UPDATE – After featuring this amazing Impala SS 409 survivor, the seller decided to list it as a Barn Finds Classified! It really is an incredible find and deserves to go to a good home with someone who will really enjoy this muscle machine. If that person is you, be sure to take a look at it and make the seller an offer or ask them questions via their BF Classified ad.
Some classics seem to have a story to tell, and this 1964 Impala SS is one of those cars. It features a firebreathing 409ci V8 under the hood and has a genuine 23,000 miles on the clock. It is largely original and has had little use in recent years. The time has come for it to head to a new home, so someone is about to become the proud owner of the most potent Impala that money could buy in 1964. Located in Hinckley, Ohio, you will find the SS listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $45,000, but this figure is short of the reserve. If you find this vehicle to be an automotive must-have, the owner offers a BIN option of $55,000.
The owner claims that the Ember Red paint that graces this car’s flanks is about 80% original, and while it holds an impressive shine, it also sports a few imperfections that you can spot in the next photo. That will leave the buyer with a decision to make because these paint issues are about the only ones worth noting with the Impala’s exterior. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with no evidence of dings, dents, or previous accident damage. The vehicle has been garage-kept since 1964, and this has allowed it to remain completely rust-free. The trim and chrome are in excellent order, as is the glass. The SS badges that the car wears indicate that the car may have some performance potential, but they don’t tell this classic’s full story.
These are the paint imperfections that I referred to. They aren’t bad, and there’s no evidence of developing surface corrosion. I will be interested to see whether our readers favor addressing them or whether the majority plump with retaining the car’s originality.
Buyers who ordered an Impala SS in 1964 had a wide choice of engines, but the one in this car is a true gem. What the original owner chose was the 409ci V8 that pumped out 425hp. In keeping with this classic’s performance credentials, he decided that there was nothing better to bolt to this brute than a 4-speed manual transmission. This was as good as it got in 1964, and the combination allowed the 3,730 lb Impala to blitz the ¼ mile in 14.5 seconds. Given enough room and a brave driver, the potential was there for it to run out of breath just north of 140mph. Those numbers stack up well today, but they made you king of the road in 1964. If the car has a downside, it is that it isn’t numbers-matching. Chevrolet replaced the motor under warranty in 1965 when the car had 11,000 miles on the clock. Since then, it has only accumulated a further 12,000 miles. It has been regularly cleaned and checked during this time, but it appears that the last time it saw the road was in 1972. The owner recently replaced the exhaust, had the engine bay detailed, and fitted new front and rear main seals to that mighty 409. It isn’t clear whether it is currently roadworthy, but given what this car represents, I would have it thoroughly inspected before I ventured onto the streets.
When we turn our attention to the Impala’s interior, we are confronted by trim and carpet that the owner claims are original. If this is the case, its condition would seem to support the mileage claims made in the listing. The carpet might be slightly faded, but that’s about all there is to criticize. The upholstered surfaces show no signs of wear or physical damage, while the dash and console are flawless. This is an interior that would seem to need nothing, but it’s also one that isn’t loaded with luxury extras. The original owner ordered the car with the factory tachometer and an AM radio, which remain intact.
While it might no longer be numbers-matching, this 1964 Impala SS remains a special car. It is big and bold, but its outward appearance gives no real clue to its firebreathing potential. Seeing it grace our roads again would be fantastic, but that raises the question about what the buyer should do before this occurs. Having a qualified person perform a mechanical inspection appears to be a no-brainer, but the remaining question revolves around what to do about the paint imperfections. I can honestly say that I am torn by that, although I’d probably have them addressed at the end of the day. Which way would you jump on this one?
Another Impala !
Low rider !
Sure, let’s ruin another piece of American history. How stupud!
It would be a sin.
Please not a low rider!!
Amen Greg!
Don’t forget the hydraulics
I would love for this to grace my driveway but NOT as a lowrider. Keep seeing these nice ’64 Impala SS and I wouldn’t mind having one of them.
Lowriders are the reason why God created speed bumps.
They’re called speed bumps because you’re supposed to SPEED over them. 😂😂😂😂
Beautiful looking car. I’ve always loved the 1963 and 64 Impala. I’d keep as original as possible. The only thing I’ve never liked are the warning lights you see next to the fuel gauge. I’d replace the “idiot” lights if possible with proper needle gauges. Assuming everything else is original and as driveable as can be, I’d think it’s worth the $58k asking price.
I’ve always either utilized ‘T’ couplings or removed a passage plug so that I can have functional idiot lights AND gauges.
Most engines usually have numerous ports where you can install extra sender units and in my world I can live with such deviations from originality for the added peace of mind with gauges
I am the owner and the car is still for sale looking for a new home, hopefully not a low rider. Anyone interested?
Mike- . I am thinking that the engine replacement is perhaps slowing down the interest. Whats sort of paperwork is there on the replacement block. Were the heads replaced? How in the world does an SS survive 55 plus years with only the 24000 miles? What caused the original engine to be replaced? It is beautiful thats for sure.
FYI, Only the engine block was replaced shortly after it was sold because there was a defect found in the block. The block was then replaced under the manufacture warranty by the original dealer and everything else is original. It has been running strong ever since.
Looks decent. Get rid of the low ball tail pipes….
Yep, it has the correct motor/trans and SS package to warrant the high $$. The only thing to do is put the exhaust exit behind the rear wheels like the factory, small detail. Very nice indeed.
I recall a ‘63 409 in 1963 with pipes exiting the rear. These look a little long but are you sure the higher output 409’s placed exhausts behind the rear wheels (?)
AMEN Blonde!
The 1964 had the best looking hubcaps ever made.
The only competition would be the Cadillac sombrero
She looks mighty fine…that four oh nine. A legendary package, even when new. The most shocking thing about this particular beast is…..it hasnt been on the road since 1972.(?!) Vietnam, Richard Nixon, and a year later 24 year old George Foreman yo-yoed Smokin Joe Frazier for the heavywight crown. Thats a loonnnnggg time ago!
Yeah, just the other day to some of us!
My friend had a convertible version with this drive train. A beige sleeper. It was sure fun shocking those Camaros and Mustangs on those graffiti nights. I expect it would be a bit slower due to the massive reinforcing plates welded to the frame. I really miss that car. Want to burn a little rubber just step on the gas ; gear optional.
I have been a fan of the 1964, since I saw them in the show room, on Introduction night, at Courtesy Chevrolet 👍 They offered so many beautiful colors, and color combinations, in this era…and yet, red on red has always been a favorite.
As for the paint, I am a purist, and in this situation, I would do my homework, and contact fellow members, in the AACA, and VCCA, for referrals, to the best paint/restoration facilities and have it done, with the respect this Chevy Impala 409 deserves.
In regard to the car itself, I would probably upgrade the radio, to the correct AM/FM, with an adaptor hidden, for Bluetooth/ Sirrius and new speakers.
And, correct the tail pipes, as they came from the factory. I believe Vintage A/C would be a perfect fit in this Chevy, especially if the new caretaker is in a warm summer climate, like we are, which merits a modified radiator, etc also…this car deserves to be driven, and to be shown and shared, as it is a gorgeous example of GM/Chevy history 🇺🇸
One closing comment, I knew a fellow, who purchased a fully loaded Pontiac 2+2, with a 421 V-8 and a 4 Speed, with the 8 lug wheels…it was stunning.
That beauty didn’t stay numbers matching very long either, as he blew the engine, in the first few weeks…the factory said no, a firm no, when he tried to claim it as a warranty covered defect.
Thanks much for sharing this rare and beautiful 409, Great memories.
Courtesy Chevrolet in San Diego? The one down near Mission Bay or maybe I got the wrong dealer in my head. Interesting.
I am the owner and the car still for sale looking for a new home, hopefully not a low rider.
Up until 2014 we had a Courtesy Chevrolet in Toronto, Ontario.
Definitely make this a Low rider
Nope!
I am not a fan of the originality concept, these cars were created to go fast and look like super stocks, the reason they were jacked up by owners back in the day was for traction off the line at the drag strip or for street racing, my 66 Chevelle SS396 was setup up that way by me and I lost very few races on the street because I could always get a good hole shot on my opponents off the line.
This belongs in Cuba.
I love it and would love to see it parked in my garage. I had the chance to ride in a 63 Impala 409 4 speed and a 409 transplant. In the day, that engine was an absolute beast. To paraphrase a mechanic friend: those things had anvils for pistons (meaning they were heavy as heck) and you had to have someone that really knew their stuff and had the right torque plates (due to the angles on the block) but if the machining was done right, it was a torque beast IMO.
I remember when the first SS 409 came into our town, it was a 1963 Impala SS. A farmer’s son bought it with his earnings and I got a ride in it. Boy was I impressed! This channelled me into muscle cars, I started with a ‘62 Bel Air two door post with a 283 and a three speed on the floor, I put a 350 hp 327 cam and a 4 barreled high rise manifold then I got my dream car, a 1966 Marina blue SS396 Chevelle with a 4 speed, bench seat, Hurst shifter, 4:10 posi rear end that I traded a guy who wanted gas mileage, he got my 3:36 gears in trade, lol. I ended up with a 1968 Nova after my return from Vietnam that had a 4 speed, posi 4:10 rear end and the 327 cu.in. 325 hp engine, Horsepower was degraded from 350 for insurance reasons. That was a fast car also.
To the owner, I think the remarks to make it a “low rider” are putting you on. Personally I would not sell it to someone if it was this 64’s fate. I like looking at low riders, but most builders started with wrecks or rust buckets and made something unique. This car is unique just as it is……
I’m with you Bigbird. Never sell it to someone who was going to make a low rider out of it.
How do you make a $30,000. LowRider ?
(Start with a $60,000. car like this…)
Replacement blocks were not uncommon back in the day, especially when they (GM or dealer) considered some to be unfixable. One area that has plagued the 409 was valve train issues. The 425 HP engine got a new high lift cam, springs and deeper spring pockets. The problem was the valve studs would pull out or break causing valve to piston interference. The rocker arms were very weak, and would break also at high RPM(6000 or up). Short stoke, heavy pistons and a solid camshaft…rev forever…..
I never saw one where that happened, I didn’t know that was a problem, but cars were kind of transitory in those days, you would trade that in for a Chevelle or Nova and people didn’t keep their cars, I wished that I would have kept my SS 396 Chevelle when I got drafted.
I go back a-ways so I saw the transition from the 409 to the 396, 427 big blocks. The ’66 396 Chevelle’s had rocker arm problems, oiling, and breakage. School buddy had a new one and it went back to the dealer 2 months later for new studs and longer slot rockers (stamped with an H) solved the issue.
You and me too Donald. Mine was a1968. I basically gave it away when I was going overseas. I never drove it with shoes on. I loved that car.
Nice 64, If all numbers are correct, looks like this 409 my be worth the 55k. There`s just not many of the these correct numbers match cars left. I have a 63 Biscayne, 409/425 M20, 3.55 posi rear. Heater delete, radio delete,asking 40,500. Numbers are not matching, if so, this car would sell, low 60k
I agree. Never sell it to someone who would ruin it by making it a lowrider.
DONT LOWRIDE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get a solid standard body in good shape, lower that. I saw a 64 impala ss 409/4sd at a show. The owner was proud to say he bought it from the original owner and put over $120,000 in it. He made a comment that he showed it to the original owner. I saw pics. of how nice and original it was when it was bought by the lowrider The original told him he ruined it and walked away!!! Mr lowerrider guy
FYI, Only the engine block was replaced shortly after it was sold because there was a defect found in the block. The block was then replaced under the manufacture warranty by the original dealer and everything else is original. It has been running strong ever since.