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Driver Quality? 1962 Chevrolet Impala

Nothing said “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” better than the crisply-styled 1962 Impala Sport Coupe. For the first (and only) time, it had a different roofline than the Bel Air Sport Coupe (which was still a “bubble top”). With a more formal appearance, the Impala set the stage for sales until the hugely successful ‘65s came along. This ’62 Impala is in great shape, though the selling dealer says the interior is only “driver quality”. Located in Opa-locka, Florida, this likely survivor is available here on eBay where the current ante is $15,600.

Chevrolet built more than 323,000 full-size 2-door hardtops in 1962. But thanks to how they kept the books in those days, we don’t know the split between Impalas and Bel Airs. Still, that’s a lot of stylish cars hitting the road and Chevrolet would continue its sales dominance over Ford. 1962 was also the year that Chevy introduced a whole new car, the compact Chevy II. So, GM had a lot to crow about in those days. Of the 1961-64 big Chevies, I always thought the styling of 1962 was the better executed of the bunch (remember, they adjusted appearances almost every year in those days).

Probably because a dealer is involved in the sale of this vehicle, its history isn’t known. The discussion is about its condition, which overall looks good. The most important thing is that there is zero rust, and no mention is made of any being fixed or the white paint reapplied. It’s offset by a red interior that the seller rates as 7 on a scale of 10 (looks okay, though). This Impala isn’t an SS so it doesn’t have the bucket seat interior, but you can’t have everything.

The reported mileage is 172,000, yet the 327 cubic inch V8 (in its first year) and 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission are said to be in great running order. Surely, they’ve been gone through at some point, but we don’t know (the radiator is newer). Since this car is in Florida, it’s good that someone went to Sears or Montgomery Wards to have air conditioning added back in the day. The seller is willing to entertain offers, but isn’t that what a no-reserve auction is about? If you dig the looks of the ’62 Chevies and the aftermarket Cragar mag wheels, could this one be right for you?

Comments

  1. Chris Cornetto

    A very nice version with a 327, ps, pb,ac, power windows, and padded dash. A very road able unit that will be a joy to drive.

    Like 14
  2. Billyray

    I know someone else who would agree with you about the styling of the 62 Impala. Personally I think the 63 was the best year.

    Like 8
    • JoeR

      I love the 62, my favorite Imp. The S/S Cragar wheels are the cherry on top! I also liked chrome reverse wheels with baby moon hub caps back in the 70s. This car checks all the boxes, sure buckets and a 4 speed would be everyone’s preferred but still this unit rocks.

      Like 8
  3. Marshall Belcher

    Drove one identical to my hogh school prom.very cool car..

    Like 5
  4. Blain

    Best year in 60’s. That back roof so groovy!

    Like 0
  5. Mike76

    Agree with Russ, the 62 is my favorite year of the 62-64 and the combo of white and red always looks lovely on sixties American cars. With the 327 and powerglide you will not win many stoplight showdowns but it should provide many miles of enjoyable motoring. I like it, cool cruiser.

    Like 10
  6. Billy

    C o o l man! Luv the lines. Really wish we all had a little more history and pictures to review.
    Please don’t get me wrong but does it appear that the ds rocker panel has either a SS chrome trim or some damage and the ps is white? I see something just can’t tell for sure. It’s too bad that the seller didn’t give us some door panel pictures of the interior that might indicate if it had been t-boned.
    Just a observation.
    With the bidding activity, I see this car reach the upper 20k figure.
    Nice layed back little cruiser. Good luck!

    Like 2
    • Ashtray

      I like the 1962 Chevies. This particular vehicle is one that I have never owned. I had a 63 SS, black.
      I also noticed the inconsistencies in the lower chrome moldings, but that can be changed?
      Perhaps someone finally decided to list a vehicle with what they believe is actual miles?
      I like it.
      Just my oponion!

      Like 2
  7. NW Iowa Kevin

    While in high school, I bought our farm neighbor’s ’62 Impala 2 door hardtop w/327 and A/C just like this one. 2 speed on the column as well. Crank windows, though. It was light green w/green interior, and the front seat was shot. I went to the local auto salvage and replaced the seat with a darker green one from a ’73 Caprice, my GF loved it! The quarter panels were rusted out so badly I could reach into the trunk. I paid $100 for the car, and it served me well for a couple of years. In the meantime, I got a hand-me-down ’65 Olds Cutlass F85 2 door hardtop repainted ’73 Corvette yellow, in much better condition than the Impala.
    I joined the US Navy in 1975 and while away, both cars disappeared from our farm. I know where the Cutlass went but not the Impala. I don’t know if dad sold them, or my rotten younger brothers had a hand in it. Ugh, two collectible cars poof, gone. Home on leave for a short time, I needed wheels! I temporarily owned ugh, a rare for me Ford product, lol, ’71 Pinto. I’ve only owned two Fords in my life and never again. But I digress, there are some Ford models I’d love to own now… ’69-73 Mustang Mach 1 stand out.

    Like 0
    • Sw smith

      I can not resist this: And how much did your girlfriend love it?

      Like 0
  8. Michael Turner

    How do I contact the seller? I’d like to drive over and see it.

    Like 0
  9. bill

    Nice looking car. When I see the master cylinder I’m thinking slow down early.

    Like 0

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