Distinguished by its all-new “bubble-top” roofline, the 1961 model is arguably the most sought-after of the second-generation Impala models.
Its wonderful profile, shallow fins, six-light rear end and distinctive curved windscreen are design features that really set it apart, and which set a new design language for Chevrolet as it moved into a new square-edged 1960s. But while the Fifties fins were toned down, the excess wasn’t. The Impala is still a vast and imposing car, over 18 feet long and seven feet wide. You won’t lose it in a car park, that’s for sure – though you may struggle to squeeze it into a space.
This example has been in the UK for almost 40 years, or nearly two-thirds of its life, and had one owner for 37 of them, where it was kept garaged and used sparingly. The body and interior are largely original and structurally very good, but there are a few cosmetic areas that will need attention if you want to take it to the next level.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT and tax exempt
Last owner for 37 years
Imported to the UK in 1983
Very little history
THE INTERIOR
Red leather ‘banquette’-style seats in six-seater formation
Original dash and controls
Seats appear to have been treated with a lipstick red leather paint – they’re very shiny and would benefit from retrimming to put back to a more original condition if desired
That said, the seats are in good condition with no rips, tears or splits
Door cards, headlining and carpets in good order
Delightful push-button radio with C-H-E-V-Y memory buttons
Gorgeous two-tone red-and-white steering wheel
Original spare wheel, jack and tools
Massive boot
THE EXTERIOR
Breath-taking pillarless styling
Classic Roman Red with a white roof – a colour change from its original fawn
Appears solid in all important structural areas
Excellent lamp lenses and minor trim
Bumpers and chrome in smart and presentable order, but with some minor blemishes
Custom 1960s alloy wheels with good BF Goodrich Radial T/A tyres
While it looks sensational from 10 paces, the Impala will need some paint and panel repairs if you want to take it to the next level.
There are various ripples and marks to the panels, cracks in the paintwork on both rear quarters and swirl marks under the paint on both the bonnet and the boot lid, the boot being the worst. These are deep imperfections that appear to be from poorly prepared panels after previous paintwork.
A strip down and re-prep and fresh paint will have it looking a million dollars - or you can just use it and admire it “as is”, as it still presents well unless you look closely
THE MECHANICS
5.8-litre 348ci V8
GM Hydramatic auto transmission with column-shift selector
Starts well, runs smoothly once warmed up and engages forward and reverse gears as it should
Believed to have received some fairly substantial suspension work in recent times, with new links and bushes
No apparent mechanical problems, but the car hasn’t seen much use recently and potential bidders are advised that it should be given a though check-over before any regular use
SUMMARY
If you want a cosmetic project that you can turn into a fantastic example of one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable American classics of the 1960s, then this is ideal. It appears to be in excellent structural order and is perfectly usable and enjoyable as it is.
Treat it to a retrim and a high-quality paint job and you’ll end up with an absolutely beautiful car. The basis is there for a very light cosmetic restoration, or alternatively a fabulous and striking US classic that you can simply jump in and drive, improving it as you go.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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