Today’s find, a 1967 Chevrolet SS 427 hardtop is one of Chevy’s more confusing models. I’ll do my best to explain the model/package arrangement but in the interim, this is one of 2,124 SS 427s produced in ’67 and it’s in fabulous condition. It’s an important model as it signifies the beginning of the end for full-size performance, and it was a valiant attempt on the bowtie’s part to keep that genre going. This B-body bruiser is located in San Martin, California and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $45,600 with the reserve not yet met.
Chevrolet’s Super Sport (SS) Impala package started in ’61 as an option. From ’64 through ’67 it was its own model with a unique two-digit VIN designator. In ’68, it went back to being just an option (RPO Z03) and that was it. The SS 427 (RPO Z24), however, was another kettle of fish. It first became available in ’67 as an option on the Impala or the Impala SS and today’s find is a genuine Impala SS, verified by a “68” in its VIN. In ’68, the Z24 was available on an Impala, and a buyer could add the standard SS option by also specifying the Z03 option. In ’69, the Z24 was available on the Impala Sports Coupe, Impala Custom, and convertible but the standard SS package (Z03) was no longer available. As for Z24 production stats:
- 1967 = 2,124
- 1968 = 1,778
- 1969 = 2,455
Of note, the ’67 and ’68 SS 427 didn’t use the “Impala” designation in any badging even though it was so identified by the model number portion of its VIN. That changed in ’69 as the Custom Coupe version did wear an “Impala” nameplate on its C-pillar.
The heart of the beast is the 385 gross HP, 427 CI V8 engine. This engine is known as RPO L36 but Chevrolet’s original plan was to use RPO L68 – a 400 HP version fed by a triple carburetor setup. Note the fake hood vent with its triple faux intakes – that was to signify what lay beneath. The problem is that the executive meanies that occupied GM headquarters’ 14th floor decided, late in the ’66 model year, to ban multiple carburetors with an exception allowed for the Corvette. It was too late, at that point, to ditch the SS 427’s hood decoration, so they just ran with it. And, that’s why you never see a genuine triple carburetor GTO or 442 after the ’66 model year. Shifted via a four-speed manual transmission, the seller states, “Car Runs and Drives Beautifully“. This is a California model all the way, it was assembled at the Southgate (Los Angeles) plant and it’s still wearing its CA-mandated A.I.R. smog pump – those things are often ditched early on. Nice to find are this car’s front disc brakes, ’67 was the first year for this option and I can tell you from my ’60s Impala experience, standard drum pieces really aren’t confidence builders.
It’s stated that this car did spend some number of years in storage and today, with 5K miles on its odometer (probably 105K) it looks fabulous! The Bolero Red finish shows no sign of fade, something red will do when exposed to a lot of sun, and all of the unique SS 427 trim is still in place. Of note are the wheels, they’re sort of correct. Introduced in ’67, Chevrolet’s ubiquitous rally wheel option for a B-body car should measure 15″x6″ but those employed here are definitely wider, at least seven inches and maybe eight. The center caps, known as flat caps, were a ’67-only item, and they are correct for this example.
Now, if this SS 427 was not built on an Impala SS, it would have a bench seat. But since that’s not the case, and a model “68” (Super Sport) serves as the base, the SS’s bucket seats and center console are present. The black vinyl “strato-bucket” seat upholstery shows well, as do the door panels, console, and carpet. The original purchaser of this car specified full instrumentation and a tachometer is included.
I’ve seen prices for genuine SS 427s that are all over the board so I can’t comment on this car’s current bid. I will say that the price variability has definitely moved northward over the last eight to ten years so this car’s current bid trend is no surprise. No, it’s not a Chevelle SS, it’s a bigger heavier car but it has bigger, heavier power too and this example is as perfect a specimen as I’ve encountered. Yes, I really dig it, how about you?
I dig your digging as I dig it too.
Me too same way! I really dig it! Now if it would only fit in the garage….
I’m all in on this baby!!!!
Back in 1980 I was on the hunt for a ’67 Chevelle SS. I responded to an ad for a ’67 SS, and went to see the car in South-central L.A. To my chagrin, it was a ’67 SS 427 Impala with a bad throw out bearing…$350. Nope, not interested. I clearly didn’t know what I was looking at.
In 1988, I bought a California (Van Nuys) car – 1968, Caprice, 327, 300hp, original everything with 28,270 miles. An actual one owner little old lady who drove it to church on Sundays. I paid $3,000. Only problem was back quarter panel, driver side paint had a 14 inch by 3 inch section of polyurethane missing.
Car was stolen in 2009 by someone who applied for a replacement title then sold it to a city police captain. I was overseas serving our country. Great welcome home.
Don’t feel bad. I bought a metallic blue with blue interior one with a tired engine and the usual northeast rust for 250.00 in 1984 and parted it out. I thought I did great as I made 1,500.00 off it and then scrapped it. Just remember at that time these even in pristine condition were often past by for other models. I had a friend that bought a 69 in gold for pennies and used it as a daily driver. That one was an automatic though.
Jim, those rallys look like a set of 15×8″ Corvette rally wheels. I run those on my Impala, as they handle the bumps and turns better than the 15×5″ or 15×6″ foind on these.
I’d take this over a Chevelle or Vette any day. Bit pricey but it’s sweet 🧁
3.31 std ring and pinion ⚙️
With many options from 3.07 up into the 3.90s. What a great machine from the Chevrolet division.
Beautiful example here.
Stan workin that gear emoji like a boss!
Even when I was a little kid, I thought the taillights of a 1967 Impala made it look like it had buck teeth.
All the cars had personality back then !! Today all look the same blah!!!!
This is a fine example of yesteryear!!!! Good times, easy lifestyle!
I never liked the taillights on the 67 but that car is darn nice.
Beautiful and a car GM will NEVER build again. And I was told to never say never, but in this case it’s true. Wow, even a correct 1966 to 1967 A.I.R. California only smog pump. Try finding one. Love this car, but wife says Corvette in the garage has to go first.
Had a 68. Found it in a farmer field in Alberta. Made in Canada. Auto,red, black vinyl and white interior.
Always loved the ’67-68 Impalas. Had a Granada Gold / black interior ’67 Impala. With a 283 two barrel, it wasn’t fast, but it looked good.
My first car was a ’67 Impala 2-door hardtop, Sierra Fawn in color with a black cloth interior, 283 and powerglide. Paid $607 for it, including tax, back in June 1980. Still to this day one of my favorite cars I have ever owned. Liked the round gauges on the instrument panel so much more than it’s predecessors and the models afterwards and the “fastback” style made it look very sporty for a large car.
The lines on that SS give it nearly unmatched presence on the road. The fast back roofline coupled with the shirt front/long rear overhang makes it look like it’s going 100 mph even when it’s standing still. What I wouldn’t give hear that big block sing at WOT as I rowed through the gears!
I had a 67 back in the day plum color without the crazy the salt ate the quarters away real bad sooooo that’s why there aren’t that many 67s out there so if you buy one make sure it’s from out west and check the quarters out
It’s over $70,000 now. WOW!
Yep…and with a poor re-paint at that !
Where is this located in [ tx hoping ]
@ Domingo.saldana,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Write up says its in San Martin California,
This is a beautiful car. Hard to tell if this is a survivor or a restoration it looks so fresh in the photos. I’ve never owned one of these but I always wanted to. This would be the one to have, big block, 4 speed and perfect condition.
Sweet vehicle much. But those rear lights are from 1964. The 1967 (and 1968) Impalas had three small semicircular lights in the rear.
Ah, no. 1967 Chevrolet sales brochure attached, they’re the same.
JO
Someone doesn’t know his Impala’s very well, it is a 67
John DeLorean mandated the “SS 427” model designation and eliminated the Impala logo entirely. He later tried it again with the 69 GTO Judge which worked better. He wanted it marketed as “GTO Judge”. The Judge had no Pontiac markings on it, just GTO on fenders, grille and trunk lid and arrowheads on the center caps and steering wheel. Although the only Pontiac logo I had on my Judge was on the bottom of the tach face on the hood tach.
Wow, nice car for someone. Congratulations to the new owner!
My brother had the 350 but even that car did real nice burnouts it was a light brownish with a darker roofline nice boat!!!
Wrong the tail lights are correct!
More than likely a regular super sport with a Z24 hood
Tach reline should be 5500
The ’67 Impala – one of the nicest looking 4 door hardtops.
Something its Chevelle sibling could not pull off.
Multiple carburetors were allowed on the 1967 Corvette and six cylinder Corvair. The Corvair having two on base engines or FOUR carburetors on the optional 140 hp version versus the three on the Corvette. Multiple carburetors, two or four, were continued on the Corvair including the 1969 models.
True enough and I thought that I would include that factoid, but the General’s intention was to remove that feature from V8s, i.e., large engines that made big power. And, as I clearly stated, the ‘Vette was granted an exception. It continued to use three 2s through ’69.
JO
I don’t recall 3 circulars after 65. Enlighten us. 65 had them with the chrome shell.
This 67 is beautiful. My dad sold new Chevys in the sixties he ordered a 68 SS 427 for himself blk on blk ralleys bench seat auto factory tach disc brakes no power steering, that was changed pretty soon after, family car, mom had parking issues. He said he received more positive comments on that car than any he ever owned. I wish I would have been old enough to have gotten it, it would be my keeper.
Those wider rims are the correct ones for the disc brake option.