autoevolution
 

This 1961 Impala Emerges From Storage Hoping You'd Like a Chevrolet Soup

1961 Impala still fighting for a return to the road 14 photos
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/eBay seller sixtysfordguy
1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala1961 Chevrolet Impala
1961 was the big year when the Super Sport came to be, paving the way for performance upgrades that turned the Impala into Chevy's number one full-size superstar.
Sales of the Impala were already on the rise, so the introduction of the SS, first as an option package available for just $53, made the car even more appealing for customers particularly interested in performance.

The Super Sport strategy worked like a charm, eventually expanding to other models, including the Nova and the Chevelle.

1961 Impalas have, therefore, become highly desirable classics in the collector's world, especially if they wear the SS tags, come with everything original, and exhibit a tip-top shape.

The 1961 Impala posted on eBay by seller sixtysfordguy is the opposite on all fronts. It's no longer a perfect 10, as the vehicle has likely been sitting for many years, becoming a project whose option is a complete restoration. The SS tags are not there and have never been, as the car rolled off the assembly lines as a standard 4-door hardtop. The all-original magic has already been lost, with the Impala now becoming a Chevrolet soup that includes parts donated by other models.

However, it's still a very solid project for someone who wants to build a daily driver or go for a restomod. The engine under the hood comes from a 1968 Chevrolet. It's a 350 V8 that turns over by hand, though no other specifics are available. It's impossible to tell if the engine can be brought back to working condition without an in-person inspection, but a mill not yet seized is generally good news for a professional restorer.

The car comes with a 400 Turbo transmission and uses new seats donated by a later Impala. It also has a console with a floor shifter but no longer sports the front windows, possibly as they made their way to another Impala project.

The Impala sells with many extra parts, paving the way for a potential overhaul, though you'll have to go check everything in person to determine their condition.

The metal also looks solid, though the Impala still exhibits the typical rust problems. I couldn't get a clear look at the floors, but I believe they're not yet wrecked, though I still don't expect good news in this regard. If you can install new floors and maybe a new trunk panel, it's the right way to go, especially if you want to use this Impala as a daily driver.

The auction kicked off earlier this week with a $1,00 starting bid. The good news is that the seller did not enable a reserve, so a single bid is enough to give this Impala a second chance. The vehicle is located in Winfield, Missouri.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram
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.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories