1962 Chevrolet Impala Spends 40 Years Under a Carport, Arizona Desert Car

The new Impala was similar to its predecessor, except for the convertible-style roof that made many people drool after the new model year.

However, while the 1962 Impala was similar from a styling perspective to its predecessor, Chevrolet operated more changes in the engine department. The engine lineup was already outdated, as the same options had been available for years.

For example, the 1958 Impala – the first-ever model – debuted as a Bel Air version and adopted all its engine choices. The base unit was a lazy six-cylinder engine, while the 283 was the base V8, offering a good balance between fuel consumption and performance. The 348 was the almighty choice donated by the Bel Air, going after Impala customers specifically interested in performance.

The 1962 Impala was the first model year to migrate away from this classic engine offering.

While the 235 six-cylinder was still around with 135 horsepower, the base 283 produced 170 horsepower. The first notable change was the demise of the four-barrel 283, with Chevrolet pulling this engine and going for an all-new 327 with two horsepower ratings: 250 and 300 horsepower. The latter used a Carter four-barrel carburetor (versus a Rochester unit on its less powerful sibling).

The 348 also waved goodbye to the Impala after many years of serving as the top choice for Chevrolet customers. The 409 big-block unit was the icing on the cake, producing 380 horsepower thanks to a single four-barrel carburetor and 409 horsepower with two units. The latter was the best choice for the Impala Super Sport, which debuted in 1961 as a $53 package but became a more "advanced" performance package for the 1962 model year.

A 1962 Impala landed on eBay earlier this week with a clear mission: to find a new home after spending 40 years under a carport.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist or a connoisseur to understand that this Impala requires a complete restoration. The vehicle has been sitting for decades, but because it's an Arizona desert survivor, it comes with minor rust issues. Most of the damage is only on the surface, and the floors and the trunk pan are impressively clean.

This Impala has never been restored, so if you were looking for an unrestored example to bring back to the factory glory, this 2-door coupe could be the right project.

The body is still solid, though I spotted a dent on the passenger side door that will require your attention. It looks fixable, but your best option is an in-person inspection or a third-party verification to get a clear picture of what requires urgent work.

The interior is complete, but it doesn't mean everything can be used on a restored Impala. The seats look terrible, but it's hard to tell if they can be saved without a live look at the cabin. The dash is also in good shape, and, as the owner says, it doesn't look like someone messed with it. You'll also get two aftermarket gauges, but you can always remove them because they don't make sense on an original Impala.

The engine under the hood brings good and bad news. The good news is that the Impala rolled off the assembly lines with a 327 in charge of propelling its wheels, though the owner does not reveal if it's the 250 or the 300-horsepower configuration. The engine was paired with a Powerglide transmission.

The bad news could make some people, especially those interested in keeping everything original, walk away. The engine no longer starts and runs, but a good mechanic could still get it up and running. eBay seller Guerrero's Collectibles says, "The valve cover that is missing was removed because a lifter was knocking." You'll need a mechanic to inspect the engine, but the 327 is not seized, so there's still life left in it.

Saving a 1962 Impala and returning it to a factory condition isn't easy and requires a professional job. I've seen many Impalas lately, and some sported an older restoration but still required massive work in all essential departments. A skilled restorer can appreciate an unrestored Impala to its full extent, especially because the metal, including the undercarriage, is in solid shape.

The biggest roadblock for this Impala's dream to return to the road is the selling price. The owner believes their coupe is worth $25,000, but that's a very optimistic expectation from a project car requiring work in all key areas. However, the seller also enabled the Make Offer button, albeit I don't expect them to accept much lower offers. It'll be hard to find someone willing to pay that much, especially considering the costs involved in the restoration.

Meanwhile, the Impala keeps sleeping in Fontana, California, so if you're interested in taking it home, this is where you must drive your trailer.