps are bathed in nicely applied burgundy, and it's
looking sharp and shiny.A few scratches remain throughout, but are
mostly unremarkable.With its styling of the dual tail lights which
reside on the rear panel that sports a lazy V shaped trunk line
edge that forms almost a spoiler-esque rear on either side rear
quarter that takes advantage of stainless trim. This dives downward
toward the wheel well and then makes its way forward on a stainless
inserted trim spear.A mini version of shades of the '57 Bel Air and
their rear quarter trimmings, but a lot smaller.Window surrounds
are very nicely preserved and upfront an egg crate grille with dual
flanking headlights and central Chevrolet cloisonne badge frame
from the front edge of the hood downward. Cragar provides the
wheels which are wrapped in 225/70R15's in front, and larger
275/60R15's on back all from the 20th week of 2014.
Interior
A swing of the doors reveals light tan stitched uppers for the door
panels, and a darker light brown leather for the lowers delineated
by a thin chrome strip. Here the actuator, armrest and window
cranks reside. A front split back bench seat welcomes me and it
sports lighter brown bolsters with some wide tuck and roll tan
inserts.The back rear bench presents the same only in full bench
form. For the dash, it retains its original horizontal speedo but
some extras have been added on top of a panel just below this
speedo.These include oil pressure, fuel gauge and water temp. Also
a column mounted tachometer is to the driver's left. This dash also
has plenty of mid century modern styled knobs, pulls, and some
snappy temp sliders next to the ignition.Futuristic styling is a
large overhang for the dash top over the AM radio, and a nifty 60's
badge on the glovebox. Some AC has been added as well and it is
sporting a rally steering wheel fronting the dash. Nice tan
carpeting floods the floors, and above a tight tan headliner lines
the inside of the now bubbletop.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a GM orange/red painted block in 409ci
configuration. It has snazzy aluminum ribbed valve coverings and
the entire center intake area is covered with dual 4 barrel
carburetors courtesy Edelbrock. MSD ignition fires the mill, and on
the back is a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission.This couples
with a 3.70 Positraction rear axle with an FH stamping code.Headers
and stock exhaust are there for the exhale. All clean and shiny
under this hood right down to the aluminum radiator.
Undercarriage
Nicely preserved rust free stamped steel and suspension abounds
underneath.This car has an X frame and there is nary any presence
of surface rust or anything rust to be seen, all black painted
steel. Overall the flooring remains solid but we do note a puncture
near the heel-toe board. Independent coil spring suspension are in
front, and a 4 link with coil springs is seen for the rear.Power
disc braking now replaces the manual drums all around.
Drive-Ability
To use the term "Turn Key" is very appropriate, as it fired right
up and ran like a deer on the test track. Great handling, bias free
braking to bring you back from warp speed, and a smooth as silk
ride. The wipers and tach were non-functional, but all other
functions worked as designed. While Classic Auto Mall represents
that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
We get various waves of types of cars in through our doors at
various times. When this one drove in it has some WOW factor with
that bubble top, nice paint and large amount of cubes.A runner and
a cruiser, all looking snazzy right out of 1962.
21847S311839
2-1962
18-Impala V8
47-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
311839-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
7D-4th Week July
STYLE 62 1847-1962 Impala 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BODY S6?3255-St. Louis Body #
TRIM 891-Gold Vinyl Buckets
PAINT 927-Anniversary Gold
12H-Possibly 4 Speed Manual
EZ1-Tinted Glass
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your states titling and
registration process.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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