Highlights
- Iconic American muscle car, loaded with character
- 409 cu in (6.7 L) V8 powerplant
- Three-speed Powerglide automatic transmission
- Great bodywork, brightwork and interior all combined make an exceptional example of the marque
The Appeal
The Chevrolet Impala is a legend in American automotive history - an icon on the big screen, and a legend of the final years of 'The Mother Road' - equally at home cruising on the old historic highways as they were in the increasingly congested American urban environment. These beautifully styled cars certainly didn't lack character, and - being stocked with a huge array of powerful V8 engines - showed no shortage of charisma.
This example has spent its recent years in Cyprus, and now comes to us in fine fettle - boasting a 409 cu in V8 and some light modifications to make for a stunning, desirable American motor from top to tyres.
This example has spent its recent years in Cyprus, and now comes to us in fine fettle - boasting a 409 cu in V8 and some light modifications to make for a stunning, desirable American motor from top to tyres.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1964 as an 8-Cylinder Impala SS in Wilmington, DE
- V5 documentation showing 0 previous UK keepers
- Originally based in the United States
- Imported to Cyprus in 2006, evidently benefiting from a dry climate
- Imported to the UK in April 2022
- Serviced upon arrival including fluids, filters and plugs to keep things running sweetly
- Currently indicates 6,645 miles on a five-figure odometer
- It's likely this indicates a true mileage of 106,645 miles
- The car is carrying a 409cu in. 6.7L V8 engine
- Unfortunately no pre-import paperwork was available with the car
The Interior
- Subtly elegant, refined and spacious with a light patina across the interior
- Everything with the exception of the Quartz clock is working
- Milled aluminium and stainless fittings throughout the interior give a quality, solid and hard-wearing feel
Wonderfully presented, this SS interior is divine in every way. There's a gentle patina throughout, with some light age-commensurate wear, but this only dictates the car's venerable heritage.
The black leather seats are in superb order, with an attractive grain to the upholstery and no clear signs of rips or tears, with the chrome fittings carrying a patina throughout. The door cards are in a similar level of fettle, with no major faults we've been able to spot.
The dashboard, too, is in good order - save for a small crack in the top casing. All of the retro instruments, full of period character, are in good order, including the period music player. The vendor does inform us, however, that the car's Quartz clock has developed a fault.
We note the unusual steering assistant in the form of a revolver cartridge, complete with bullets. While we can't verify the original, it's an unusual - and quintessentially American - addition to the car's identity.
The carpets and headlining carry light signs of wear, though nothing egregious - truth be told, there's not much in this unique vehicle that betrays its age. These cars were designed as mile munchers with copious amounts of space for each passenger, and a very substantial trunk - which in this case, is in good order with only light signs of wear.
The black leather seats are in superb order, with an attractive grain to the upholstery and no clear signs of rips or tears, with the chrome fittings carrying a patina throughout. The door cards are in a similar level of fettle, with no major faults we've been able to spot.
The dashboard, too, is in good order - save for a small crack in the top casing. All of the retro instruments, full of period character, are in good order, including the period music player. The vendor does inform us, however, that the car's Quartz clock has developed a fault.
We note the unusual steering assistant in the form of a revolver cartridge, complete with bullets. While we can't verify the original, it's an unusual - and quintessentially American - addition to the car's identity.
The carpets and headlining carry light signs of wear, though nothing egregious - truth be told, there's not much in this unique vehicle that betrays its age. These cars were designed as mile munchers with copious amounts of space for each passenger, and a very substantial trunk - which in this case, is in good order with only light signs of wear.
The Exterior
- Pale blue on silver two-tone paintwork
- Plenty of Chevrolet branding throughout 409 badges
- Impressive fixtures and trims including two huge aerials mounted on the rear quarters
- Period-accurate Chevrolet Motor Division wheels
Astronomically vast in proportions yet immensely beautiful from every conceivable angle, it's no wonder the Impala is a winner with many car enthusiasts around the world. With its generous lashings of chrome, outsized aerials and suitably brash identity, these cars are hugely evocative.
The paintwork is generally in good order, with some wear towards the car's lower extremities. We can't spot any significant faults, however, and the two-tone livery certainly suits the legendary motor's lines.
The paintwork is generally in good order, with some wear towards the car's lower extremities. We can't spot any significant faults, however, and the two-tone livery certainly suits the legendary motor's lines.
The finer polished areas all possess a high shine, with only the lightest levels of patina. The deep-slotted wheels are in fine order with beautifully polished deep chrome trims and decorative hubcaps, which perfectly match the car's character. These are shod in Mastercraft tyres, which look in good order.
Underneath, the car is in fine fettle - with only the lightest signs of isolated surface corrosion. It's clear that the car has benefited from dry storage throughout its life.
Underneath, the car is in fine fettle - with only the lightest signs of isolated surface corrosion. It's clear that the car has benefited from dry storage throughout its life.
The Mechanics
- Impressive 409 cu in. 6.7L V8 powerplant
- Three-speed Powerglide automatic transmission
- Modified for exceptional modern performance
- Twin Carter AFB 4-barrel downdraft carbs
- Offenhauser head and intake manifold
- Davis Unified Ignition Performance Distributor
- Electric fuel pump
Well known for sublime comfort, this example of the Impala SS has been little used since import, but no clear technical faults have been reported by the vendor. Serviced last year with a full set of filters, fluids and spark plugs to keep things running well, the car should be ready and raring to return to the road.
As previously explained, the 409 cu in. 6.7L V8 is a highly desirable engine, and was only fitted to the Impala during early production.
As previously explained, the 409 cu in. 6.7L V8 is a highly desirable engine, and was only fitted to the Impala during early production.
Twin Carter AFB 4 barrel downdraft carburettors are the first thing you see when you open the vast hood, with Offenhauser heads and manifold fitted to facilitate them. An electric fuel pump and performance distributor are also fitted to aid performance - thoughtful, common modifications that keep the car an able vehicle for the modern network.
We've not been informed of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke, and everything certainly looks to be in fine fettle.
We've not been informed of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke, and everything certainly looks to be in fine fettle.
Summary
Stocked full of power, ready and raring to go - and with a highly presented two-tone colour scheme - this charismatic Impala SS is an excellent piece of American automotive history, and is bound to be a star attraction at car shows, as well as turning plenty of heads while out on the road.
With a highly desirable engine and plenty of chromework, we've no doubt it'll prove a very tempting prospect for any enthusiast.
With a highly desirable engine and plenty of chromework, we've no doubt it'll prove a very tempting prospect for any enthusiast.
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