The Super Sport version of the Chevy Impala became so popular that it was promoted to series status in 1964. Though most any engine could be ordered in an SS – including an inline-six – the rarest was probably the 409 big-block V8 which was found in fewer than 5% of these cars. When new, the seller’s automobile would have been even rarer because of it being a convertible. Unfortunately, the 409 has long since flown the coop out of this one-owner Chevy, which will need a complete restoration. Located in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, this BowTie is available here on eBay where the latest bid of $15,900 has not yet cracked the reserve.
When it was introduced in 1958, the Impala was described as “a prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen”. Its combination of style and practicality led the Impala to quickly become Chevrolet’s biggest seller. The appeal of the car grew further when the Super Sport was rolled out in 1961 and included sporty features like bucket seats and a console with a floor-mounted shifter, along with a heavy-duty suspension. Out of 2.1 million cars sold by Chevrolet in 1964, 686,600 of them were Impalas. Drilling down further, 185,325 had SS script on them and 8,684 were 409-equipped. While there are no reported numbers on 409 drop-tops with a factory 4-speed, the number built may have only been a few hundred.
This ’64 Impala SS was last on the road 46 years ago and has been in storage ever since. It was a one-owner car whose original purchaser must have passed away as the seller recently bought it from said owner’s friend. While it looks rough, the seller says the frame appears to be solid, though the floors are damaged and new pans will be needed. The dark blue paint gave up the ghost long ago and the chrome doesn’t look to be in great shape, either.
Sadly, the numbers-matching 409 was replaced with a non-running 348 from an earlier model Chevy. That engine is only partially assembled but the seller says that the dual-carburetor set-up is there and complete. Problems with the drivetrain could be the reason why this vehicle was last registered during the Bicentennial year of 1976. Besides the original Muncie 4-speed, this Chevy also has its factory-installed tachometer along with other gauges.
No title will accompany this car to its next home, so a Bill of Sale will have to suffice. It was registered in Rhode Island, and that was a no-title state in those days. Given the condition of the auto, it may be hard to believe the odometer reads only 56,000 miles, which could be authentic. If you’re interested in the project Chevy, by contacting the seller he/she can provide a ton more photos and a video.
I like the “sagamore” truck in the background as the Chevy could not “sagamore” than it already has. I got an eye for detail.
15,900 won’t buy a car that “was rare” but the rare parts are gone, needs floors, doesn’t run, needs everything. I’m sorry, but this is at best a 64 Impala SS that needs everything. I’m not seeing anything close to the current bid.
I am not real fond of the 63-64 impalas but this car, properly restored will probably be a $100k car in a few years
This will easily be a 100 K car as soon as you have spent a 150 K on the restoration. Then in 20 or 30 years it may be worth more.
Apparently they’ve legalized hallucinogens in Massachusetts.
I agree with the above (150k into it for a 100K return), but I actually see these dropping in value in the next 10-15. Two reasons 1. Like 30’s Ford’s etc the population that loved this shrinking and 2. These have been restored so often and for so long that their are a ton of them out (maybe not legit 409 cars). Anyway a Rhode Island car and left to rot, restore a better one and pay 5K for this VIN :)
It is illegal to swap VIN
How does one determine if this was a genuine 409 as-built? The vin only shows it was a V-8 or I6, correct? Besides some history and paperwork to the vehicle, is there some other way to actually know? Just curious.
greg v.
It is difficult to determine if it a 409 car from the pictures. You are correct that the vin only indicates I6 or v8. The 409 cars included an additional brace on the rear axle’s third member and had a 3/8″ fuel line (others were 5/16″)
What a sad ending, tho bidding has risen above 20k
With 11 hours remaining, $20,877.00 and it hasn’t made the reserve. Seriously?
“School’s Open Drive Carefully”
I don’t think there’s any chance that this heap will be driven any time soon.
really like some of these pre-muscles. Gone are the bulge-mobiles of the 50s or onto the next gens “w/the humps over the wheels”. But still have the larger motors (Thunderbolt’s nother one).
This thing is worth scrap weight…
This was a beautiful and highly optioned car when new. I always loved the 63-64 tachs. Wood wheel, AM/FM, console, etc. It’s a shame this has deteriorated so badly. This restoration could easily exceed the value of the car, and then some. Question… I know Pontiacs had optional vacuum gauges beginning I believe in 1961, but I don’t remember Chevrolet having one. The Pontiac gauges are clearly marked “Pontiac”, this one is blank. Is this a factory or dealer installed gauge? It certainly looks all-Pontiac except for the name.
I have a soft spot for 64 Impalas.
That being said, taking out the drivetrain removed the rarity of this rust bucket along with it. You can buy a complete done numbers matching driver or better for what this will cost to restore. Best of luck to whoever buys it.
The first vacuum gauge I ever seen on a Chevrolet was a 1965 super sport convertible it was about it in the day‘s near the center of the gauges my dad‘s friend had bought the car brand new and I got to take it out cruising quite a treat
My friend’s wife bought a car exactly like this, a 425 hp 409 4 speed this color conv when he was away in the Army. She surprised him by buying it, blowing the engine, and finding a new guy. The chaplian got him first an emergency leave, then an honorable hardship discharge. He came home fixed the car and dumped it and his cheating wife.
I doubt the engine was the only thing she blew. Yep, probably the tranny too.
Why would you swap a non running engine into a car???????
I think the price, even for a rag top, is way too high. Just my thoughts.
SOLD at $22,100.00