Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970
Chevrolet introduced the fourth generation of the Impala in 1965, in the middle of the muscle-car era, and prepared a Super Sport version for it, which came a year later.
With all the pony-cars and sports cars, and muscle cars around, it was hard for a carmaker to launch a new coupe on the market. Yet, Chevrolet dared to offer the Impala with a Super Sport package, and it was close to competing with its own Chevelle or Malibu, both being offered with a Super Sport package. But the Impala was more of a personal coupe than a muscle car.
While its four-door sedan broke all the sales records and passed the one-million cars sold in twelve months, the Impala Super Sport was the kind of vehicle sold for those who couldn't go to the drag-strip, but they wanted to. It was large, with two doors and with room for six. Moreover, in the open-top version, it looked even better. Its chromed grille at the front and dual headlights system looked impressive but not intimidating.
Inside, the SS model was available with a wood-trimmed steering wheel, a heating and air-conditioning unit, and a radio. Its bucket seats at the front were too flat to be called that way, but that's how Chevrolet named them on the options list. The carmaker provided a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, but only depending on the trim level and options.
The Super Sport version featured a four-speed manual transmission with an option for a two-speed automatic. Later on, Chevrolet introduced a three-speed automatic for the Super Sport. Under the hood, the carmaker installed a seven-liter V-8 engine that produced 390 hp. That was enough for a muscle car, but the Impala, with its almost 4,000 lbs (1,800 kg) weight, was too heavy. Not to mention that it wasn't available with disc brakes.
ENGINE SPECS - 7.0L V8 3AT (390 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 6999 cm3 |
Power: | 287 KW @ 5200 RPM 390 HP @ 5200 RPM 385 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 450 lb-ft @ 3400 RPM 610 Nm @ 3400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 3-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Drums |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 8.25-14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 213.2 in (5415 mm) |
Width: | 79 in (2007 mm) |
Height: | 54.4 in (1382 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.5/62.4 in (1,588/1,585 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 119 in (3023 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.4 in (163 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3836 lbs (1740 kg) |