The 1961 model year was the last for a “bubbletop” Chevrolet with Impala badging. The next year, the Impala Sport Coupe was treated to a formal roofline, but the second-tier Bel Air would soldier on with that style of top for one more outing. The seller has a 1961 Impala with a 409 cubic-inch V8, although it is not currently in the car, and may or may not require more than just an installation. Located in Carmicheals, Pennsylvania, this potentially rare automobile is available here on craigslist for $50,000 OBO. Bravo to Mitchell G. for this Bow-Tie tip!
By the time the 1960s began, the outrageous tailfins of the 1950s had started to fall out of favor with buyers and designers. So, for 1961, the “batwings” that defined the big Chevrolets of 1959 and 1960 were gone. The 1961 Chevy Biscaynes, Bel Airs, and Impalas were trimmer yet boxier than their predecessors and would add up to record sales by 1965. The “Turbo-Thrust” 409 cubic inch V8 got its beginnings in 1961, as did the Super Sport (both legendary).
The seller doesn’t provide us with many details about this Impala, and the photos don’t do justice to a car whose condition is described as “excellent.” The odometer reading is a plug figure that’s seven digits long. The paint is black, but we don’t know the condition of the interior. Since the seller describes the “bubbletop” as a rolling project, the 409 motor is sitting on the floor rather than in the engine bay. A 4-speed manual transmission is mentioned.
We’re told that the seller has lost interest in the car, which may explain the half-hearted approach to selling it. The parts needed to complete the Chevrolet are all there somewhere, so if you’ve been wanting a 409 bubbletop for yourself, here’s your chance. With any luck, the surviving hardware is numbers-matching.
Always a crowd favorite 👍 🏁
Can only base an opinion on what I see, this `61 appears fairly complete but yes–an interior shot or two might help with that determination. Was this an ORIGINAL “SS”, or a ‘tribute’? That needs to be verified as well. And how could the seller “lose interest” in such a hot project? He’s got most if not all the pcs, so what’s not to like? More questions than answers on this one. I still think it won’t last long. Someone who KNOWS `61 Impalas will find it and *poof!* it’s gone! GLWTA!
It’s not an SS at all, which, I believe, also means it’s not an original 409 car.
I think there were some 1961 409 Biscayne’s built.
Steve R
How do you know if this is not an authentic “SS”? I see the fender badge, but can’t see the insides to further discern. I believe yes–it’s not an original 409; so many more today than the factory originally built. Probably a 283 when built.
You didn’t have to but an SS to get a 409.
The crossed flags emblems you see on the trunk and quarter panels indicate the big block engine, not sure if there’s a distinction between 348 and 409 versions. SS had “SS” trunk and quarter panel emblems, as well as special wheel covers. Inside, a grab bar was added to the dash in front of the passenger, which does not appear to be present here. I suppose it could be an SS, but someone would have had to take the unusual step of making it look like a regular Impala.
Not sure how good the *Poof * it’s gone is going to work with that price and only four pictures and hardly any information.
50K for an assembly required classic car. Yes you are correct someone with a good eye will put this back in service. It’s just the seller gets all the $$$ and you have to do all the work ! A no go for my point of view.
I agree Jim C there’s no point in spending this kind of money if you have to add another $30,000 worth of work.
Hmmmmm… Let’s see… four photos and 20 words on CraigsList to sell a $50,000 project car?
This ad screams TROUBLE.
The first car of my mom’s I have memory of was a pink 57 with a white top. I’ll never forget the cool factor of the little door in the fin where the gas cap was located.
The next car was a 61 white bubble top with a red interior. The car amazed us kids because it had AC, power windows, and If I’m not mistaken it had dual antennas on the back. I was too young to know about Super Sports, or any grown up stuff. I do remember it had a bench seat as my normal riding position was standing on the back seat leaning forward and resting on the back of the front seat.
A little while later my dad went out on his own and lost his company car, sold the car and bought a yellow 61 Chevy pickup with the eyebrows and a Rambler for my mom. Mom did not like the Rambler. With another kid on the way, dad traded for a Buick Special station wagon about a year later. Station wagons for the next 10-12 years. All good Times!
I really like this car – for the style/looks. But no way worth the 50k and still put all together. Perhaps 20 K and a good personal inspection and that’s a stretch – ok maybe $25k.
seller lost some much interest they couldn’t even post a ton of pics or a description that would make you want more info. good luck
Agreed with other comments needs more pictures and documentation and info. A lot of money for needing to be put together!
I just saw one of these in red at a local car show in red. Beautiful condition and ALL ORIGINAL (except for the optional cut-out exhaust?). Beautiful car and it is for sale for same cost as this or less!
Not nice enough for the money.
I’m not so sure this is a “rare automobile”. There were only around 450 SS’ built in 61, and only about 140 Chevy’s came with 409’s in 61, but there were almost 178,000 Impala Sport Coupes made. Nothing in the ad indicates that this car is a real 61 SS, or that the 409 is original to this car, or even a 61 casting 409. The fact the engine has “Edelbrock” valve covers on it seems to indicate it’s not the, or an original engine.
Just about every thing needed to clone a 61 SS is available as a repro, making any 61 SS suspect, especially when there are now far more on the road than Chevrolet ever made.
The 409 was not limited to the SS, or even the Impala, and the SS package was not limited to the Sport Coupe or convertible in 61. The SS package was available on any 61 Impala. I’m in Carlisle PA for the Corvette show right now so I can’t check my copy, but the 61 SS brochure shows either a wagon or a 4 door in it with the SS option on it. It’s not known if there were ever any 4 doors or wagons ordered with the package.
“Dyno” Don Nicholson dominated the 61 NHRA Super Stock class with a 409 61 Impala, but his car started life with a 348. Nicholson was provided one of the very first 409 engine’s by Chevrolet and he added to the car.
Got the bumper guards covered.