The Chevrolet Impala got a redesign on the B-Body platform for its third generation beginning in 1961, and for the first time, a Super Sport option became available, corporately known as the RPO-240 package. Unfortunately, it’s one of those cases that’s proven difficult to validate whether or not one of these left the factory as a true SS, but the seller here states that his ’61 is indeed one of the 453 that rolled off the assembly line during the first year of production. This one could stand some cosmetic attention if the next owner chooses, but it also seems like a capable driver without too much effort if you’re just searching for some fun and fast GM muscle from the early sixties.
T.J., thanks a lot for your great tip here! It’s said to have been years ago, but the exterior has been repainted at least once. However, all of the body panels are stated to be original, and for the most part, they still look pretty good. There are a few sheet metal imperfections here and there, plus a couple of areas on the driver’s side that seem inconsistent with the rest of the finish. With a little smoothing out first, I’m guessing this one will look top-notch on the outside after a fresh coat of black is applied.
Although a 409 could be had under the hood here, this one’s got the potent FH code tri-power version of the 348, with 11.25:1 compression and a solid cam to go along with the three 2-barrels on top. This variant was factory-rated at 350 HP, and the seller claims that it’s still the original engine in the bay. The Chevy is also equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, with the SS stated to be currently running and driving.
From the inside, it looks like at least the bottom part of the rear seat and passenger side door panel have been replaced, as both of these components are blue. More importantly, a grab bar is present on the dash and it remains red, which could be an indicator of a true SS heritage. This one’s located in Westland, Michigan, and can be spotted here on Craigslist, where the seller has set his asking price at $36,500. What are your thoughts on this 1961 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport?
My favorite dash ever.
My favorite steering wheel.
’62 used that dash too
Very tempting. If it’s still around by the time I can get to my desktop…
Thanks for featuring this cool car. Not inexpensive, but doesn’t need to be. Incredibly rare, it won’t last long.
Steve R
I love everything about a ’61 Impala Sport Coupe, except one thing: when you got the pushbutton radio, the buttons spell out “CHEVY”. I think that’s cheesy! It’s a “Chevrolet”, not a Chevy van or a Chevy II, LOL. Seriously, that little thing bugs me enough that I’d have to look for a non-pushbutton radio if my car had one! LOL
Nice car for that money.
Now, that’s a sweet Impala. Pretty fair price considering how it is equipped and the rarity. I’d get after that interior first and start enjoying the ride. Body and paint down the road. I am sure it will make someone very happy.
I just have to repeat what everyone else has said. OMG, My dream car , my bucket list car. why can’t I get the timing right. Right honestly if I wasn’t married , I would buy it right now asking price and worry about the consequences later. I know I have cars that will sell. But it has to be fast! My wife will not understand that. Know anyone who wants a very , very nice 73 Ford short box P/U or a 34 5-window! Oh wait might have to scratch the 34, that’s even insane for me!
“If I wasn’t married,” you say. Buy the car, and you won’t be married much longer, sounds like!
First quick car I ever rode in at about age 20, was a ’58 Chevy 4 dr. with 348 & automatic. That was an eye opener. That thing hauled the mail.
That 350 horse version of the 348 would really sing. My 58 Bel Air had that swapped into it. I got into more trouble with that car.
Chevy was knocking it out of the park style-wise in the 60s to go along with their awesome drive trains. This is my favorite year and favorite body style. In the service a roommate had a two-tone blue ’61 Impala Sport Coupe, same as this. It originally came with a 6, which got pulled and he put a ’69 Z28 drive train in it. It definitely had the go to go with the show.
Did no one notice the red duct tape plastered on the top of the to driver’s seat?. For that much money fix the seat!!!
The front and rear seats are two different colors. Even the door card on the passenger side is blue with a red arm rest. For $36,500 I want the interior to at least match.
First time I got to ride in a 348 Tri power car I was amazed at the power and the speed of a car that heavy. Agree price is a bit hefty but this could be a great car to own.
Love the exhaust ‘cutouts’. I made mine the same way (threaded water pipe with a bolt welded to the cap for easy off) on my 265 V8 powered 50 Chev. I thought I was cool.