The term “bubbletop” was coined to refer to Impala and Bel Air Chevrolet 2-door hardtops built from 1959 to 1962. That’s because the sleek rooflines of these cars had thin pillars and an abundance of curved glass windows. This 1961 Impala is from the last year that model was produced in that body style. In 1962, the Impala gained a more formal roof while the Bel Air used it for one more outing. From Castle Rock, Colorado, this running Bow-Tie needs some cosmetic work, but should be worthy of the effort. The asking price here on eBay is $24,500 OBO.
When the 1961 full-size Chevrolets were rolled out, sensible styling had returned. Gone were the “batwings” that had symbolized the sleek 1959-60 Chevies that came about thanks to the futuristic look of the 1957 “Forward Look” Chrysler products (which still had tailfins in 1961). Chevy built 178,000 “bubbletops” in ’61, but the GM division didn’t record the split between Bel Airs and Impalas at that time. The official name for that body style was Sport Coupe.
When this Impala left the factory, it had a 283 cubic inch V8 and a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. A 2-barrel carburetor was common on these cars, so perhaps the current 4-barrel came later. And someone ditched the automatic for a 4-speed manual, so a desire for more speed was the likely motivation. We’re told the vehicle runs and drives, so perhaps no mechanical intervention is needed at this time.
All of the glass has been replaced (for whatever reason), but the sheet metal has a little damage here and there, and new paint will need to be on the to-do list. The seats will have to be reupholstered and the carpeting replaced. Some of the exterior trim pieces are MIA, and hopefully, some aftermarket replacements can be sourced. All-in-all, this Bubbletop should be worthy of a restoration.
The 1961 Bubble Top is among the most beautiful cars to come out of Detroit. If it’s truly as described, why didn’t they put it on the lift and show the undercarriage? It’s not cheap, but they are thin on the ground and have been highly sought after for decades.
Steve R
I can see in my mind this car going around a dirt race track
with a dust storm behind it. Drifting around the corners.
I can picture it my mind. I love it !
Ooohh, Baby! I can picture it in my driveway.
I owned one in exact color of this one but 348 3×2’s 4 speed great car too bad this one was let go. It would be cost prohibitive to redo unless you can do all the work yourself. May have been interested at a younger age but too late for me.
Back in the day, the renowned, late Dan Gurney road-raced a ’61 bubble-top w/a 409 (1st year) under the bonnet in England. (https://youtu.be/QkwmeYx1xr4)
The ex-Gurney car was on display at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion in August 2025. Thanks for posting the video!
Someone said the people who had these aged out? Are you nuts? I can’t weld and have another project,but would love it. I’d have to the brake pedal to make it fit right with the clutch pedal.
Definitely one I have always wanted to own. This would be a good car to buy, not to flip. If you want it and you want it your way and will keep it. 100 % go for it, if not just go to the bank get cash and buy one. These are not cheap cars to build or own.
And I have a 348 tri pwr & close range sag 4 spd…..hmm???
Haven’t ya heard the news? These cars have aged out.most who loved these cars are gone now.too much money.
High school, had a white one (red interior), later on had a red one (red interior). Both excellent condition. $300 dollar cars.