INTRODUCTION: It is claimed that this car had only 5,200 actual
miles at the time of its restoration! Although I can't document
that claim, there are certainly indications that make it
believable. Whatever the mileage, what we have here is an
exceptionally clean car from top to bottom, inside and out. During
the restoration, it received all the right upgrades to make it an
excellent driver, including air conditioning and disc brakes, while
still retaining the look and character of a classic Impala. Someone
is going to get a fantastic car and the best part is, you don't
have to spend $100,000 to get it. Not even close.
EXTERIOR: The body is extremely nice and believed to be all
original, clean, rust free metal. The long panels are straight as
an arrow, and I don't see any rust or damage. It was completely
repainted in beautiful Daytona Blue. The fine metallic is laid out
evenly, and the finish has been polished literally like a mirror.
The chrome and trim present exceptionally well, including dual bow
tie mirrors, a rear-mounted antenna, fuel door trim, beautiful vent
window frames, and smooth, glossy stainless moldings around the
windows. It still retains all of its original glass. Upgraded LED
headlights and taillights add better visibility while keeping a
clean appearance. It sits proud on 15-inch polished Torque Thrust
wheels wrapped in Cooper Cobra tires.
INTERIOR: The interior is just as impressive. We were told it is
largely original, and it has been exceptionally well preserved. The
front seat was re-cushioned, the carpet appears to have been
replaced, and everything shows in excellent condition. The
upholstery, door panels, and even the headliner with its little
embossed stars and matching visors all look great. It retains its
original optional padded dash, and the entire instrument panel is
clean and well cared for. Tasteful upgrades include a polished tilt
steering column, retro stereo with kick-panel speakers and 6x9s in
back, seat belts for five, and a removable armrest with cup
holders. The wiring has also been replaced, and the interior lights
are working.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT :It is rebuilt, detailed, and has everything you
could want. The correct 283 engine has been performance built and
features double hump heads, an aluminum intake, dual feed Holley
carburetor with electric choke, and a set of coated headers. It's
dressed up nicely with an aluminum air cleaner, valve covers, plug
wire holders, and pulleys. A new heat and air conditioning system
has been installed, along with a modern one wire alternator. It
also features power steering and an upgraded power brake system
with a dual reservoir master cylinder. An aluminum radiator with
dual electric fans keeps it running cool. The engine bay is very
thorough and complete- the horns are hooked up, the battery is
properly secured, and even the windshield squirters are
connected.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Under the trunk lid and the jamb are painted
glossy Daytona Blue just like the exterior. Inside, the metal looks
pristine and is finished in a very tidy spatter finish with the
correct three piece mat. It also has a complete jack and spare
assembly with an authentic Silvertown BFG tire. The weatherstrip
has been replaced. Also included is a car cover and a factory power
trunk release still in the box, ready to install if the next owner
chooses.
UNDERSIDE: I'm very impressed with the underside. It has the
appearance of a body off frame restoration, and the original floors
are remarkably pristine. They were cleaned and lightly dusted with
fresh black paint, while areas of the original primer are still
visible. The chassis is equally impressive and fully detailed. Up
front, the steering and suspension were completely rebuilt, while
in back it still retains its original spiral shocks. The fuel
system was replaced, including the tank, and the brake system was
completely gone through and upgraded with front disc brakes. The
lines were replaced and the emergency brake is properly hooked up.
A neatly installed dual exhaust follows the X-frame beautifully.
Looking up at the engine, it's spotless in Chevy Orange and retains
the correct canister style oil filter, while the proper starter
looks fresh. The Powerglide transmission looks fresh and functions
like new, and out back are 3.36 gears- an ideal ratio for cruising.
The exceptionally clean original floors and the surviving spiral
shocks are both consistent with the low mileage being claimed.
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every
vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected,
test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for
sale.
CONCLUSION: Anybody who's ever restored a car knows the benefits of
starting with a clean car, and I wholeheartedly believe that was
the case here. And now we have a show quality car that's ready to
be driven. This one has strong integrity, someone is going to get a
great car!
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Power steering
Power disc brakes
Padded dash
Tilt wheel
Retro stereo
Armrest
Seatbelts
Fuel door trim
Rear antenna
Dual mirrors
Led lights
Polished wheels
