1961 was a big year for the Impala. After its debut in 1958, the Impala received series status in 1959, embracing a different path from the Bel Air.
The next couple of years paved the way for impressive sales, with the Impala rapidly becoming the best-selling car in the United States.
A new-generation Impala debuted in 1961 with big changes, including the famous bubbletop and the Super Sport package. The latter was available for only $53 and included subtle performance upgrades, albeit it paved the way for what later became an iconic name in the performance world.
The bubbletop rapidly won the hearts of Impala fans, remaining a highly desirable roof design, especially in tip-top shape. An original 1961 Impala bubbletop with everything in perfect condition can easily sell for over $100,000.
The 1961 example posted on eBay by seller pbr91114 is a different bubbletop, as it’s far from the top condition that’ll make it an instant sell. The car is a project, likely sitting for some time, requiring complete restoration. Based on the photos, the project won’t be easy, and considering it’s a bubbletop, it’s not the kind of job aimed at the Average Joe.
The owner decided to let the photos speak for themselves, but let me tell you one thing: the car is a rough project that looks good from the back and horrible from the front, albeit it’s unclear if this Impala has been involved in an accident or it already served as a donor for another project. The metal is mainly solid, but you’ll have to take care of the typical undercarriage work. There are some holes in the floors, but the images suggest you can fix all of them with small patches.
This Impala no longer has an engine, but this is no longer a surprise. If the car was a donor for another full-size Chevrolet, it has already lost many parts, with the mill under the hood one of the victims. The interior also comes without seats and everything else, so you should assume that this bubbletop needs everything except what you see in the photos.
A bubbletop remains a bubbletop, so it’s no surprise that so many people fight to take it home despite its rough shape. 16 bidders are now trying to take the car home, with the top offer reaching $3,000. We’re still five days away from the end of the auction, so it’ll take a bit longer to see what happens, but considering it’s a no-reserve race, the Impala will certainly have a new home when this is over.
You can find the car in Giltner, Nebraska, and considering its shape, you must take it home on a trailer. The owner says they can help the buyer load the car on a trailer.