INTRODUCTION: This Impala has gone through a complete body off
frame restoration, and it's loaded with all the right upgrades. It
has a GM crate fuel-injected crate motor, genuine leather interior,
air ride, air conditioning and absolutely stunning good looks. The
quality and attention to detail are evident throughout!
EXTERIOR: Holy cow, is that bright red! This Impala absolutely
pops. The bodywork is excellent- everything is straight, the panels
fit nicely, and the doors shut solid. I don't see any rust bubbles,
damage or problem areas anywhere. The bright red paint has been
polished smooth like glass with a brilliant, mirror like finish.
The jambs are painted slick and glossy, and the weatherstrips have
been replaced. At the time of restoration, it appears all of the
chrome and trim was either replaced or professionally restored, and
it sparkles against that red paint. It even has a pair of bowtie
mirrors. This car is rolling real proud on Billet Specialties
wheels-:18s up front and extra wide 20s in back, all wrapped in
performance tires. Of course, with the adjustable air ride
suspension, you can put the stance exactly where you want it.
INTERIOR: I'm sitting in a first class interior, and it's filled
with the rich aroma of leather. Up front are two very comfortable
reclining leather sport bucket seats, while the back seat is
upholstered to match. The custom side panels are embossed and
upholstered as well. In front of me is a leather padded dash and a
beautifully integrated custom center console, also wrapped in
leather. It features premium A/C vents, including vents directed
toward the rear passengers, along with Vintage Air climate
controls. A small door discreetly slides open to expose the air
ride controls, and the console is also home to the shifter with a
billet bezel and leather boot. Digital gauges bring some modern
technology into the cockpit, along with an upgraded stereo system
with speakers neatly hidden behind the kick panels. There's a
beautiful custom steering wheel and an entirely updated wiring
system. Look up and you'll notice the new headliner has little
stars embossed into it, along with matching visors and a new
mirror. Premium carpet finishes it off, custom cut to fit with
neatly bound edges. It's luxurious, comfortable and beautifully
coordinated from front to back.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: The engine compartment is beautifully finished
with a great blend of vintage looks and modern technology. At the
heart of it is a Chevrolet Ram Jet 350, featuring a very cool
fuel-injection system designed to look vintage but offers modern
electronic port fuel injection. It delivers approximately 350
horsepower along with plenty of torque and excellent drivability.
It has ram horn exhaust manifolds and polished valve covers, while
the entire Front Runner accessory system is polished and uses a
modern serpentine belt. It includes a compact A/C compressor, one
wire alternator and modern power steering with a remote reservoir
and braided stainless hoses. The power brake system has also been
upgraded, along with a Newport Engineering electric wiper system.
Keeping everything cool is a Be Cool aluminum radiator with a large
electric fan and polished overflow bottle. The firewall and inner
fenders have been completely smoothed and finished in the same
beautiful gloss red as the exterior, giving the entire compartment
a very clean, custom appearance. It has new horns, a securely
mounted battery with premium cables and a disconnect switch, a
braided stainless transmission dipstick and electronic
ignition.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: It is finished to match the first class
interior. It has premium carpet on the floor, lift the mat and
there's a carpeted compartment. It has custom boxed and upholstered
side panels and the front panel is nicely finished with a red
embroidered Impala logo, and it discreetly hides the air ride
components behind it. Under the trunk lid and throughout the jamb
are finished in the same beautiful gloss red as the exterior. The
latch is new, along with the weatherstrip.
UNDERSIDE: This is a body off the frame restoration, and the
underside is very nicely done. All of the steering and suspension
was completely rebuilt, and it is literally riding on air with
adjustable airbags in place of the springs. Up front it has Fox gas
shocks, while the rear has KYB gas shocks and a Panhard bar. They
did a great job installing the dual exhaust; it runs neatly along
the X-frame. The brake system was completely redone and upgraded
with disc brakes in front. The fuel system was replaced as well,
including a custom stainless steel tank. Looking up at the motor,
everything is clean and it has a high torque starter. The
transmission is a 700R4 overdrive automatic, and a rebuilt
driveshaft runs back to the 3.73 posi rear end. The floors are all
smooth, dry, clean metal finished in satin black, while the chassis
is detailed in semi gloss black.
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: I can't help but think the value here is extremely
strong. The paint job is fantastic, it has a genuine leather custom
interior, fuel-injected crate motor, air ride- the list goes on and
on. You couldn't begin to buy a car and duplicate this level of
restoration for what we're asking. And don't forget the best part:
it's already done, sorted out and ready to enjoy right now.
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
Air conditioning
Fuel injection
Air ride
Power steering
Power disc brakes
3.73 posi
Leather upholstery
Bucket seats
Console
Stereo
Billet wheels
