Few full-size Chevrolets stir interest quite like a genuine bubble top, and this 1961 Chevrolet Impala listed here on eBay brings that rare roofline together with a long-off-the-road California history. According to the seller, this is a real Impala bubble top, not a conversion, and it comes with both the door jamb VIN and the cowl tag still in place. The car is said to have been off the road for many years, making it a true long-term project candidate rather than a recently shuffled-around flip. Thanks for the tip, Mitchell G.!
Power comes from a 283 V8 paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission, both of which are reported to be present and believed to be original to the car. While the listing shows mileage as “0,” it’s clear that this reflects an unknown or undocumented reading rather than actual use. As with most cars that have sat for extended periods, the assumption is that recommissioning would be part of the next owner’s plan.
The car is finished in gold with a tan interior, and the seller describes it as very complete and original, which is a major plus for anyone taking on a bubble top restoration. These cars are prized not just for their dramatic roof design, but also for how well they lend themselves to different build directions. The seller openly suggests that this Impala would make a great restomod or patina-style build, and that flexibility is part of the appeal here. Whether someone wants to preserve what’s left of its originality or take it in a more personalized direction, the foundation appears to be solid and largely intact.
Another important point is that the car comes with a clean title, which immediately removes one of the biggest hurdles that often comes with long-term parked projects. Combined with the verified identification tags and California background, that paperwork makes it far easier for the next owner to focus on the actual restoration work rather than administrative headaches.
Bubble top Impalas occupy a special place in early-’60s Chevrolet history, and genuine examples are not especially common anymore—especially ones that haven’t already been fully restored or heavily modified. This one offers a chance to start with something still wearing its project status honestly, without disguise.
For the right buyer, this Impala represents the kind of long-term build that unfolds slowly and deliberately, guided by taste and patience rather than instant gratification. Whether it ends up as a subtle survivor-style cruiser or a fully modernized restomod, the rare bubble top roof ensures it will always stand apart.
Would you lean into a period-correct restoration on this bubble top, or take advantage of its blank-slate status and build something completely personalized?
You know, it’s tough NOT to start these posts off negatively, the author does a great job, despite the heinous price she wisely chooses not to disclose. I can be that “wet blanket”, they want,,gulp,,, $22,500 for this sun baked heap,( like the $500 may be negotiable),,,I,,um, you see,thing is,,,if anyone can say something positive, I suppose now’s the time to derail my negativity, but if we ever needed a poster child as to what has happened to the classic car hobby, this screams it. They seem to come through here with alarming regularity, and largely from California. Colorado isn’t any better. It’s not even funny anymore, more like a disease to think someone would actually restore this. Are we that numb to the fact of what a dollar buys, that this is acceptable?
I’ve asked this before in desperation, but do we have any “armchair” psychiatrists that can possibly explain this behavior, or am I truly alone here?
(crickets chirping)
This is being sold by a dealer in Texas that has had their cars featured, often more than once, on this site countless times. Every single one is priced at the top of the market it above. This 1961 Impala was featured on this site on January 10th of 2025, in what appears to be the same ad and with the same asking price. This is not the only car on the website they have had listed for that length of time, it goes to show if you buy something cheap enough then mark it up enough you can just wait for however tong it takes for a buyer to come along.
This car is rough, obviously it’s priced beyond too high based on its condition. That’s too bad, these are among some of the most beautiful looking cars of the 1960’s, it would be nice to see a set of capable hands tackle this as a clean sheet of paper build.
Steve R
My favorite of the 60’s Impalas. Two decades ago? This was a $3000 car, tops. And I’ll bet it was in the exact shape it is today.
I once bought a running and driving ’61 4 door hardtop that looked much cleaner than this for 35 bucks! (ok it was 53 years ago but still…)
Could it be that TV auctions of collectible cars, with wealthy bidders running prices up be responsible for selling rust heaps for the value they MIGHT attain after they are re-built supper fine? Owners “know what they have” maybe with little idea of the real labor or cost of building one. Just a guess