The convertible-style roof made the 1962 Impala a genuine head-turning machine, fueling the success Chevrolet’s new superstar was already enjoying.
A 2-door hardtop that has been abandoned for a long time is rocking a junkyard, hoping to find someone brave enough to give it a second chance and begin a restoration project.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand why this Impala was dumped in a junkyard. The vehicle is rough, with the floors already completely wrecked. Oddly enough, it hasn’t become a rust bucket just yet, as certain body parts still look good, but you’ll need new floors and a trunk pan to deal with the insane amount of rust that invaded the car.
The seller says the frame is still solid and could serve as a starting point for a restoration project. It won’t be the easiest job, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see this Impala becoming a donor for a project that doesn’t require an insane amount of restoration work.
The car comes with lots of missing p arts, including the engine and the transmission. It’s quite a shame the engine is no longer there, especially as the 1962 Impala witnessed several notable changes under the hood.
The more powerful version of the 283 got the axe, making room for a new 327 offered on the Impala in two flavors. The standard 327 sported a Rochester four-barrel carburetor and developed 250 horsepower, while the upgraded sibling used a Carter unit for an upgraded power rating to 300 horsepower.
Chevrolet also dropped the famous 348 and offered the 409 as the only big-block choice. The top mill could be had with either 380 or 409 horsepower.
It’s unclear if this abandoned Impala rolled off the assembly lines with a six-cylinder or a V8, as the seller did not share the VIN – the tag is still on the car, so you should be able to decrypt the information if you go see it in person.
Otherwise, it’s hard to find something to make this Impala a really intriguing project. It probably deserves a chance if you don’t have another project, but saving it will be a challenge, even for professional restorers. The car will most likely end up becoming a donor for other projects, though I can’t tell from the pictures if it still has something good to make its way to another Impala.
The selling price is too optimistic for such a horrible shape, as the owner expects to get $2,200 for their coupe. However, the seller says on Craigslist that they’re also interested in other trades, so if you want to take this super-rough Impala home, contact the owner to discuss additional details.