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Last Driven in ’72: 1964 Chevy Impala

impala vert 2

Barn Finds reader Jim S. spotted this 1964 Chevy Impala convertible here on eBay, which appears to be the epitome of a long-stored garage find that is now in need of total restoration. These third-generation Impalas remain quite desirable today, even in condition like this, in part thanks to their rampant popularity when new. Although some enthusiasts may prefer the bubble roof coupe design, this Impala is still capturing bidders’ imaginations. The current offers have yet to eclipse the reserve, but the seller mentions in another part of the listing there is no reserve – so this one may be worth following up on. 

impala vert 1

The seats are probably one of the better aspects of the car, which suffers from the classic signs of neglect – including a weathered convertible top that’s done nothing to keep out moisture or airborne contaminants. The seller does note that this is the correct rear seat for a convertible, but given the non-matching interior colors, it’s hard to know which upholstery color is correct for this particular car. No matter the condition, you’d be driving the vehicle that inspired the original Beach Boys’ song, “409.” That’s some serious street cred – though sadly, this Impala is not equipped with that engine.

impala conv 2

The small-block 283 isn’t the most desirable engine choice for this Impala given some of the other options available, but it will be easy to source parts for (and heck, if it’s not numbers-matching, you can just yank it out for something hotter). The seller doesn’t confirm the running condition of the mill or its authenticity credentials, but your bigger concern will be the rust issues to contend with. The car’s location near Lake Erie in truly upstate New York likely means this Impala has known snow and road salt, both of which have likely contributed to the car’s rotten lower doors and sills.

impala conv 3

Rust issues aside (by the way, the corrosion extends to the windshield frame and the trunk floor, among other areas), it’s hard to look at those classic Impala tail lights and not imagine this classic Chevy rolling down the road. Of course, some may envision it hopping down the road, as this generation was also quite popular with the hydraulics crowd. That’s not my thing but I can appreciate it; at this juncture, however, I just want to see this Impala avoid rusting any further and find a sympathetic home to restore it back to health.

Comments

  1. Avatar Mark

    Bidding is pretty active on it, 25 bid so far and the prices up to $2250. Not bad considering all the work is going to take to put it back on the street.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Wayne

    “No reserve auction “. That’s strange seeing the Ebay ad says reserve not met. It must have had a hard 8 years.

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  3. Avatar Eric Dashman

    While someone will undoubtedly restore this, it’s going to ether cost a fortune or require a very skilled metal bumper. I’m sure all of the sheet metal is available, but it’s going to be a ton of work. When finished, it’s maybe a $50K car. It will have to be a labor of love and not profit is my guess.

    The 64s were the last of that 4 year body run beginning in 61, being replaced by the gorgeous 65s. My personal taste prefers the 61 and 62 versions, always in convertibles, although the bubble coupe with the greenhouse window was interesting.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Chris

    How can something be on the road for 8 years and be so bad? After 8 years the seats and Dior panels got ripped out? I don’t believe this at all.

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    • Avatar JCW

      Back in the 70’s I bought a lot of cars 5 to 8 yrs. old that were bad. Needed body work some interior work. Cars today are far aND above the old for holding up. So yes I belive in 8 years it could be that bad.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar BILL GRAHAM

    My first car was a blue with white top 1964 Impala convertible. In 1972 I bought it for $60.00. It was a lot better car than this one, with A/C, power windows. The left quarter had been hit from behind while parked on the street but the trunk lid, etc. was not hurt. With the body repair and Earl Scheib paint job, I had about $600.00 in the whole car. The upholstery was like new and the top was good except for the cloudy back window.
    One day on the way home from school, I spotted a 1965 GTO on the side of the road. It was for sale…$500.00! It had perfect yellow paint with a nice black interior.
    The owner took me for a fast ride, upshifting through the 4 gears and explained he had swapped in a 421 with dual quads. My mom said if I could get $200. for my car we could finance the rest. I tried for several weeks but couldn’t even get that, so he sold it to someone else. People usually remember their first car fondly. I always hated that car!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Cebo

    The fender emblem shows it was originally a six cylinder. V-8 models the emblems stated the equipped engine 283, 327, 409. I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’.

    Like 0

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