1961 Chevrolet Impala

Description

If you're a fan of performance Chevys, it seems like every show you attend features rows of Chevelles and Camaros. It's almost as if a large segment of the hobby has simply forgotten about the marque's classy founder… The godfather of cars that mix just the right amount of style with just the right amount of performance… The precedent for modern wonders like the current Camaro SS and modern SS sedan… The legendary Chevrolet Impala!

SKIRTS AND STYLE

Rolling off GM's historic Janesville, Wisconsin assembly line as an elegant black-on-red charm, this solid drop-top has benefitted from comprehensive, body-on restoration that's kept it cruising America's best highways for close to 60 years. At the front of the car, an ornate bumper centers requisite bumper guards beneath a broad grille that's branded with a vivid AACA plaque and bordered by bright T3 headlights. Behind that grille, a flat hood plants polished “C H E V R O L E T” lettering in front of bent glass, which rides under polished frames, polished wipers and a duo of bowtie-branded mirrors. At the sides of that hood, a skirted profile centers polished rockers, guarded door handles and Impala-branded spears between angled antennas, a guarded fuel filler and polished fender toppers. And at the back of the car, a second ornate bumper hangs a second set of bumper guards beneath jet-inspired taillights and a stainless-trimmed valance that's centered on a stylized cross-flag emblem.

SHE'S MY 3-4-8

Tilt the hood and this classic's old school charm shines like a new Cragar at sunset! At the center of its Satin Black engine bay, a tough Turbo Thrust big block features a correct 3755011 casting number. A staple of working-class luxury, Chevrolet's impressive 348 is one of the many reasons the Impala still enjoys such fantastic name recognition. And, obviously subjected to cosmetic restoration, this big torque big block glows like a pumpkin on a sunny fall morning! Okay… Okay… Maybe that second simile was a bit much. But, the point is: this Chevy is a lot nicer than its 58 years suggest. At the top of the mill, a Satin Black, single-snorkel air cleaner funnels wind through three Rochester 2-barrels. At the sides of those carbs, restored exhaust manifolds allow the oversquare cylinders ample breathing room. At the back of those tubes, a traditional points distributor sequences fire through pliable AC-Delco-Packard TV-R Suppression cables. Cooling is provided by a factory-spec radiator. And charge comes courtesy of a tagged Delco-Remy generator.

FOUR ON THE FLOOR

Park this Chevy on a lift and you'll find a solid undercarriage that's clean, fit and ready rock and roll. Undercoated floors ride a sturdy X-frame that easily provides the safe-like isolation old GM cars are known for. A trusty Borg Warner T10 4-speed spins a familiar GM rear end that literally sails the engine through its broad power band. Under that capable drivetrain, a fully sorted suspension has been equipped with optional power steering and power drum brakes. At the center of the floors, aluminized, true-dual exhaust utilizes glasspack-style mufflers to weave an aggressive, full-throttle rumble into a raucous idle. And at the corners of the suspension, 8.00-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls frame correct black wheels and polished, spinner-style covers.

OPEN-AIR BLISS

Between the doors, a correct Red and Ivory interior wraps color-keyed paint and bright trim around taut vinyl surfacing. The wide bench seats show no signs of significant weathering. At the front of those seats, a padded dash floats factory telemetry next to a familiar pushbutton radio. Beneath that ledge, Chevrolet-themed mats protect clean carpet, which is cut around a curved shifter. At the sides of that rug, 2-tone door panels hang straight stainless trim around traditional handles and simple armrests. And in front of the driver, a color-keyed steering wheel spins an ornate Impala insignia around a timeless Sun tachometer.

Wrapping the flair of '50s optimism around the flash of '60s performance, car's like this sweet Impala are universally appealing. More to point, this classy convertible represents 'muscle motoring' at its very finest, combining stunning visuals with clean restoration and no-excuses power. Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte to schedule a visit!

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Solid Impala cruiser that's benefitted from comprehensive, body-on restoration
• 348 cubic inch Turbo Thrust V8 / Tri-power induction
• Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission
• Factory power steering
• Factory 4-wheel power drum brakes
• Correct Red and Ivory vinyl interior
• Correct Tuxedo Black paint
• All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
• We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world