The best word to describe this 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS is “stunning.” It isn’t just that it looks beautiful, but its gorgeous panels and paint hide a drivetrain that should offer enough performance to satisfy most enthusiasts. It is a classic car that would seem to need nothing beyond a new owner who will appreciate its overall condition. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D, who has once again demonstrated his ability to spot some stunning classics for us. The Impala is located in Bee Spring, Kentucky, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has soared to $43,901, although this figure remains short of the reserve.
It is hard to know where to start with this Impala. It presents superbly in Roman Red, with no evidence of flaws or defects. The paint shines beautifully, while the panels are as straight as an arrow. The gaps are as tight and consistent as you are likely to find in a Chevrolet of this vintage, and there is no evidence of previous accident damage. When considering a classic of this era, the subject of rust will always raise its head. The buyer will not have to worry about sleepless nights with this beauty because not only are the panels spotlessly clean, but the underside shots reveal that this vehicle is in as-new condition. The level of presentation makes you think that even surface corrosion would be scared to show its face here. The external trim is excellent, including the bumpers, over-riders, and those funky exhaust ports. The fender skirts accentuate the car’s long and low stance, while the glass is immaculate. The glass is one of the keys to what makes these “bubbleback” Impalas so impressive. These are big cars, but the vast expanses of glass help them look light and airy. It was a clever styling ploy by Chevrolet, and it still looks stunning today.
While the owner doesn’t indicate whether this Impala is numbers-matching, its drivetrain is pretty mouthwatering. The engine bay is occupied by a 348ci Tri-Power V8 that should be producing 350hp. Those Chevrolet thoroughbreds find their way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The Impala is surprisingly light for its overall size, tipping the scales at 3,635 lbs. That makes it easy to understand how it could achieve a ¼-mile ET of 15.9 seconds. That figure might not look that impressive today, but it was nothing to be sneezed at in 1961. The engine bay presents as impressively as the rest of the vehicle, with some chrome touches to give it an edge. However, this car is about far more than mere good looks. The seller indicates that it runs and drives perfectly, making it ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
Opening the doors of this SS is like slipping into a time machine. The upholstered surfaces are finished in a combination of Red, White, and Silver and are in flawless condition. They make a startling visual statement that is further reinforced by the beautiful Red carpet. The dash is a thing of beauty, with its plated and polished components shining magnificently. The painted surfaces are perfect, and the wheel shows no cracks. There is a column-mounted tachometer and some Sunpro gauges mounted under the dash. This Impala also features its factory AM radio and the rare tissue dispenser. It would be easy to climb behind the wheel of this classic and feel like you have stepped back to 1961.
As you have probably already gathered, I am quite taken by this 1961 Impala SS. It presents superbly, and the drivetrain should offer performance to match its good looks. It is worth noting that this is not the first time the owner has listed this classic for sale. I have been able to trace at least two prior listings, and on both occasions, the vehicle failed to reach its reserve. That is, even though in one of those auctions, spirited bidding took the price to $50,000. That raises the question of where the reserve might be set this time. I wouldn’t be surprised if the price has to nudge towards $70,000 before this is achieved. There is still time left on the auction, so this might be worth watching closely. If it hits the reserve and is within your price range, you might be able to secure it by slipping in a sneaky last-minute bid. You never know your luck.
Adam, nice write up. I clicked on the eBay link you provided, and it brings up the 65 you have listed below this. Should I assume that this has been restored, or original? Regardless though, what a sweet bubble top!
Ah, man, beautiful car but…here is a car where someone said “I’m going to add every option available”. As in skirts (with flashy chrome edge), fishing pole antennas, cutesy gas door trim (with matching door handle trim), bumper ‘guardettes’ front and rear, faux ‘exhaust’ ports (ala stick-on Buick ports), and the ever popular hanky dispenser. Surprised it doesn’t have the stop light prism and curb feelers. Oh, and lose the headlight eyebrows. OK, I’m done.
What? No fuzzy dice?
You said it for me. Over-restored, and so many Chevy collectors are guilty of it. I’m betting nobody back in the day would put skirts on a `61 SS. As it is, skirts were dying out by `61, except for cars made for them like Cadillacs. I can’t fault this car; only it’s gingerbread that doesn’t work on this car.
And, by the way, I’ve never heard “bubbleback”. Bubble top.
The listing refers to it as a “bubbleback”. I think the error may have slipped by Adam (in his haste to post?).
The ’61 Chevy doesn’t need all the geegaws this one has, especially those awful skirts. They were a beautiful car as-is. IMHO the best-looking Chevy of all is the two-door hardtop ’61.
One of THE coolest steering wheels ever!
Lose the grandma skirts and I add a set of chrome reverse wheels and you are good to go……
I totally agree with you Steve. That steering wheel was pure class.
I agree with you Steve that’s exactly how mine was set up Chrome reverse wheels and yes that’s the best factory steering wheel ever still my favorite mine was also a 348 TG later converted to 4sp exact same interior but mine was white with black side spear which was kinda unusual most had red side trim one of the cars wish I had back wasn’t that fast but still fun after swapping in the 4sp
That makes 3 of us who loved that steering wheel.
BF,
Give credit where credit is really due.
Instead of citing “Larry D’s demonstrated ability to spot some stunning classics for us”…..how about just telling readers each time you see a vehicle posted with pics using the same white fence backdrop coming out of Bee Spring. KY. to simply check the link below to S&S Classics aka the “owner” (you know darn good and well who they are) you always refer to them when re-posting every Impala/Biscayne they put up for sale?
https://www.sandsclassiccars.com
@Mark
Thanks a lot for your support!
I hope this seller is paying BF a kickback since all of their cars end up here.
I’m glad I’m not the only one that detests, hates, despises the fender skirts!
I love fender skirts on the right car and I had one of these brand new and put fender skirts on it. To me it makes the car look longer. You guys would like blackwalls on it DAH Oh and I had the fuzzy dice also.
I would like it if it was the convertible! My mother had a white one with red interior and white drop top when i was a boy— i loved it but she hated it!
I guess alot of you guys where not around in the 60s because what this car has was popular at the time, to me it is a time capsule.
Fender skirts on a car like this, back then were not unusual at all. And I liked them too.
I submitted this car and it is beautiful but it has one big flaw to me. The 1961 Impala SS had the narrower whitewalls like cars had starting in 1962. And so for that reason, the wide whitewalls on this car ruin it.
Easy enough to change, I agree but when one pays this much for an Impala, you would sort of expect it to have the proper tires.
If you look at factory brochures they look right.
Nice write up.
Unfortunately, when I click on the eBay link it opens to an auction for a 1965 Corvette convertible.
Try this link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265487902204?hash=item3dd04fe5fc:g:a2IAAOSwE~thi9Dc