Sitting on this trailer is a classic with a bit of a story to tell. The seller purchased it from the widow of the previous owner. It has sat since 2010 but is a solid beast that could be the ultimate sleeper. Beneath that subtle exterior beats a heart of pure gold that would provide mind-bending performance. This solid classic needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in San Tan Valley, Arizona. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $27,000.

There’s a bit to consider with this Impala. The seller apologizes for accidentally misrepresenting the car in their listing, confirming that it isn’t a genuine SS despite the badges. They lowered their reserve accordingly, leading me to give them top marks for honesty. The car has spent its life around its current location, helping to explain the baked state of its Palomar Red paint. It has been detailed since these photos were shot, with the seller willing to forward updated images to potential buyers. The panels show no significant damage, but the lack of substantial rust might attract some enthusiasts. This small section on the hood’s trailing edge appears to be it. The remaining exterior steel is clean, with the seller confirming the floors and trunk pan are rock-solid. The trim looks like it would respond well to polish, and the glass is free from major problems. Depending on how the Impala presents following its detailing, the winning bidder might be able to address the rust but preserve the rest of the car as a survivor. If they choose that option, its drivetrain could make it a genuine sleeper that could surprise the unwary.

Lifting the Impala’s hood provides a sight guaranteed to warm the hearts of enthusiasts with gasoline pumping through their veins. Whether the car is numbers-matching is unclear, but it should provide an entertaining driving experience regardless. The “QB” engine block suffix code confirms this is the Dual-Quad version of the 409ci V8. This monster would have sent 425hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Adding power assistance for the steering and brakes guaranteed the driver would not have expended too much energy behind the wheel. This Impala will tip the scales at 3,706 lbs, but that beautiful V8 would have fired it through the ¼-mile in 14.5 seconds. Given a long enough piece of straight road, the needle would have nudged 140mph. The seller admits the car hasn’t roared into life in over ten years when the previous owner treated it to the occasional trip to the drags. However, it ran when parked, and a decade isn’t that long for a car to sit. It might take surprisingly little effort to coax it back to life. The seller has provided a starting point by fitting new tires and clipping on the original hubcaps.

The Impala’s interior is a mixed bag, with the seller admitting it has changed significantly since these photos were taken. The previous owner had removed the major components and commenced reassembly when he passed away. The car sat for a decade, but the interior is finally in its rightful place. The Trim Tag confirms it originally featured a bench seat, not the buckets and console we see here. There is a factory tach, but an aftermarket one is mounted beside the driver’s right knee. The upholstered surfaces look pretty nice, and interested parties can request additional photos to determine the transformation.

I’m sure I am not alone in wondering whether the powerhouse under the hood is original to this Impala. It is probably of little consequence to most enthusiasts, but it will have some impact on its potential value. I believe the bidding will have to pass $30,000 before achieving the reserve, but the fifteen submitted so far suggest it should happen. What would you do with this classic if it found its way into your workshop? Would it be restoration or preservation? The car would draw admiring looks in either form, and its drivetrain would command respect when let off the leash. I’d find it hard to choose. Would you?