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Drop Top Survivor: 1970 Chevrolet Impala

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This ’70 Impala was tucked away into storage in 1981 with only 51,000 miles, and is still in great shape after its long hibernation. Running, but needing some attention, this drop top will be a great cruiser once fully prepared for road duty. Bidding has reached $1,600 with no reserve! Find it here on ebay out of Murrieta, California.

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Taking a peek under the hood reveals a very nice engine bay with little, to no, rust or oxidation. The engine itself is a 400 V8 that is runner and looks to be in nice shape. A little time spent with this engine would bring it up to look as good as the bay. Automatically shifted, this Impala would make a great cruiser with the top down and the tunes playing.

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Inside of this Impala is manageable but needs some attention. The most obvious issue is the torn front seat. The seat could stand to be reupholstered, making the interior more inviting. The carpet looks surprisingly dingy and dirty for a low mileage car. Granted it doesn’t appear to be heavily worn, but we imagine a good shampooing would go a long way on this carpet. Overall the interior looks to be one homogenous color of burgundy. The dash may be slightly browned from sun exposure, but it is difficult to make out. The door paneling looks great, reflecting little wear, or damage. Performing some work on the interior would really sharpen up this Impala. Most of the interior needs could be accomplished for reasonable money, and if you are capable enough, they could be performed at home. The convertible top has been replaced, though from the description it sounds as if there are some issues with the top. Described as an “attempted” replacement, it raises our curiosity as to what the issue may be.   The top looks reasonable, though it is baggy, with a loose appearance by the back window.  There is also exterior chrome trim that has not yet been re-installed that is residing in the back seat.  We think that it may be possible to get the proper tension on the top, but it will require some work and patience.

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With a wash and plenty of sunlight we are sure this Impala will glisten beautifully. The paint looks remarkably solid, showing only a few minor imperfections. There are a few areas where there is some surface rust near some of the body trim. Rust is at a minimum, and the body overall is very straight and clean. The chrome is nice on this one as well. A wash, and overall safety check, will likely get you rolling down the road in this 1970 Impala. With no reserve, this may be a cheap deal. Would you pick up this drop top?

Comments

  1. dirtyharry

    You just have to love that engine compartment. A small block that is big as a big block in an even bigger engine bay. I think I could rebuild it after dinner. What a great find, not so far gone, that a few weekends would make a big difference. I think it would likely look great with a good polish and some seats. Then you could have a convertible, you could really enjoy and even leave it parked with the top down, while you have lunch. It is a big car and maybe add some power brakes just to make life a breeze.

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    • JoeNYWF64

      Any reason they didn’t used this 400 small block in the corvette & z28 with a 4 barrel? Would it not better compete with pontiac’s 400?

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  2. John H. in CT

    I say sneaky pictures because the seller only has pics of the good parts. Look closely at front pic and the driver side quarter appears rusted with a hole in it. While tger is pic of passenger front quarter, not a single pic of driver side. Also lots of pretty hard dents in the front. Rear bumper took a good hard ding ( maybe worse) on passenger side. Bid up to almost $5K already. Maybe a good deal but maybe not.

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  3. Glen

    The left front fender is a different colour, but no mention as to why. Has it been replaced at some point? just wondering.

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  4. redwagon

    pennsylvania cars always make me think of rust. from the looks of the carpets, the seats and the base of the front windshield i would not be surprised if this was 151k miles. no doubt a fun car w the 400 smallie and ‘vert top but i would check it closely.

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  5. Stefan

    No way 51 K, look at steering wheel and all other points at interior,
    defintly 151 k

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    • 455Bob

      Agree. The interior is very worn.

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  6. Jim C

    Agree with some other folks here .. 151K miles guys.. aren’t you looking at the interior? There are many other points on this car that indicate this is way over 51K.

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  7. Troy Member

    I will agree the car is ruff for 51k, but what makes me think that it’s accurate is the fact that all the heater/radiator hose clamps are the factory tower clamps save for one. With 151k, those clamps would have been long gone with any service to the cooling/heating system. Nobody re-used those clamps.

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  8. Dovi65

    The drop top Chevy has a lot of wear for only going 51k miles in 11 years.

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  9. stillrunners

    Look at that door jam….repaint there…..151,000 like most say…still at under $5000 I would say it would be a good cruiser….kinda rare because not a lot of survivors out there…

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