Pro-built Impala 'Bubbletop' resto-mod. Dual-quad 409, 5-speed,
4-wheel disc brakes, A/C, and much more. Spectacular paint and
bodywork, stock-style interior. Runs and drives superbly. An
incredible Chevy that does everything well!The best resto-mods are
those that blend stock and modified so seamlessly that it's
impossible to determine where the factory stopped and the
aftermarket began. This beautiful 1961 Chevrolet Impala hardtop is
just such a car. At a glance, it's a super-clean Bubbletop with
laser-straight black bodywork. The big Torque Thrust wheels might
be a clue, but there are no significant modifications to the
beautiful Impala look. We believe the SS trim was added during the
build, but they did an incredibly thorough job of it so all the
little details are correct, right down to the passenger-side grab
handle inside. And just a glance down the flanks of this stunning
Bubbletop will convince you that the money was spent and the
results paid off--there's not a ripple or wave anywhere on the car.
Panel gaps are tight, the doors close solidly, and there's just no
need to slam anything on this car because it fits together with
smooth precision. That kind of finish work is neither cheap nor
easy. Other cool details include a subtly modified cowl-induction
hood (bet you didn't even notice it at first!), the dual antennas
on the rear deck, and dual side mirrors just for safety in traffic.
All the chrome and polished trim was restored or replaced, so it
looks crisp and highly detailed. This car measures up.The black
interior was restored to stock specs, including new seat covers,
door panels, carpets, and headliner, so it looks almost factory
fresh. Everything is still in excellent condition even though the
build has about 13,000 miles on it today. You may also notice three
pedals and a Hurst cue ball shifter, which now manages a Tremec
5-speed manual gearbox instead of the original 4-speed. Other
details include a tilt steering column topped by a restored factory
wheel, original gauges joined by Stewart-Warner auxiliary dials and
a vintage tach up top, and A/C outlets cleverly and subtly
integrated into the dash itself. The radio is a digital Retro-Sound
unit that looks original but has modern features, and custom floor
mats were stitched up to protect the carpets. There's a beautiful
black headliner overhead with no wrinkles or damage, and the
massive trunk is neatly finished with correct spatter paint. They
even tucked a fire extinguisher in there, just for safety!Look past
all the polished aluminum and chrome and the engine is a
period-correct 409 cubic inch V8, topped with dual Edelbrock
4-barrel carburetors and a set of aluminum cylinder heads. An
electronic ignition system makes for easy starts, and those
long-tube headers are a work of art all by themselves. Look closely
and you'll see more skilled craftsmanship in the custom-bent hard
lines for all the major systems, all of which were polished or
chromed, and if they needed flex lines, they're braided stainless.
A massive radiator keeps it cool, assisted by a pair of hi-flow
electric fans. Finned Chevrolet valve covers have matching air
cleaners on the carburetors, and if it wasn't polished or chromed,
it was painted gloss black for a very cohesive look. The
muscle-bound 409 is backed by a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission
with a heavy-duty clutch in-between to put up with the abuse that
monster V8 can dish out. It spins a custom driveshaft and a
reinforced Ford 9-inch rear end with what we believe are 3.50 gears
inside. Heavy-duty suspension components include new shocks, custom
trailing arms, thick sway bars, and there's a disc brake at all
four corners. The exhaust system features cut-outs amidships and
has custom dumps just ahead of the rear wheels with lovely cut-outs
in the rockers that fit so closely that you can barely slip a piece
of paper in there. The soundtrack is spectacular, and with 13,000
miles on the car, you know it's sorted and fully functional.
Staggered Torque Thrust wheels provide a vintage look with modern
215/50/17 front and 275/40/18 rear BFGoodrich radials.Documentation
includes some receipts, notes on the build, and manuals for many of
the components that went into its construction.We're flat-out blown
away by this stunning Impala. It's beautiful, yes, but it's also
highly functional and a ton of fun to drive. It's sorted, it's
quick, and it's comfortable, the exact reasons why you'd build a
resto-mod in the first place. The Bubbletop is an icon, and when
paired with a 409, it makes for a very special car indeed. If
you've been looking for a fantastic cruiser that checks all the
boxes, take a closer look at this beautiful Impala. Call
today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
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