The Chevrolet Impala dominated the U.S. car scene in the 1960s and 1970s. At the peak in 1965, more than one million of them were built and sold in that year alone. Convertibles were still popular when this Impala was assembled in 1970 and it spent at least 20 years in Florida as a winter driver when the owner (s) would come south during the cold months. Though it runs, rust has become an issue, in part due to it being left covered during a tropical storm (and the wet cover staying in place for months thereafter).
Chevrolet’s full-size automobiles were ready for a redesign by the time the 1970s were produced, with the 1971s being all-new from head to toe. Styling for the Impala was an evolution of the update that came in ’69, with the wraparound front grille being retired. The taillights were now oblong and embedded in the rear bumper. A lot of the Impalas were sold that year with the 350 cubic inch V8, the same one found in the seller’s drop-top.
As the story goes, this Chevy was purchased about 40 years ago in Largo, Florida from its original owner. At the time, the car had been little used with just 39,000 miles on the odometer. Only 13,000 more have been added since then as it was used only a few months each year. Despite being idle in recent times, according to the seller, the Impala runs well though it hasn’t seen the highway in a long time.
The Chevy found its way to Ohio about 25 years ago, but that’s after the body had begun to deteriorate. There is an abundance of surface rust and some of the body panels and parts of the undercarriage look awfully soft as corrosion has set in. Despite this, the interior and convertible top all look pretty good. There can’t be many of these convertibles still out there, so would you invest in a thorough restoration? From Dayton, Ohio, this vintage Impala is available here on eBay. The current bid is $2,052 and there’s no reserve in sight.
That salt air in Florida is a real killer. Instead of your car rusting in just the lower areas of the car like in the northeast, your car rusts from everywhere inside and out. I’m sure the owners were heartbroken.
I’ve seen Ohio rust (I’m from Ohio), and I’ve seen Florida rust (I now live in Tampa). This car has both varieties.
Rustbucket !
Reasonable $$
I have to always wonder about any car from Florida. Nothing against Florida but you know just saying. If cars could talk you wouldn’t have to worry about that but they can’t. So
If a classic car in Florida is stored in a garage, and not driven in the rain, it will look perfect underneath and stay rust-free up top.
If it sits outside in the rain, the rain gutters will rust into the A-pillars, and rust will develop where trim attaches to the body. Condensation is a problem too, so the lip of the hood and trunk will rust, as with this Chevy.
Let’s not leave coastal California cars out.
Must have been a nice car when it was new. Convertible with power windows and air. Fifty years has taken a toll.
the 68-70 Full size Chevies are known to be rust buckets, sadly , this is one of them…
Rust never rest.