The next owner of this 1964 Chevrolet Impala will face some interesting choices. They might decide to restore it to its original specifications, transform it into an SS clone, or go their own way to create a cool custom. Regardless of the final choice, this is a solid vehicle that holds the promise of being a pretty rewarding project car. The Impala is located in Winchester, Kansas, and it would seem to be a car that has managed to excite a few people. At the time of writing, there have been 62 bids submitted for its listing here on eBay. This has pushed the price along to $7,601, and the reserve has been met.
The owner refers to the Impala as being a solid car, and it would seem that the majority of its rust issues are confined to the floors and the trunk pan. Even then, we’re only talking about a small hole under the rear seat, one beside the accelerator pedal, and a section in the center of the trunk. The new owner might choose to replace these sections completely, although simply using some well-crafted patches would be a viable alternative. The only external rust that is visible is around the rear wheel arches, with the lower rear quarter panels, fenders, doors, and the rockers all looking pretty clean. The owner states that the color that the Impala wears is original, but there is some evidence that it may have undergone a few changes during its life. There are some areas of Goldwood Yellow visible in a couple of spots, so it might be that this is a car that has led an interesting life. The external trim and chrome is all present, while the glass appears to be in good condition. The wheels that are currently fitted to the Impala aren’t included in the sale, but the car will be fitted with a set of rollers for the next owner.
It isn’t clear exactly what engine and transmission combination the Impala was fitted with when it rolled off the production line, but it now sports a 1969-vintage 327ci V8 and a Muncie 4-speed. The Impala runs and drives, and has recently been fitted with a new fuel tank and sender unit. While it does run and drive, the owner says that it should not be considered to be roadworthy. One piece of bad news is the fact that the engine does have a miss, and that the owner believes that this might be courtesy of a faulty valve. This means that the heads could need a rebuild, but if the rest of the engine is healthy, this need not be an expensive process. Personally, I would be tempted to pull the engine to detail it and the engine bay to a high standard during the restoration process. That could represent a chance to treat the engine to a bit of a refresh, meaning that it should not need to be touched again for quite a few years.
The interior of the Impala is actually fairly presentable, and getting it back to its sparkling best should not be difficult. The covers on the seats look quite decent and would appear to not require replacement. The carpet on the passenger-side door trim is looking a bit tatty, but this could be repaired. With the carpet on the floor also looking faded, replacing the lot would seem to be a sensible option. Beyond that, I believe that I can see some cracks in the top of the dash, but everything else looks quite serviceable. The Impala rolled off the line fitted with air conditioning, and while the majority of the system is still present, the compressor and some of the under-hood brackets are now missing. Replacing those would be a good move, as it would make the car feel quite civilized during hotter weather.
When I look at this 1964 Impala I can see exactly why the interest in the car has been so strong. The Impala is a popular choice as a project base, and this one does appear to be both solid and complete. Personally, I’m a bit torn as to exactly what I would do with it if I were to find it parked in my workshop. I tend to think that I would address the few minor rust issues, treat the engine to a refresh and detail, apply a fresh coat of the existing red paint, fit a set of old-school alloy wheels, and then enjoy the car for what it is. However, since I’m not actually going to buy this one, I will be interested to see if any of our readers are tempted, and what they would ultimately do with it.
If one wants a buildable project this Impala doesn’t look bad at all. It doesn’t even seem to have much of the typical rust behind rear wheel wells to rear body mount area or stress cracks at the C-pillars! Definately had a respray at some time; there’s overspray on the tubs in the trunk. I’d like to see its cowl tag, there’s so much info there so how come sellers don’t shoot a pic of it??? Maybe it was Goldwood Yellow, a new color for ’64 and not so often seen?
IMHO the biggest highlight here is the 327/4spd combo. However to me it seems shifter sits too close to the bench? I’m guessing this was a 3spd car. Someone probably tried to ‘SS’-ize it; bench should be covered in a vinyl/cloth combo – rear seat is probably out of a legit SS car.The lower door panel carpet is another addition – non-SS cars had all vinyl panels and the reflectors should be circular.
Seller says wheels don’t come with the car – I’d say I DON’T CARE cuz’ I wouldn’t keep them! If it were mine I wouldn’t make an SS clone at all – I’d have it sprayed in one of the more unusual ’64 colors, have seats covered in the beautiful ’64 cloth, slammed it and let it roll on meatier steelies with poverty caps
The OE shifter was column-mounted. The knuckle is visible on the steering column.
I just pray it doesn’t end up with hydraulics like so many of these seem to do.
A High School Buddy of mine had a non SS Impala 2 door with a 300 Horse 327, 4 speed from the factory , bench seat and a 4.11 Positraction Rear End. He took the 327 numbers off the fender badges…which then indicated it was a 283.
I think it was the 300 horse version…but it had things that always made us wonder if it wasn’t stronger. It had a single AFB 4-barrel sitting on a Hi Rise Cast Iron intake manifold that had BIG runners. It also had 2 1/4″ dual exhaust engine to bumper. It also had solid lifters…he had to adjust the valves occasionally and did have a bit of a lope to it.
He had a few Chevy performance guys look at it there in Birmingham, Alabama where we grew up and they thought it may have been a special order car with a 340 or 350 horse 327. In any case…it was very fast on the street. He never had any trouble running with hot GTO’s, 442’s, etc.
This would be a FUN car to build a sleeper from…maybe a 6.0 LQ9 Escalade motor with some refinements.
John Farabee – 64 Impala engine signs had no numbers above them unless it was a 409. The v sign with no flags indicated 283, v sign with flags was 327. No 300 hp. 327 came with a high rise intake or solid lifters. Probably aftermarket parts unless swapped in a higher hp. 327 from a Corvette.
Interesting to know. I do remember it was a real screamer. I just always remembered that big cast iron intake and 2 1/4″ dual exhaust…and big mufflers…everything really looked factory. If it was a swap…they did a first class job on it.
I’m not a patina guy ,but liking it more and more,Sun baked red looks spectacular on an old square body.A set of tarnished Torque thrust D’s away from perfection.
Over 11 k now,and headed for high teens .
Not a bad price right now and the reserve is met already!! Does the guy have other rims and tires to put on the car for transport???? I would like to bid but I don’t want to send tires and rims to get the car transported!!!
how much for the car