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?