There is a fear in some quarters that the supply of genuine barn finds will eventually dry up, but if this 1962 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe is an accurate guide, that won’t happen soon. It recently emerged from a twenty-year slumber, and it hasn’t suffered from that experience. It presents beautifully, is roadworthy, and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. If you are feeling tempted, then you had best read on.
Chevrolet introduced its Third Generation Impala range for the 1961 model year, with its latest offering featuring crisper and sharper styling than its predecessor. Buyers could choose from six body styles, with the first owner of this ’62 model ticking the boxes beside a Sport Coupe finished in Anniversary Gold. The car recently emerged after twenty years in hiding, and it is something special. The seller states it has been garage-kept since Day One, and that all of the steel is original and rust-free. The exterior is as clean as you could hope to find, while the underside shots show nothing beyond the occasional area of dry surface corrosion. One of the impressive aspects of this car is its paint. It is claimed to be original, and examining the supplied images reveals no evidence of major flaws, patchiness, or other problems. The glass is crystal clear, and the trim is spotless.
Buyers could order a 1962 Impala with a bewildering array of engine and transmission combinations. This car’s first owner teamed the 283ci V8 with a three-speed manual transmission but didn’t tick the boxes beside power assistance for the steering or brakes. It isn’t the most potent package in the range, although with 170hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque generated by the 283, the performance was easily acceptable to most owners. The seller claims the car has a genuine 89,900 miles on the clock, and although they don’t mention verifying evidence, its history makes the claim plausible. The revival process following the hibernation was pretty thorough, with the Impala receiving a new fuel tank, fuel pump, filter, and a rebuild for its original carburetor. The fluids were flushed and any suspect items were replaced. The effort was worthwhile because it runs and drives well. It seems that flying in and driving home is a realistic expectation for the winning bidder.
Interiors often tell the story of the life a classic has led because neglect or abuse reveals itself in wear, stains, and other physical damage. This Impala retains its original Code 892 Gold cloth and vinyl trim, and its condition is exceptional. It has avoided all of the listed problems, while the lack of UV damage and crack-free dash pad attest to its protection from the worst the sun could throw at it. The interior isn’t dripping with creature comforts beyond the factory radio, but there are also no visible aftermarket additions.
Some classics hit the market with barely a ripple, but this 1962 Impala Sport Coupe has created quite a splash. It has received sixty-two bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Boise, Idaho. The price sits below the reserve at $36,000, but with time remaining and 146 people watching the listing, that situation will probably change. It is always gratifying to see classics of this caliber released from captivity because they were designed to be driven and enjoyed. I hope that is what waits it following this auction, and that it doesn’t wind up back in storage. You could ensure that doesn’t happen by joining the bidding war. Are you tempted?
A 283 and a three-on-the-tree? And no power steering or brakes? Pfft!
No thanks…there are others….
And no A/C…No wonder it was sitting in a barn.
not many cars in 1962 had air conditioning my first car with ac was a 1973 tbird
A radio was not std even on 2nd gen z28s, let alone p/s, p/b or a/c.
& p/w were not even AVAILABLE on many old cars.
& p/s & p/b were not even available on earlier pintos.
Roll the window down Nancy!
She’s a beaute, Clark. The lack of features is going to turn some people off but is just fine by me. These are a reminder that the SS was part decor and part performance. Good to see this one is still around.
Not an SS. A sports coupe with bench seat
It will have the air vents in the footwell plus the side window vents.
Old school air conditioning.
We used to call that 4/60 air-conditioning. Four windows down at 60 mile an hour.
Wanting a car that is over 60 years old with the options you would like is difficult.
You will have to look hard.
Beautiful Impala.
Had a 3-on-the-tree ’62 hardtop but mine was tutone Ermine White over Tuxedo Black w/an L30….got proficient @ down-shifting into 1st w/no synchro.
To this day, stick on the column is my fav.
$36,200 bid and reserve STILL not met??!!! Someone has money to burn! Too ridh for my blood.
My first car with A/C was a 1985 Buick. Heck, I was a junior in high school when my parents finally got A/C for their house in 1968. Back when this was new it was equipped like a lot of people did then. Just what was needed to get from point A to point B. My dad was one of those who shifted, steered and braked without any assistance as he deemed it an unnecessary expense. Since I drove his cars, ergo so did I. I’d have no problem driving this very nice Chevy with aplomb even though I am now an official old coot. GLWTS.
We had a 62 Belair 4 door, 283, auto, posi (special ordered), tinted w/s, and WSW tires, Fawn Beige with Fawn interior. The first car I drove on the road when I was 16.
This Impala is a real sweetheart. Any number of 4 barrel intakes could be put on with a Carter carb. Also an electronic distributor. If you put in a 3-speed manual overdrive, that would give you 6 speeds! None of those changes would affect originality very much since you would keep the old parts and wouldn’t cost a bundle. Putting in aftermarket a/c would.
Wheels? Owner’s choice: Stock, full wheel covers, and WSW tires or Day 2 mags and wide ovals.
clean piece and anniversary gold to boot. shame it’s a 3 on the tree.
Great combo,if you never drove one,you may not understand..
rw I agree I had a 1963 Impala 2 Dr ht 283 2 barrel carb and 3 on the tree great car and fun to drive
Roll the window down Nancy!