Chevrolet’s top-seller got an entirely new design to begin its fifth generation of production in 1971, featuring a more streamlined and modern appearance than its predecessor. While the sedans remained popular choices for family cars, Chevy didn’t forget that the 2-door market was also still thriving back then, with the Sport Coupe among the offerings for those seeking something a bit cooler than an ordinary Impala. The seller reports that this 1971 Chevrolet Impala here on eBay is a Sports Coupe model, and it seems like a decent cruiser already, but he also believes it’s ripe for a restoration. This one is in Valley City, Ohio, and although bidding is already up to $8,200, that’s still not enough to lift the reserve-not-met status.
The owner seems to be right on track when he tells us that this Impala is super clean, and just driving it as-is without doing much of anything outside seems like a good option. Unless you stare closely, it’s not very obvious that the paint is wearing thin in a few areas, as the overall strong shine sort of draws attention away from any defects in the finish. Corrosion doesn’t seem to be an issue anywhere either, as the panels appear solid, with the chrome trim still present and looking well-preserved.
This one’s powered by a 350 engine with a 2-barrel carburetor, and the only information given about the V8 is that it is getting tired. This could indicate a variety of different scenarios, and while it would be helpful to have gotten more specific details, the car is stated to run and drive. Perhaps it just needs a thorough tune-up or something relatively minor like a carb rebuild, or maybe a complete overhaul is on the horizon. Replacing the small block with a larger engine might also be worth pondering, especially if the 350 will require extensive work to become dependable.
Things inside are still looking decent for the most part, and although a couple of the interior photos supplied are a bit blurry, they are all clear enough to show that there aren’t any obvious tears in the seats or much wear on the door panels. The dash is cracked, which is common in many vehicles from this era, but the instrument panel appears to remain in excellent condition.
I might start with a tune-up and see where that gets me before considering any major mechanical undertakings, and I probably wouldn’t get in too big of a hurry to repaint the exterior either. However, I can also understand the desire that some buyers might have to immediately bring this 1971 Chevrolet Impala up to a top-tier example. How do you envision moving forward with this one in the short-term?
My family had 64. 73 and 76 Impala, with a 68 Caprice between the 64 and 73 Impala. 64 and 68 had 327, 73 and 76 a 350. Great cars, easy to work on. Whats the mileage, as you just about cant kill a 327 or a 350. The 73 and 76 were over 100k, and a tap of the accelerator and you were gone. Got good gas mileage too. Worst we ever had to do was put a timing chain on the 76. But, you had room to work. Could be the carb needs rebuilt, could be the timing chain. Gaskets.
If the engine is gone, put in a crate 350 and enjoy. I WOULDNT put in a LS 1, keep it original. I cant stand the ones who want to put a LS 1 in everything
My dad had a white with red vinyl top 1975 Caprice 2-door. We called it Moby Chevy – these cars are HUGE! GM changed the rooflines in ’75 and installed picture windows where the quarter windows were supposed to go. This was part of the decline and fall of GM styling after the glorious ’60s, (except for the colonnade cars which suffered horribly from the box-bumper mandates).