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.
And who knows what lurks under the dreaded steering wheel cover. On the positive side, it appears to be pretty good in terms of rust.
I agree. This is a used car with much too high an asking price.
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.
It amazes me how many cars on here claim to just need a recharge. I always read that as the AC is inoperative. Otherwise the seller would have just charged it and been done with it.
I miss those big land yachts they were so comfortable to drive I think in the modern cars the Lexus LS 430 is the only one that gets close to the comfortable ride
My first car in 1980 was a black on black 71 Impala Custom Coupe with the LS5 454. First owner was the parts manager at Nickey Chevrolet. Front suspension was shot with broken springs so I got it cheap. Had it running and repainted then in 83 some drunk in a LTD tried to do a J turn and crunched the front end. I miss Black Beauty to this day but 12k… too rich for me.
I had a ’73 Impala Coupe – white/white with blue interior (whatever happened to colored interiors?). Big car but the bench seats were great. The doors weighed a ton though.
I was driving down the NJ Turnpike in a 71 Impala and the wheel jumped out of my hands and did a hard right into the breakdown lane. It was a broken tie rod end. I had absolutely nothing to fix it with.I ended up tieing it together with a spark plug wire.Made it almost 100 miles like that,sweating the whole way .I drove a lot of junk cars down 95,and never got stranded. It was either God looking out for me,or my uncanny mechanical ability.lol Aahh,the good old days
ended. good looking body style. would be a good 6500.00 car but not 12k.
It’s ended. No other details. I am going to be the outlier here and say that this car has more going for it than the comments here would suggest. Two door for starters and looks to be in overall decent shape. Someone must have liked what they saw. As to the A/C not working in older vehicles; well what else is new? If it still has to be fed old fashioned Freon or even newer refrigerant then it is a real problem. The days of shooting a can of cool in the parking lot of the auto parts store is a thing of the past. Old systems almost always leak and condensers, evaporators and other components are not cheap. Roll down the windows and let the Astro Ventilation do its thing.
Had a neighbor with one identical to this. Had the grey wheels with the dog dish hubcaps. Young me preferred this roofline without a vinyl top. These are pretty scarce in any body style these days. What the figure 8 and roundy round folks didn’t chop up and wreck, the derby guys continue to grind up. These just don’t come up too often and this one does look decent.
Future DONK, unfortunately! JMO
The 4 barrel Rochester is easier on fuel until you step into the secondaries. You see the primaries in the 4 barrel are smaller than on the Rochester 2 barrel.
2 door 1971 is a lot cleaner look than the 4 door cars. And an easy upgrade to add 4 barrel intake, carb and hei for trouble free cruising. Pus this one has the nice blue hue.