The 1961 model year marked a return to “sensible” styling for General Motors cars. The Chevrolets lost the tailfins that had symbolized the 1959-60 vehicles, yet the smoother-looking autos were less popular (production was off by 15%). The Impala was still the top series, and the SS was born in 1961 but built in limited numbers. This Impala Sport Coupe looks like an ordinary family car that’s going to need a lot of love to get back on the road. But it has the desirable “bubbletop” roofline that wouldn’t adorn the 1962 Impalas. Sitting on the back of a trailer in Santa Rosa, California, this project is available here on eBay. The current bid is $10,200 while the reserve is unmet, but the pass-go price of $15,000 will let you take it home today.
Nearly 178,000 Chevy Sport Coupes were built in 1961, but that includes both the Impala and Bel Air. The entry-level powerplant was a 235 cubic inch inline-6 which – according to the VIN the seller provides for this car – was originally in this Impala on Day One. But we’re told a 350 V8 is there now, although it’s far from complete, looking to have been picked over at some point. We’re also told it has an automatic, but the small brake pedal and the shifter hole in the floorboard suggest that a manual transmission was once there.
As the story (such that it is), the previous owner held on to this Chevy for five years, but little progress was made beyond what you see here. We’re told the mileage is just 23,332, but that sounds like a stretch given what we see and the changes that were made (123,332 seems more likely). The paint is said to be grey, but white is more plausible, and at least the driver’s side front fender and hood have been replaced with ones that are gold in color.
The Chevy here has rust, particularly in the floorboards, but the trunk floor pan looks to have been replaced fairly recently. The interior is blue, but the bucket seats are red, suggesting they, too, have been swapped over time. By 1962, buckets would have been reserved for the stylish new Super Sport versions of the Impala. Given the cool factor of the “bubbletop” roofline, this looks like a car that should be worth bringing it back from the brink.
$10k looking for 15 ? Is there 8500 cash in the glove box ?
From what I see, the only thing it has going for it is the bubble top.
They did build about 9000+ bubble tops in 62.I had a new 63 Impala.Those years were great cars.
Joe, this Joe thinks your right. These cars are near the very top of my bucket list ,but at some point you need to know when to hold them and when to fold them.
I have 6500 cash right now.
I agree. Car not worth more 6500. Alot work this car.
At some point common sense should kick in. These are not hard to find. I would have never thought rust and a data plate would be worth 10 grand
Love my bubble top! All original, 283 4bbl and 2 speed powerslide!
Too much money for vehicle needing this much work! Restoration costs will far exceed finished vehicle value.
I bought a ’61 Impala convertible, 283-2v with the Powerglide for 90 bucks. Fill it with oil and check the gas. Sold it a year later for $165. It was bulletproof.
I blame the crazy prices some of the top 1% spend on completed cars at places like Mecum and BJ. I could have bought this car in turn key condition in the 70s for about $500. The market has simply lost its freaking mind.
I have to be fair on this one. It’s a beast, however It is a BAZILLION times better than the last one on here. Oh and lets not forget that 62 mess on here a month back. I an old geezer so this is_was a 300.00 why did I buy this car type of car at one time, but times have changed and the metal muncher ate most of them. These cars I.E. 58 and up anything are expensive.
Rust is suffering from inflation, it’s likely in the bones of this one. Can’t believe anyone would buy an Impala without at least a 283, and you can’t wear out a 235 in 123k. Apparently wasn’t worth bringing the 350 online. Leave it alone.
I believe some people buy cars like this for the sole purpose of building it themselves. Anyone can buy a car, but it is so much more gratifying to build it and be able to say I built it myself. When I did my first car I took a body shop course and did everything myself including the paint. I know I spent more doing the car then I could sell it for but it was a pride thing. Over the years I have gotten better at everything and am able to come under value because I can do everything myself including the mechanicals. So it does just intend on the person and what they intend to do. I myself enjoy doing the work and being able to say I did the restoration myself. But even with that said, I would take a hard pass on this car.