In 1961, Chevrolet only built a handful of bruisers with Super Sport (SS) badging. Sure, some muscle could still be had after that, but the SS went more mainstream in 1962, selling 99,000 copies in the process. That’s because any Chevy powerplant could now go into the car, including the 409 cubic-inch V8 like in the seller’s auto. This beauty was recently rescued from a garage where it had been parked for 46 years. Looking sharp, it’s in Warren, New Jersey, and available here on craigslist. The asking price? $65,000. Thanks for the heads up on this beauty, T.J.!
The 409 V8 was new in 1962, replacing the retired 348 as the biggest engine Chevrolet offered in a production automobile. Two versions were available: a single 4-barrel with an output of 380 hp and twin 4-barrels at 409 hp, one horse per cubic inch. The former engine was more commonly ordered and production estimates for that engine are in the thousands. The quads were seen less often, so in an Impala SS with a 4-speed manual, there aren’t likely that many still around. However, what would truly be rare are the ones with aluminum fenders and hoods for less weight, making them factory race cars.
As the story goes, this Impala was seen regularly on the street of Naples, Florida from the time it was new until 1975. For reasons unknown, it went into dry storage and stayed there until just recently. It has survived nicely, and no mention is made as to whether the body, paint, or interior required anything beyond some TLC. The odometer reading is just 64,000 miles.
The seller is adamant that the car is a genuine article and is unrestored. But that’s not totally accurate. The drivetrain and other mechanical items have been rebuilt to endure their reliability, so you can’t hang the “survivor” label on this gorgeous vehicle. It would be numbers matching if it were not for the fact that the block was replaced with a correct one from 1963. The car almost looks like a sleeper with the Baby Moon dish hub caps, with the only giveaway being the wider wheels and tires fitted on the back.
Very nice car.What year or why was the motor changed?? Or was it under GM warranty in 1963??
The Craigslist add says ” is a 100% factory original Matching # car the real thing” and then “This is an original matching # car the engine block only has been replaced with a correct 1963 dual quad QB code high performance block”
Hmmmmm. Not matching #s.
I neglected to mention in a post on the Galaxy 400 last year that this car also halted our drag racing efforts by ripping our shorts off on the drag strip. Nice example. Bet it’s fun to turn this beast loose on the streets.
This looks like some recently inherited a cool car that has been in storage for a long time. If my Grandpa left me a car like this in his will, I would still be driving it. Cool car, but I would figure out a way to keep it for a while.
Some great cars showing up lately. Another rocket here. 🚀 man it must have been fun on the street and strips in the old days.
It was Stan. different world then but wouldn’t trade growing up in the 60’s for anything. Cruising, the stoplight drags, chasing the girls. Don’t think there will ever be a decade like it again
My thoughts on the engine replacement are too many rpm’s. The 409’s, like the 348’s, were prone to self-destruct when pushed toward the red line. The Ford and Chrysler engines of the same period held up much better.
It looks like the brakes have been updated. That sure doesn’t look like any stock standard 62 Chevy Master cylinder I have ever come across.
Dual master cylinder. Wrong shifter, Neither are a problem. The problem is the seller is misrepresenting it the CL ad.
Dual master cylinder. Wrong shifter, Neither are a problem. The problem is the seller is misrepresenting on CL
plus they say 409 new for 1962 there was a 409 mid 1961 360hp with tri power very few made but 1962 was 2nd year for the 406
No tri-power;single AFB 360 hp!
i stand corrected your right single 4 barrell 360 hp only 348 had tri power but 1961 was first year for 409 not 1962 you agree
Al, there was never a 409 with tri-power 61’s were single 4bbl @ 360 HP 62’s came with single 4bbl or dual quads
you are right as i said i stand corrected in 1962 i was in high school and had a 1958 black on black impala 250 hp 348 with 4 barrell loved that car and in 1961 only 348s had tripower 409 only 4 barrell other tripower friend has 1961 Pontiac 389 tripower i raced him with my 348 got a good view of his tail lights
About 5 decades ago a friend had one of these. He hardly ever drove it as he also owned a GTO Judge that he bought new. Both cars were 4 speed. Those were the days.
God bless America
This must be THE car that the Beach Boys sang about in “409”! Beautiful and probably a blast to drive!