Along with the rest of GM’s full-size cars, the Chevy Impala had gotten bigger and heavier as the years went by. It would go on a diet in 1977 in response to the market wanting more fuel-efficient automobiles after the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. Sales increased as a result though the cars were mostly unchanged in 1978 and 1979. This ’79 Impala Sport Coupe is a two-owner vehicle that’s been at least partially restored. Located in Point of Rocks, Maryland, this nice Bow-Tie is available here on craigslist for $7,950 as a tip brought to us by Rocco B.!
The sixth generation of the Chevy Impala was considerably shorter and lighter in 1977 vs. 1976. Yet the cars offered as much or more interior space for people and their stuff. While it came across as an all-new product, the frame was carried over but shortened for the reborn automobile. Gone were pillarless hardtops (in the name of safety) and the 1977 to 1979 pillared sport coupes had an interesting double-bend rear window that would be repeated in a way later on the Aerocoupe version of the Monte Carlo.
Less weight meant smaller engines could be used. If you wanted a V8, your choices were a 267, 305, or 350 cubic inch engine. One of them is likely under the hood of this Chevy, but the seller doesn’t indicate which one. It and the automatic transmission were rebuilt at about 150,000 miles while the overall car has more than a quarter-million miles (and doesn’t look it). Nearly 30,000 of the coupes were produced in 1979 before the manufacturer went strictly with 4-door full-size cars.
This is a good-looking transport, but somewhat plain Impala as buyers who wanted more were taking home the Caprice. Its second owner (the seller?) has owned the machine for 30 years and has taken very good care of it. While no mention is made of a repaint, the interior was redone at some point in the original upholstery material. Despite its mileage, this auto is said to have spent much of its 46 years in a garage and everything still works, even the factory air conditioning. Does this daily driver get any room in your future?
That car has been for sale off and on for years because despite rebuilt components it creaks like there’s no tomorrow and that was several years ago.
Also two factual errors in this write up
First the window in the Monte Carlo and this car were made using two entirely different techniques and the MC window does not have the filament. The window on this Impala is more like the Toronado of this vintage whereas the MC window is more like the 1982 Camaro
Second you could still get an Impala coupe until 1981 and a Caprice coupe until 1987 with the exclusion of 1983.
If the ’77 frame was shorter between the wheels, had shorter overhangs, and was narrower, how could it be carried over from the ’71-’76 version? The designs may have been similar, but that’s where it ends. Wikipedia got this one wrong.
The window may be interestingly-shaped, but the front’s about as ‘aero’ as a brick.
Quite a well-kept auld bus, though. Not for me, though.
Needs whitewall tires. Not a car for everyone, but I’d be keen to have it my garage.
The full-size Chevys created quite a stir when they were introduced. Its a noteworthy generation.
I had one of these (’78 Impala) in silver with a black interior. I put a set of 15″ rally wheels on it w/ 275-60’s in the back and 235-70’s front. I had the vinyl top removed during a repaint to look like this one. I think they look much better without it. Mine had the 305 and was pretty much a slug, but it looked great. For a small V-8 I thought it was kind of thirsty, but that R-12 A/C system blew ice ice cold. I sold when my kids started driving because it seemed like we had a fleet of cars, but I sure do miss it.
Aero??? That’s an oxymoron how is a box aerodynamic look at it the whole car is made from 90 degree angles reminds me of my rubics cube.
267 came online in 80, 77 to 79 had the 4.1 inline 6 as base with upgrade to 305 and 350. This one is nice especially with the dual mirrors and chrome bumpers with no rubber strips.
(IMO) The rubber bumper strips made the cars look better, as they “removed/disguised” some of the visual bulk of those huge bumpers.
Why, oh why, don’t people mention what size engine they have in their cars? This isn’t the first time. OK, at least this one says V8, but seriously, it’s the thing that actually makes the car GO!
I has this model, similar color back in the late ’80s as as teenager. Armor All’ed the Vinyl bench seat to make it shine. Left hand on the steering wheel at 10 o’clock & the other arm across the top of the seat. While making a right hand turn, smash the gas and my date slides right next to me. Oh Jenny!
Lovely looking car. If only more pics were posted.
I liked these full size two doors and the distinctive rear window. My choice of wheels would be keystone classics to make it rest of the car stand out.
Air conditioning makes me think this is 305. Pretty nice for a basic car.
GM had some great colour combinations available in the late 70’s. This isn’t one of them. We had a 4 dr. Impala on the rental fleet that was this green and green interior. Several customers actually felt ill riding in it. I was actually happy when some kid stole it. I was unhappy when the insurance company recovered it and the manager bought it back. Practically had to give it away when it was sold.
Nice car, seems as if it was well taken care of.
My understanding is the reason for the rear window design was GM’s response to Ford’s re-designed T-Bird that dominated NASCAR (back when they still used REAL cars; and so that GM could change their windows to match the more aerodynamic T-Bird, NASCAR required them to incorporate the design in their “street” cars.
This 44 year old car appears to be in great shape and very original. The two door coupes are becoming more collectible with each year in that there are not many in the market. Nice car at nice price.
These cars were nothing like the older b-bodies, smaller in every sense. If you got one with F-41 suspension you had a car that would handle. It actually would out do the Porsche in 77.