The Impala Super Sport was in its second year in 1962 and would be a huge success. Sales would approach 100,000 copies instead of a few hundred the year before as the focus was changed from performance to style. But you could still get Chevy’s biggest engines in the car, like this 1962 edition with a 409 cubic inch V8, the biggest offered. The photos will have to do the talking on this automobile as it’s being sold through an auction service so little information is provided. This Chevy is available here on Barn Finds Classifieds and in Hesperia, California with a connection to bidfastandlast.com to receive bids, which currently stand at $17,750
In early 1961, Chevrolet introduced RPO-240, the Impala Super Sport Equipment Package. It was available on all body styles except for the Nomad Wagon, but it appeared mainly on 2-door hardtops and convertibles. It was a bargain at under $54, which got the buyer Super Sport trim inside and out, chassis reinforcements, stronger springs and shocks, power brakes, spinner-type wheel covers, and more. But there was a catch: it had to be ordered with either a 348 or 409 V8, of which just 453 were built in 1961.
This 1962 Impala presents well, though the red paint is looking a bit faded. There is no mention in the listing of this being a Super Sport, but we could assume it is given the SS badge on the rear quarter panel. But the RFO code doesn’t appear on the cowl tag where we’ve seen “240” before. The car has the requisite SS bucket seats and console. The odometer reading is just shy of 31,000 miles and no claim of accuracy is presented, so it could also be 131,000 miles. We’re told the Chevy is in running condition and there is a reference to a video showing it in action, but we can’t locate the link.
When you look at this car, it’s hard not to think of the “409” song by the Beach Boys. It was originally released as the B-side of the single “Surfin’ Safari” in 1962, then later included in their 1962 album of the same name, and then once more on their 1963 album “Little Deuce Coupe”. The song is credited for prompting the hot rod music craze of the 1960s. “She’s so fine, my four speed, dual quad, posi-traction four-oh-nine.”
No comment…..
Engine identification trim on front fender is lower than original. Panel gaps on hood and trunk are remarkable: can hardly tell if they are closed or slightly open. Interior looks nice though.
…and the interior (or ‘trim’ as it’s referred to on the cowl tag) is also the safest way to verify a legit pre’64 Impala SS from a regular ‘pala. There are unique codes that will reveal colors ,materials used, whether it was for bench/buckets and also what series.
This one has obviously had its upholstery changed as the 866 decodes to a Fawn cloth+vinyl bench seat for Impala series. A black buckets all vinyl interior would’ve had trim code 812 stamped in the cowl tag
No thanks.
There’s so little info offered in the “description” of this car that I wouldn’t pay anything for it. Who can possibly tell how much it’s worth?
Yeah, let’s just “assume” shall we…
1962 had a generator not an alternator. I think something is not right here.
…however many owners chose to convert to an alternator later on… There are other signs here that will reveal what we’re looking at
Looks nice. Love those steering wheels. Would be way pricey when it ends…
A lot of haters on this one but I love it for what it is!!
The car was originally Honduras Maroon with a Fawn Beige interior – an interesting color combination, for sure. More common on a ’62 Vette than an Impala.
Lots of questions on this one. But if I remember correctly 62 409’s had fuel line to the fuel pump run down the passenger side frame and into the engine compartment above the frame and in board of the A arm. Can’t tell on this one.
The 409 emblems go on top of the flags, do your research before you try to scam, some of us were there when this car was new.
Sold for $42,000, the high bid.