In 1970, the Impala was still a big seller for Chevrolet, although production was below the record-setting one million units seen in 1965. This model year happens to be my personal favorite because of the front and rear styling treatments. And you could order one of these cars with Chevy’s hottest new powerplant, the 454 which replaced the venerable 427. This Impala convertible came so equipped, but it has fallen on hard times and is now a project, both physically and mechanically. The car is located in central New Jersey, south of Philadelphia, and available here on craigslist for $5,300. Thank you, Rocco B., for another great tip.
The fourth generation of the Chevrolet Impala (1965-70) was it’s most successful overall. More than four million Impalas rolled off the assembly line over six years, plus production for the Biscayne and Bel Air. The 1970 model got a minor facelift featuring a more conventional front bumper instead of the wrap-around one from 1969. Although you could get the big-block 454 in the Impala, the SS model was gone. There were only three remaining Chevrolet convertibles that year, with the Impala being one of them. Less than 10,000 Impala convertibles were built for 1970, but we can’t determine how many of them had the 454. We assume the seller’s car is likely in the minority.
We’re told this automobile is the real deal in terms of engine and 400 Turbo-Hydramatic. The seller says that while the car wears primer over its original red paint, the frame is solid, but the floors and trunk are “fairly solid.” That’s another way of saying rusty. Since the carpeting is shot and looks like it has gotten wet, that area of the car needs further exploration. Plus, there looks to be rust in the passenger right front fender and the rear quarter panel on the same side looks to have been the subject of some quickie rust repair. And there is a pretty good dent in the trunk as though something heavy was dropped on it. The white convertible top isn’t shot, but it doesn’t look terribly leaf-proof either.
The red interior is going to need to be stripped down to metal, including the door panels and dash pad. Perhaps the seat frames are still good, but the buyer will need to start shopping interior kits. The seller tells us the motor runs strong, but it will only start off a gas can. So, what’s the problem there? Given the overall condition of the car, start with flushing the fuel system and then work back from the carburetor. One thing we don’t know is which version of the 454 this is. One produced 345 hp and the other 390.
If you had a sparkling 1970 Impala convertible, it could be worth $20,000. And probably more because of the powerplant. But at a $5,000 entry point, what’s it going to cost to make this car acceptable again? I’m guessing if this same car had a 350 in it, the asking price would be half as much.
A/C, Power windows and steering, but 4 wheel manual brakes!
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First problem is New Jersey swindler, er, I mean seller.
2nd problem is that rust behind the right front headlight bezel. If it has rust there, this thing has MAJOR rust issues.
The battery cable looks like it’s running through the gas can. It’s probably the camera angle but it looks funny.
Russ, 1965-1970 is actually the fourth generation of Impalas, not the fifth.
You’re right. Corrected. Thank you!
Hi do you still have the car
Hi do you still have the car
Dangelo Boular,
This car was on Craigslist 3 years ago, and the listing is long gone. It is unlikely that anyone here on Barn Finds is the owner, or knows where the car is today.
Put a 4 speed in it with a new top and buff the paint!! Then put discs on the front with dog dish hub caps and drive the piss out of it with the top down!!!
My ’70 had front disc brakes as standard equipment… and that was with a 350/350. I’d be surprised if this one has drums up front.
Looks like the car they used in the film
“True Believers” that came out in the late ’80s. Can’t recall who played the down and out attorney, but he drove one in the
movie. I’m with Tim, get it running, get it
to stop right, add some 15X8 rally rims,
then drive it to your heart’s delight.
Nice car and a nice find for someone…
NJ Car..Rust on the front fenders and paintwork around the read wheel well are most likely just an indication of what’s hiding beneath.
I’d disagree on the top not being shot. You can see tears. And likely directly relates to the wet carpet and whatever is underneath it.
I think that might be 365 hp
Sweet looking project. I have an uncle who had one back in the day. At the time, I found it quite attractive, except for the grille. I thought it looked like it was added on as an afterthought, like it either wasn’t originally supposed to be there, or it was rushed on at the last minute.
I loved my 70 sport sedan. Great car!
For me the 1969 Impala was a better looking car.
Metal part of the dash is painted red [looks factory applied] and matches the door panels. But upper dash pad, carpets and seat are brown. It all looks factory installed. The question in my mind is WHY?
A good old friend of mine’s father was a service manager at a local Chevy dealer in R. I. , that specialized in performance, called Scuncio Chevrolet. I remember he would buy a new Chevy Caprice or Kingswood Estate Wagon, every 3-4 years all through 65-73, every one of them he bought with a Big Block, HD everything with trailer tow package, for the family’s travel trailer. My Dad had an awesome 68 Chrysler Town&Country Beach Wagon, with a 440 Commando, he ordered the same way, but for the family boat. I remember both of us growing up just hankering to race them! Finally in 72, we both had our licenses! So at the time they had just taken delivery of a 72, Kingswood, 454, that the old Chrysler just left behind.
The interior is sun baked and the plastic has degraded. Sometimes the plastic will darken like its burnt, others will fade – red to pink ,etc .