Super clean mostly original car. 52,000 original miles,
matching-numbers 283, awesome color combination. One older repaint
over straight, clean bodywork. Runs and drives superbly, lots of
new parts!
This 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS is one of those great finds that’s
somewhere between original and restored, a solid, low-mileage car
that’s been properly maintained all its life and freshened whenever
circumstances demanded it. It shows just over 52,000 original miles
and drives like a new car. It wears an older repaint that matches
the original enamel almost exactly, and we were able to bring out a
brilliant shine that gives it a very OEM feel. The doors fit
beautifully and close with a precise-sounding KER-CHUNK, those
massive quarter panels are arrow-straight, and there are no signs
of accident damage or rust repairs in its history. It also wears
all its original trim, from the shiny chrome bumpers to the Impala
SS’s unique side trim, which uses lovely engine-turned inserts to
give it a unique look. Correct SS emblems are still in place and it
carries stylish dealer-installed dual deck-mounted antennas, which
are another traditional Impala look.
The beautiful saddle interior is mostly original and in spectacular
condition. It makes for a wonderful contrast to the dark green
paint, making this Impala feel every bit as upscale as you’d expect
for Chevy’s top-of-the-line model. The carpets have surely been
replaced at some point because they’re just too nice to be
original, but the rest appears to be 1964-issue. Bucket seats and a
console were only available as part of the SS package, giving the
car some legitimate claim to the “Sport” part of its name. The
lovely two-tone steering wheel is in excellent condition, the
sweeping instrument panel features more engine-turning, and someone
has thoughtfully added a tachometer down low and out of sight. The
original AM radio still works properly along with an FM converter
installed decades ago and discreetly tucked underneath the glove
box. The back seat looks completely unused and there are
color-coordinated Impala-logo floor mats that fit the overall look
quite well. The trunk is covered in its original spatter paint and
carries original-style mats and a spare tire perched up on its own
shelf.
Although you could technically get a six-cylinder SS in 1964, in
something called Super Sport, a V8 was what you wanted. This one
carries its original, numbers-matching 283 cubic inch V8, which was
the standard engine on code 14 V8 Impala SS models. It had a bit
more compression than the standard Impala 283, thanks to cylinder
heads from a 327, and with a Rochester 2-barrel carburetor, it
makes a pretty entertaining 195 horsepower. It’s also remarkably
civilized, starting easily, idling well even when it’s cold, and
making enough torque that this hardtop feels snappy around town.
The engine bay is mostly original, of course, but there are signs
of conscientious maintenance, including a rebuilt carburetor, a
recent alternator, and recently painted valve covers. The bright
Chevy Orange engine looks good in the satin black engine bay and
still wears its original heavy-duty air cleaner so you know it
hasn’t been hot-rodded or abused. Turn the key and it starts,
there’s a nice bark from the custom dual exhaust system, and it
simply works the way you want a car to work, which is the whole
point of owning a well-maintained, low-mileage car.
Underneath, it’s clean but not detailed for show, but there are
exactly zero signs of rot or damage. It’s not shiny and perfect,
but the floors and supports are excellent, the X-frame is straight,
and there’s a rather lengthy list of new parts, including shocks,
springs, mufflers, bushings, and ball joints, so it really does run
and drive superbly. The 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission
was a mainstay of Chevrolet production for many years, and before
you dismiss it, come have a drive, because this car drives so well
you shouldn’t change a thing. Out back, the seat-of-the-pants gauge
says there are 3.08, maybe 3.23 gears, because it’s comfortable on
the highway and the small block just happily burbles away at 65
MPH. Power steering makes it easy to maneuver (yes, it’s a pretty
big car) and the brakes have been recently serviced, so they’re in
first-rate shape as well. Original steel wheels with unique SS
hubcaps are fitted with recent 205/75/14 whitewall radials for a
traditional Impala look.
It’s no surprise why the Impala SS remains so popular with
enthusiasts, combining great looks, plenty of comfort, and good
performance in a very affordable package. We’ve seen a lot of these
cars, but few combine this one’s rock-solid foundation, elegant
good looks, and strong pedigree. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com