Americans have always had a deep and beloved love affair with big automobiles. In America, this is a love and hate relationship. American consumers love a roomy car and equate large vehicles, especially with rear wheel drive, as safer to drive. The American government hates big cars because they believe that they eat more fuel and thus pollute more. While we now live in a world where those who want a large, rear wheel drive vehicle buy an SUV, there was a time not so long ago that you could buy a big car with go fast goodies. Take a look at this 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS for sale on craigslist in West Bend, Wisconsin. With an asking price of $16,500, is this garage kept black beauty the kind of ride you really want? Thanks to Pat L. for the tip!
In 1995, gasoline prices were relatively reasonable and Chevrolet was producing thousands of rear wheel drive Caprice models. Most went to law enforcement agencies, who have always preferred big sedans with V-8s and rear wheel drive. They have plenty of room, go fast, and can take a lot of abuse. Civilians could get a more luxurious version called the Caprice Classic. The other GM divisions had their versions to sell as well.
At the time, Chevrolet was marketing sporty versions of a number of their models. So it was natural that a go fast version of the Caprice was developed. While Caprice SS doesn’t wuite roll off the tongue, ressurecting the Impala SS name made all the sense in the world. Adding sportier suspension, a breathed on LT-1 V-8, and a monochromatic paint job gave them a huge, high speed cruise ship that some reports say could reach over 140 MPH.
The Impala SS you see here is advertised as a 56,500 mile example that is 99% rust free. Where the rust is on this vehicle is not discussed. The seller also tells us that they are the second owner and that if you are looking for one, this is your lucky day. That is basically all the ad says, which is sadly typical for a craigslist ad.
This lack of information forces us to rely on the provided pictures. These photos show us a fairly well cared for car that was obviously used as a car instead of being coccooned away in a climate controlled garage. The leather interior shows wear, mainly in the driver’s seat. The steering wheel cover keeps us from seeing the wear, if any, on the light colored leather wrap. It is, however, the most unique steering wheel cover I have ever seen and is amazingly color coordinated to the car’s interior.
One area that a prospective buyer might want to inspect would be the carpet. There are a few spots that may be from the car being smoked in. This is pure speculation on my part, but I have seen spots like this in cars that were owned by human chimneys. As always, nothing beats an in-person inspection. You just can’t go by pictures alone when spending this kind of money.
$16,500 is a lot to spend on a 27 year old car, but the Impala SS was a special vehicle. While we depressingly march toward a forced future of electric cars, vehicles like this are like dinosaurs watching the asteroid streak across the sky. Electric cars are going to be lighter and smaller by necessity. Cars like the Impala SS would still sell well today because our wants and needs haven’t changed for a long time. Too bad we will likely never see a car like this again.
Do you think Americans still want big, rear wheel drive cars with V-8 engines? Let us know how you feel in the comments.
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