Chevrolet produced nearly 65,000 full-size convertibles in 1961, and the majority of those were assembled in the U.S. But a smaller number was built by the company’s subsidiary in Canada and the seller says just 83 Impala drop-tops like his/her car came with a 348 cubic inch V8. While this example looks nice at a quick glance, it’s going to need a complete restoration to be show worthy again. Located in Pomona, California, this interesting project is available here on craigslist and the seller is looking to get $70,000 for his wares, which includes parts. Thanks to our own Adam Clarke at Barn Finds for this tip!
This ’61 Impala came with Ermine White paint and a red interior when it left the factory in Canada. Unlike U.S-built editions, these Canadian Impala’s could not be ordered with the 409 big-block V8, meaning the 348 in this car was as big as they came. According to the seller, this automobile is one of only two built this way that have survived, making it quite rare and potentially valuable ($200,000?). We’re told that documentation will come with this car and hopefully it confirms the claims.
The photos provided show the level of work that will be needed. Though the frame was painted black and there is no Bondo in the sheet metal, that doesn’t mean that rust isn’t present. We’re told the car has new floorboards, but the rocker panels are in trouble. And one of the rear quarters has been replaced, but the other looks to have issues. An assortment of metal and parts will come with the convertible, such as a new trunk pan, rockers, rear wheel well openings, and a bunch of stuff shown in some of the photos. You may need just some of it, or maybe all of it.
This was a well-equipped Impala, fitted with factory air conditioning (which doesn’t look to work) and all the power accessories you could get back in the day. No mention is made if the car runs, so we must assume it does not. We’re told the transmission is a “Turboglide,” but perhaps the seller means Powerglide. Not long ago, less than $70,000 bought you a fully restored car or an original classic. But in today’s market, is this the new norm for a project, even if rare?
Turboglide was short-lived and not nearly as dependable as a powerglide.
Sadly, how true. This was my first car except with a red accent stripe not black and a 230 hp 283 with 4 bbl. which also served as the base vette engine. The seals on the TG leaked when it sat for a while. Hated that transmission it was contant velocity, basically a cheaper dynaflow.
I had the same car except it was a 2dr. hardtop “Bubble top” this is only the 2nd 61 I’ve ever seen with red/white interior and black side trim most were red side trim. only other one i saw was a 4dr. Sport sedan (4dr hardtop)
Still a cool car.
I had a 61 mine was white with a blue interior with the stripe on the outside, it also had the 2 speed that lasted one trip to walmart with the exs first time driving it so I put a 350 turbo and the car held up well till I sold it.My car had ac tinted blue glass with the 283 4bb
My father paid $200 for his 61 Impala convertible, 283 and an auto. I was very young and never remember ever seeing the top down. I asked him years later why he sold it, he said the floors were rusty. Ohio kills cars, that’s why they call it part of the rust belt. If I was older, I’d tried to get him to give it to me, I always liked Chevy Impala’s.
Are cars built in Canada considered imports? Just wondering.
Mine was blue on blue with a blue top. 283 powerglide. Drove it in college. One night it popped a pushrod through a rocker arm. Took off the valve cover removed the rocker arm and drove to college and next day got a new rocker arm, stuck
It on and it lasted till
Graduation
Considering only 142 409’s were built in 61′ and all SS models…i guess it wouldnt be available in the Canadian Impala convertible(or the U.S one..unless it was the 2 SS convertibles that received it)
Lot of green here for a ton of work. Seller too ambitious.
To the author: In 61, the only automatic available with the 348 was the Turboglide. Perhaps it was a way for Chevy to clear out the remaining ones! IF the car had been ordered w/the high performance 305HP version, a HD PG was available, but only with that engine. The 250 horse and 280 horse tri-powers were TG only for automatics. I have owned two 61s with TG, one back in the day and another as a collector car. I never had problems with either, but I knew that you couldn’t treat them like a PG, and that GR (grade retard) was NOT like a PG’s Low.
I didn’t know that Chuck I always thought the PG was available with the 348 250/280 and the mild 305 HP motors. However my 250/348 did have a TG which i eventually swapped out for a T10 BG 4sp then it was a fun car to drive but still got beat by 250/327’s
Its seat covers don’t look like what I’ve seen in other ’61 Impalas, appears to be out of like 3 different cars… Seat patterns somehow make me think a Pontiac design, anyone recognize them? Maybe sourced from a Cheviac? Or were some Canuck Chevs delivered with any unique to Canadian market upholstery…?
So far it seems its front bench is out of a ’61 Bonne – the search continues…
…and the rear seat back appears to be ’62 Bonne while the lower from ’62 ‘pala…
$70K? Only if the trunk is packed full of whatever the seller is smoking.
70 K for what looks like a rattle-can restoration of the undercarriage,and some new floor pans. HARD PASS