The 1964 Impala didn’t introduce too many changes for a simple reason: Chevrolet was already finalizing a new-generation model, so focusing on an annual refresh no longer made sense.
It doesn’t mean the revised Impala was no longer an intriguing model. It was, and the Super Sport continued to be the icing on the cake, attracting customers particularly interested in performance. The big-block offering, which fitted the SS like a glove, came down to the 409 V8, which was once again available in the Impala lineup after a short desertion.
The engine was offered with three power outputs, namely 340, 400, and 425 horsepower. The 425-horsepower version was mainly aimed at the Impala SS, but at the same time, it could also be ordered on a regular Impala (which didn’t make any sense, if you ask me, especially as the engine was built with high performance in mind, just like the Impala SS).
As a side note, Chevrolet also offered the Turbo-Fire 409 on the other full-size models in its lineup, including the Biscayne and the Bel Air.
The 1964 Impala SS posted was born with a 327 under the hood – this was the most popular choice on the 1964 model year, with Chevrolet offering the engine in two power ratings, 250 and 300 horsepower. The 327 is missing from this Impala SS, leaving the door open to a hefty power upgrade if you’re interested in more power. If you still want all-original everything, finding a period correct 327 is mandatory, though.
While the car has already served as a donor, probably giving away its engine to another Impala, it continues to be impressively solid. The body exhibits only minor rust issues, and I must admit I’m impressed with the overall shape of the floors. Some repairs are still required, but otherwise, this Impala SS looks more solid than probably 90 percent of the projects I’ve seen lately.
The missing engine and transmission could be a deal-breaker for some, but it’s a bonus for others, as it lowers the car’s price while creating more restoration options. You can go for any engine you want, but I still believe a big block fits this car like a glove.
The bidding for this otherwise intriguing Impala SS started earlier this week, with the car already receiving eight offers at the time of writing.