The Chevrolet Impala regularly made the best-selling automobile list in the 1960s. Especially in 1965, when more than one million copies left the factories (a number that hasn’t been bested). The 1971 editions received a redesign that would carry the successful car through 1976 (after which, it was downsized like a lot of other GM cars). This ’71 Impala Sport Coupe is far from perfect, but it may not yet be at the stage where an expensive restoration would be recommended. Located in Valley City, Ohio, this Bow-Tie is available here on eBay, where the opening bid of $12,000 has yet to be cast.
General Motors had some labor issues during the 1971 model year, which may have helped hold Impala production numbers to 475,000 (still respectable). But far more buyers opted for the Impala Custom Coupe (Caprice formal roofline) at 139,000 units vs. 54,000 fastback Sport Coupes like this one. The seller says this one is getting a bit tired, but doesn’t say whether changing that would limit you from taking weekend excursions.
This appears to be a run-of-the-mill Impala with a 350 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel, so a little easier on gas), TH-350 automatic transmission, and factory air conditioning (needs attention, maybe a freon charge). The car has 86,000 miles, which sounds premature for a drivetrain rebuild. The body looks solid, and it doesn’t look like rust will be an issue. But the paint is thin in places, particularly the roof.
The interior is original and barely shows its age, so I wouldn’t be ashamed to carry around any passengers. If this were a ’65 Impala SS, a restoration would not be a hard decision. But at a minimum of $12k just to acquire the car, the cost of an extreme makeover might have you underwater in terms of future resale value. Another fine tip brought to us by “Curvette”.
Aggressive ask, considering the headliner is sagging and the dash pad has a crack. More of a used car than a rare one.
When someone says it needs an air conditioning recharge, it means there is a leak somewhere in the system that needs addressed first. The refrigerant doesn’t just evaporate from the system.