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 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.
For someone looking to create a daily driver or go for a restomod, it’s still a pretty strong project. The 1968 Chevrolet serves as the source of the under-hood engine. No other information is provided, however it is a 350 V8 that is manually turned. Without a physical inspection, it is impossible to determine whether the engine can be repaired, but a mill that hasn’t seized is typically excellent news for a skilled restoration.
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.
Although the Impala still has usual corrosion issues, the metal also appears to be in good condition. Although I couldn’t get a good look at the floors, I think they haven’t yet been damaged, but I still don’t anticipate any positive news in this area. It’s the best course of action if you can install new floorboards and perhaps a new trunk panel, especially if you intend to use this Impala as a daily vehicle.