I have long considered the 1960s the golden age in automotive history. The 1950s produced cars that were undeniably stunning with styling that became more futuristic as the decade progressed. However, the 1960s saw the rise of the horsepower race. Manufacturers didn’t face the specter of emission regulations, leaving them free to transform humble family sedans into fire-breathing muscle cars. There is no better example than this 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS. It is an unassuming classic that presents superbly. Many will believe the company’s decision to slot a 409ci Dual Quad V8 under the hood transformed the mild into the wild. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the Impala here on eBay in Williamsport, Maryland. Bidding sits below the reserve at $28,500, although there is time for potential buyers to check their funds and make a play for this gem.
The 1964 model year marked the end of the line for Chevrolet’s Third Generation Impala, and the company took it out in a blaze of glory. The SS variant joined the range in 1960 and became more potent during this Generation’s production run. The original owner ordered this SS in Palomar Red, and its presentation is first-rate. A close inspection will undoubtedly reveal minor imperfections, but it will certainly turn heads. The paint retains an impressive shine, with the seller confirming it received a restoration many years ago. It must have been treated respectfully because the overall appearance seems better than their assessment of the car being an 8/10 vehicle. The panels are wonderfully straight, and the supplied images support the claim that this Impala is rust-free. The chrome and glass are in excellent order, with the spotless spinner hubcaps providing a classy finishing touch. You must scrutinize the exterior to spot the subtle badges telling us there is more to this classic than meets the eye.
Buyers faced a broad selection of motors to power their new 1964 Impala SS, but this car’s original owner refused to compromise. They selected the legendary 409ci V8, and by ticking the box beside the Dual-Quad version, they had 425hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. They backed the monster motor with a four-speed manual transmission, and while the Impala is a car that tips the scales at 3,730 lbs and can comfortably seat five adults, it can still storm the ¼-mile in 14.5 seconds. Keeping the pedal to the metal will see the needle nudge 142mph. The seller believes this car is numbers-matching, although they don’t seem entirely sure. The rebuilt engine runs nicely, and the car drives. They performed some upgrades to improve safety, including adding a four-wheel disc brake setup. There are minor tasks for the new owner to complete, like performing an alignment and tweaking the exhaust. However, returning this mechanically healthy classic to active service shouldn’t take much time or effort.
Describing this Impala’s interior as perfect would probably stretch credibility, but it is comfortably tidy enough for those seeking a survivor-grade classic. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and physical damage, with the same true of the carpet. There are no dash issues and no signs of UV damage. Someone has swapped the factory radio for a retro-style stereo, but reversing that change would be easy for those preferring a “stock” appearance. The bucket seats and console add a classy air, and the factory tachometer helps the driver monitor the monster under the hood.
This 1964 Impala SS is a stunning car offering performance to match its looks. It is doubtful we will ever see its type again because the new car landscape has changed dramatically since the glory days of the 1960s. It seems many buyers want to experience all this car offers, with thirty-five bids submitted already. I don’t blame them because it only requires minor work to become a complete package that will receive respect wherever it goes. I won’t be surprised if we have readers who join the bidding war, and I wish you luck if you do. I would only ask one thing respectfully: If you become its new owner, can you let us know if it is as wonderful as the listing and images suggest? I can’t be the only person who is itching to know.
Wow, certainly checked every box all of us readers would have ! The only thing not original is brake system, and that’s worth it all the way. Would this have even had front disc brakes as an option ? My first car was a ’72 Mercury Comet GT with non-power assisted drums on 4 corners, not a set up I would ever tolerate again
Beautiful indeed, right down to the original wheel covers. The 409 is an old truck engine, best Chevy could come up with the time, still good enough for the drag strips. I had a friend in the late sixties with one in blue, 327 with a four speed, a wondeful car and all the power he said he ever needed.
Thank you. You know, once I went ’round and ’round, with someone who insisted it was not. I think the 348 came out for the Task Force trucks in 1958. It wasn’t a particularly powerful motor, but had torque needed for gas job trucks, and the best they had. Besides, by 1964, GM was getting whalloped at the race track, and they knew it. Not many raced a ’64 Chevy with a 409. In ’65, the 396 changed everything.
348 was org the truck engine 409 was never offered in trucks and the passenger car 348 was different than the truck truck had 348 up till 1964 where last year for passenger cars was 1961 also ss model did not come out till mid 1961
409’s came in trucks. Not sure where people get there infromation from. Not only have I seen many of them, a simple innerweb search proves this. 1962-1965, suffix codes QD, QE and QJ. I almost bought a 409 engine at auction, but didn’t when I found it to be a truck 409.
if they so inclined either the current seller or the new owner can recover the serial numbers same process they uses doing on a gun. if you really want to see how just Google “recovering obliterated serial number”
from what I understand the problem with the 409 was the crankshaft main bearing journals were undersized and prone to failure
Wow ! What a BEAUTIFUL Automobile or Classic I might say ! The ’64 Chevrolet Impala has a special place in my life as it was the ” very first car I ever drove back in 1970 . My dear parents owned it and we put a lot of miles on that odometer , mostly local driving and vacations . It’s a shame they don’t make cars like that any more , but times change . It’s appearant that many people today ” appreciate” those vintage autos , and for different reasons ! Happy Motoring
64s rule in my book but 409s/ 348s not so much. I had a 348 3×2 59 convertible and a 62 and 64 with them. they are neat to look at but that’s it for me. My first car a silver poly blue convertible with every option the original owner could have them trowel on it. I still have that car along with a 59 convertible that I replaced that 348 3×2 thing with. Even with the big radiator and what not they ran hot. Aluminum rads are likely much better for them today but 40 years back they were a pain. Water pumps and lots of items were scarce and pricey. I knew guys with them and they drove them very infrequently years back. One guy wanted to trade me one equipped like this in black for my convertible and I flatly refused. Iconic now as are many. Drivable for long periods, I still say no.
The only other option needed is a vacuum gauge to control the dual carbs.
Certainly looks better than just another 20-footer and the drivetrain captured my attention. The ’64 is my second favorite X-frame Impala after the ’62 and this presents well. I’m only wondering why the seller didn’t take the time to get the alignment and exhaust work done before listing.
Fighting a sudden urge to break into a Beach Boys song.
Strange at first I thought it was a car converted to a elcamino
Too much under hood rubber fuel line!
Wow, I owned a tan 64 Chevy ss 327 eng. With a4/11 rear end posi. ,4 on the floor and that thing flew. Brings back a lot of great memories.
what HP 327 was it I had a 1963 reg Impala not a ss convertible only had 250 HP with 4 speed and 4:11s great off the line