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1962 Chevrolet Impala Runs, Drives, Stops, Needs Everything

1962 Impala 6 photos
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
1962 Chevrolet Impala1962 Chevrolet Impala1962 Chevrolet Impala1962 Chevrolet Impala1962 Chevrolet Impala
1961 is my favorite model year for the Impala because that's when Chevrolet launched the Super Sport, but I can't pass by a 1962 release without admiring its beautiful lines.
The convertible-inspired roof that made its way to the Impala made the car sportier and more modern, with Chevrolet trying to boost Impala's appetite for performance with new engines, too.

The base unit was the same 235 six-cylinder block with 135 horsepower. I know what you think. A straight-six unit makes no sense on an Impala, but the lazy engine was a great choice for people not interested in the performance side of the car.

Chevrolet offered a revamped lineup of V8 engines, including the 327 and the 409, with the latter replacing the famous 348 available on the Impala since forever. However, paying extra for a V8 didn't make sense for customers who were primarily interested in fuel economy and costs.

The 409 was a great engine for Super Sport buyers, especially when ordered in the 409-horsepower iteration. It came with a four-barrel carburetor and developed enough power to turn the Super Sport into, well, a legit Super Sport (considering the original package was mostly a modest upgrade available for just $53).

The 1962 Impala in these photos rolled off the assembly lines with the 235 six-cylinder unit under the hood. The same engine is in the car, starting, running, driving, and stopping correctly. However, the straight-six is mostly the only good part of the car, with the owner emphasizing that it "needs pretty much everything," possibly after being ignored for years and sleeping under the clear sky.

The photos reveal a solid body, but it's impossible to accurately determine its condition without seeing it in person. It's probably safe to assume that the rust has already reached the metal, so the undercarriage could exhibit massive damage. However, the best option is to put the car on a lift or order a third-party inspection to determine the damage.

The owner says they've been trying to add new parts occasionally, but the car still "needs a lot more." It's unlikely to be an easy project, but it does check the essential boxes for someone interested in what could eventually become a daily driver.

Part of the interior is still there, but the small photo gallery doesn't allow us to inspect the car thoroughly. It's what makes the Impala a tough sell, especially because the owner isn't willing to let it go cheaply. The good news is they're also accepting some trades, so contact the seller to discuss additional details.

Otherwise, you'll have to pay $3,100 to buy the Impala. You can find it in Cedar Hill, Texas, and you'll need a trailer to take it home.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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