There are two things most diehard Impala fans remember about the 1961 model year. First, it was the year when Chevrolet launched the Super Sport package. Available for just $53, the original SS contraption was mostly focused on cosmetic upgrades, paving the way for more performance improvements due in the next years.
Second, the 1961 Impala pioneered the bubbletop, a new roofline styling available on the two-door sports coupe that made the car feel sportier and more luxurious.
Also available on the Bel Air, the bubbletop has become a very desirable feature, especially in the collector world, mainly because few are still in existence today.
Someone on Craigslist recently posted a 1961 Impala bubbletop, and despite sporting a very rough shape, it’s a rare example that’s likely to sell like hotcakes.
Unfortunately, we know little about the car, starting with its condition and ending with the missing parts. The owner, who shared only a couple of photos in the Craigslist post, claims the vehicle is “a solid build,” adding that the Impala comes with “a lot of new parts.” You’ll have to inspect the car in person to get a clearer picture of the package, but a bubbletop with extra is something you don’t find too often.
The owner says they purchased the bubbletop for big bucks but are now selling it because they have too many projects. It’s the reason they didn’t share many specifics, so your best option is to contact them and go see the Impala in person.
We don’t get any information about the engine.
The 1961 Impala was available with the same engine choices as the previous model year, but the big change on the new model was the introduction of a 409 big-block unit. The 409 produced 360 horsepower thanks to a single four-barrel carburetor. The 409 was the best choice for the Super Sport, and if the engine is missing on this bubbletop, it would make for an excellent upgrade for someone also interested in the performance side of the vehicle.
The main drawback of this 1961 Impala is the selling price. The seller is correct, a 1961 bubbletop isn’t something you find daily, so selling the car with a hefty price tag makes sense. However, they are only willing to let it go for $18,500, and considering the lack of information, the price could make many people walk away. An original engine and a complete interior would make a huge difference, so make sure you buy a ticket to Stockon to see the car in person before committing to a purchase.
The owner says the car sells with a clean title, and it looks like the only way to take it home is on a trailer. It’s unclear if it rolls freely, though.