409/4-Speed: 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS

When you look at the supplied photos of this 1964 Impala SS, you would be forgiven for thinking that you are looking at a restored classic. Nothing could be further from the truth because the paint and panels on this SS are original. With a 409ci V8 under the hood, it should offer the muscle to complement its stunning good looks. I once again have to thank Barn Finder Larry D for proving that his well-tuned radar can spot some absolute gems for us. The Impala is located in Kyle, Texas, and is listed for sale here on eBay. While the owner has set the auction to open at $45,000, there have been no bids at the time of writing.

While many muscle cars wear bright and vibrant paint colors, occasionally, companies like Chevrolet would produce something more conservative but no less striking. That is the case with the Azure Aqua that graces this Impala’s panels. It is a timeless shade, and while some colors fail to stand the test of time, this one wouldn’t look out of place on any manufacturer’s modern offerings. The paint on our SS shines beautifully, and the owner claims that it is 100% original. Close examination reveals some flaws and chips, but if the buyer decides to retain the car as an original survivor, its condition would be considered to be more than acceptable. The panels look wonderfully straight, and it is difficult to spot any dings, dents, or bruises of any consequence. That inevitably leads us to the subject of rust, and it is here that the Impala demonstrates its consistency. The panels look about as clean as you could ever hope to find, while the underside defies the years by presenting perfectly. This is an underside where even surface corrosion would be afraid to appear, meaning that the buyer won’t be spending any unnecessary cash on repairs. The chrome and trim are above-average for a survivor of this age, while there are no issues with the glass.

When we lift this Impala’s hood, we reveal the beating heart that allows this classic to stand head-and-shoulders above mere mortals. The original owner ordered this beast with a 409ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. With 340hp available under the right foot, it should be capable of despatching the ¼ mile in 14.9 seconds. This is where the story starts to become slightly confusing because while the engine block is numbers-matching, many of the other components aren’t. The rear end shows a date of 1957, while the transmission is late 1964 or 1965. The owner indicates that the cylinder heads are also different, while the factory add-on dual-quad setup is not for this car. However, that updated intake and carburetors mean that the driver should have a few additional ponies at their command. The owner has recently rebuilt the suspension and brakes, representing money well-spent for potential buyers. He says that the Impala runs and drives perfectly, meaning that the successful bidder could potentially fly in and drive this baby home.

If we turn our attention to the Impala’s interior, it is another area of the car that presents well for an original survivor. There is a small tear and flaw on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, and if I were to buy this car, I’d be heading straight to an upholsterer to have this repaired before it could deteriorate further. After all, the interior trim is 100% original, so why tempt fate? Beyond that one issue, there’s not much to criticize. The remaining black upholstered surfaces are in excellent condition, the same is true of the dash and pad, and there’s no major wear or fading on the carpet. The original owner equipped the SS with a console and the factory tach, and these items remain intact. Somebody has swapped the factory radio for a modern stereo, but since they haven’t cut the dash, sourcing and installing an original radio should not be a drama.

When I look at this 1964 Impala SS, I see a stunning car that should provide more than enough performance to satisfy most enthusiasts. It isn’t perfect, but it wears its survivor badge with pride. There’s no doubt that it would command attention at a Cars & Coffee, and that attention would intensify the moment the owner lifts the hood. Two things surprise me. The first is that there have been no bids, while the second is that only fourteen people are watching the listing. I expected a classic of this caliber to garner more interest. With the response so sluggish, does that tempt you to make a play for this classic?