20-Year Barn Find: 1962 Chevrolet Impala

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Chevrolet built more than 2.1 million automobiles in 1962, including the new compact Chevy II/Nova. That performance propelled the company to the world’s largest auto manufacturer. The upscale Impala, like the seller’s car, would account for nearly one-third of sales. This car is said to be a barn find where it’s been hiding for the past 20 years. Rust has claimed a good deal of sheet metal, so a restoration won’t be easy or cheap. From San Antonio, Texas, this Chevy is available here on eBay for $12,500 (or you can submit an offer).

Using the same platform as the 1961 models, the 1962s were cleaned up externally and the result was a visual improvement, at least in my opinion. After a brief launch in 1961, the Super Sport would get some serious traction in 1962 with nearly 100,000 Impala’s badged as SS models. Chevrolet would build 323,000 SS Impala Sport Coupes overall that year, including the seller’s edition painted Tuxedo Black with a red interior, an attractive combination.

An extensive amount of sheet metal work is going to be needed with this automobile, and that excludes anything related to the frame. This includes rear quarter panels, rocker panels, floorboards, and likely more. In addition to severe corrosion, the quarter panel on the driver’s side appears to have other damage that may transcend to the undercarriage.

We’re told that the engine turns with a key, so fortunately that means the motor isn’t locked up. The seller doesn’t mention if it’s the basic 283 cubic-inch V8 or the optional 327. But he/she thinks it’s original along with the Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission. This car will require towing to reach its next home or nearest body shop, but since it’s not an SS or has a 409, does the asking price help make this an awfully expensive restoration project? The top dollar is $36,000, according to Hagerty.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Bluetec320 Bluetec320

    It’s rotted to hell, it has mold, and it’s had rodents and God only knows what else was living in the interior, for only $12.5K! What a deal!! 🤦‍♂️

    Like 20
    • Mikefromthehammer

      It’s only a deal if they pay you $12.5K to take it away.

      Like 9
      • Terrry

        Or include $10k in the glove box

        Like 4
  2. jerry z

    GLWS, they are gonna need it! That’s one rough helmet! One thing the car does have going for it is the color combo. Black with red interior, can’t go wrong with that.

    Like 3
  3. gbvette62

    The rusted floors and quarters are typical of 62’s. The condition of the trunk leads me to believe that the floors may not be all that bad?

    The “V”s on the front fenders, without crossed flags over them, indicate this 62 started life with a 283. The valve covers with Chevrolet script are 283 style, as are the heads without humps and the 2 bbl carb (327’s were all 4 bbls). It’s quite possible it has the original engine in it.

    It’s an automatic, and not a 327 or 409, or even an SS, so $12K may be a little strong for this car, but it’s still a legitimate black with red gut 62 two door hardtop, a car in high demand.

    Like 4
  4. S

    I like these cars, as my dad owned one when new. However, with all the rust and the ripped up interior – these people are dreaming at $12,500! I’d offer $1000.

    Like 6
  5. George Mattar

    Another dreamer. The winter Arizona winter auctions start soon. That’s why the price is $12,000 more than this rusty heap is worth. Tens of thousands made. You can find a better one.

    Like 2
  6. Terrry

    Black on red was a very popular combination for these cars. I remember years ago a neighbor had a wagon, same colors.

    Like 0
  7. Greg Williams

    I’ve seen alot of cars & trucks on here that I consider, well, junk. This one is in that category. It’s good for a parts donor, but for 12,500, check into your local detox center & smell what your are trying to shovel. Maybe, 2000.00 & that’s a big maybe.

    Like 5
  8. Abi

    Move the decimal one space to the left and advertise it as a parts car and it will sell.

    Like 2
  9. Greg Williams

    Like that idea alot better. 200.00 would be a better price. After the donor parts were taken then haul the rest to the scrap yard.

    Like 3
  10. Ricardo Ventura

    Turning this car into scrap metal would be a sin.
    Perhaps the asking price is not ideal.
    In 1975, I was 19 years old, I bought one with these features – 283 Powerglide. It was very robust.
    Among the Impalas, in my opinion, it is the most beautiful bodywork.
    I hope someone saves this wonder.

    Like 0
  11. erik johnston

    I. Bon stock hope it can be saved I had quite a lot 62,s and a few 63, In the 1980s, and 90,s when they where all over. among them alleast 4 and 2 63,s The coolest one was a 62 ss convert red white top red interior 327. It was pretty weathered,but nice clean body. It sat somewhere outside because of a brake issue. got it running. I started the repaint and got the emblems,trim bumpers off and a guy stopped buy one day and talked me out of it. $1500.I somehow didnt get the emblems to him so i still have the. Sure wish i could have that ss now.Back then they where allover.

    Like 0
  12. HCMember

    It’s not an SS, has only a 283 and tons of welding and surgery to replace all that metal. The thought of removing the rockers and rear qtrs and rewelding at factory welds just gives me a headache. It’s a parts car at best maybe $1000 at the most.

    Like 0
  13. Dennis Hardiman

    It’s hard to believe this car grew up in Texas with all that rot. Looks like a Detroit transplanted in San Antonio. Beautiful car but lots of work.

    Like 0
  14. Utes

    Had 2 of these…well kinda’. Both were tutone white over black. 1st one was 250/327, 3-on-the-tree, but had a Fenton floor-shifter when I got it (changed it back). 2nd was a bubbletop Bel Air, 283/stick w/OD. Only fault w/these years were the 2-piece drive shafts.

    Like 0
  15. Eric Kincaid

    Is the car still for sale? Does the last 4 digits of the VIN# end in 3545?

    Like 0

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