Introduced in 1958 as a special anniversary model based on the Bel Air, the Chevrolet Impala was an instant hit. It also helped the company regain the number-one production spot against Ford. It became part of the regular full-size line in 1959 and one of the brand's most popular nameplates until it was discontinued in 1985.
But the Impala wasn't just about premium features. The full-size also morphed into a high-performance vehicle in 1961 when Chevrolet added the SS trim. Sure, the "SS" badge was available with any engine, but the 409- and 427-cubic-inch (6.7- and 7.0-liter) V8 mills put the Impala into muscle car territory.
And as much as I love muscle cars from the golden era, sleepers are even better. Nothing beats an unassuming vehicle (be it an intermediate or a full-size) with a big-block heart pumping more than 400 horsepower to the rear wheels.
The 409-cubic-inch V8, which Chevrolet introduced in 1962, gave the Impala a magical one-horsepower per cubic-inch ratio. It was the first production car to deliver that kind of oomph, and it became so famous that The Beach Boys produced a hit single called "409." In 1964, the lump got even more potent and generated a whopping 425 horsepower. That's as much as the 426 HEMI that Chrysler debuted in 1965.
The 1967 Impala SS is not one of those 409 cars. Chevrolet discontinued the said engine in 1965. It's not a 427 version either, but it's decidedly potent, thanks to a big-block swap. Spotted at a local car show in Florida, this Impala SS rocks what appears to be a 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) V8 engine.
It's not an uncommon mill in the Impala. Chevrolet added a 454 V8 as a replacement for the 427 unit in 1970 and kept it on the options list through 1972. But this squeaky-clean powerplant is not a factory 454. Our host doesn't provide details, but the engine is packed with aftermarket performance parts, and it looks like it cranks out in excess of 500 horsepower.
But the really cool thing about this Impala SS is that it remained unassuming inside and out. Sure, the grille was replaced with something sleeker, and the red paint is not period correct, but everything else is as standard as they get. What's more, the car has a front bench seat instead of the bucket-style individual seats you'd usually see in a mid-to-late-1960s Impala.
So, while this two-door land yacht may smoke range-topping muscle cars over the quarter-mile, it still looks like your grandpa's grocery-getter inside and out. I guess "Fat Rat" is an accurate nickname for this heavy yet potent hauler. It's too bad the footage below doesn't show the 454 V8 running and roaring, but hey, I could drool all day over those shiny Moroso valve covers.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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