After the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, Detroit had difficulty selling really big cars. That held for the market leader, too, as Chevrolet only built about 250,000 full-size models in 1975, two-thirds being the venerable Impala. The seller has a ’75 Sport Coupe, which appears light on trim but also has rear fender skirts, which were hardly in use by then. Located in Renton, Washington, this Chevy is available here on eBay, where the opening bid of $10,000 is awaiting a taker. Or you can fast forward to $17,500 and buy it now. Thanks, Mitchell G., for more vintage tips!
Seeing that the tides had changed, Chevrolet began a “right-sizing” (aka downsizing) campaign in 1977. They started with cars like the Impala, which lost size and weight (but not passenger space) and could get better gas mileage with smaller engines. So, the 1975 Impala would carry its land yacht proportions another year before the big changes came along. The Sport Coupe (like the seller’s car) was more attractive (IMO) due to its traditional roofline compared to the Custom Coupe, which had a large side window cut into the C-pillar.
The seller is light on details about his/her Impala, so its history isn’t presented. The car has 73,800 miles, which is probably legit given the vehicle’s overall condition. The white exterior paint is reminiscent of the 1974 “Spirit of America” Impala. The interior is blue, though we only see the rear seat and dashboard (which has a white dash pad, likely a replacement). Note that the automatic transmission gearshift handle is a round white ball.
We’re guessing the engine is a 350 cubic inch V8, which wears some bling. Whether the motor has been tweaked is unknown, but the 2-barrel 350 in a 4,000-pound car in 1975 wasn’t a mover-and-a-shaker. The side fender skirts make the car look longer than it already is. New for 1975 was an electronic ignition and catalytic converter, which we assume the Chevy has retained. If you’re looking for Chevrolet’s biggest Impala, how does this one work?
Ba LOO ga.
Somewhere somebody’s pickup is missing its wheels.
And a ball from their bag ⛳️ 🏌️♂️
Thinking more missing their wheels from their TRAILER.
The wheels and white painted grill gives the impression whatever work was done, was done on the cheap.
The price is aggressive.
Steve R
For the money asked, original full wheel covers and fresh white stripe tires would be a reasonable step, and a can each of matte silver Krylon and blue vinyl paint to get the grille and das pad to factory correct colors a bare minimum.
Hahhahaha, that made me laugh!😆
But yeah, needs different wheels…
And it looks raised, no?
454 under the hood would change this to thoughtful sporting accents & light weight wheels with abundant tire selection for reducing rubber to smoke! Just saying
The mods give it the vibe of someone’s last car that, around 1983 or so, became someone else’s first car. And then timewarped to now.
Somehow this car gives me bondo bucket vibes.
“a timeless piece for any car enthusiast’s collection”
I don’t know about that but I like the look of it.
It’s 12/07/25, 1050AM….still no bids. There’s a reason for that.
I’m attracted to this one in all its basicness. Being able to identify only the AM radio and tinted glass as factory options (fender skirts were offered as dealer accessories) this was probably the ad car at a small dealership. Someone took liberty in color matching everything outside. The dash may be a replacement or repair of the original but I’d like to have the wood applique in front of the passenger. The former Custom roofline looks good on these. I never warmed up to the “new” Custom on the full size Collonades. The B-O-P hardtop coupe looked much better, but I guess that’s what happens when you’re the junior Cadillac. For heaven’s sake dump those wagon wheels.
The trailer wheels are horrible!
The fender skirts give it a different look. (I have not seen these before on this vintage Impala) I kind of like them. Factory style “wider” steelies painted in body color and factory dog dish hub caps would kind of complete the owners “original” concept. (I think) I kind of like the white grille also. The left front lower bumper to fender trim is screwed up. The wagon wheels just make the car look “thrown together” to get it sold. The dash cap also adds to that premise of just “throw it together to get it sold. I don’t see anything here as “quality” workmanship. Just get it gone with the white golf ball shifter.
@Wayne
Hey boo!
I don’t think it’s “trim” that screwed up. Looks more like paint peeling to me. The car is also white under it so maybe it’s a respray?
Ive seen “white out” cars before. Just the opposite of “black out” cars where EVERYTHING is painted black, including all chrome pieces. The bumpers are often painted body color. I hate that as I am a lover of shiny chrome.
I remember back around 1960 my brothers and sisters used to mock me saying when I get a car it will be ALL chrome. No paint.
Hi Angel!
I can appreciate Chrome. But also like monochromatic color vehicles if properly done. BUT I HATE ALL BLACK WHEELS WITH NO CHARACTER.But I do love black or dark center wheels like torque thrust. But I am getting little bit tired of all black vehicles with no chrome accents.
Didn’t these come with red & blue stripes? I say this because of the
“white out” features
@ShuttleGuy
You may be thinking of the 1976, as that was a Bicentennial year. The last 200 Cadillac Eldorados were white with red interiors and red, white & blue pinstripes.
That’s it! Thanks.
1974. The 2dr hardtop was dropped after ’75. Even Canadian Bel Airs had the Custom 2dr.
Hi Angel! What you’re thinking of is the 1974 Spirit of America Impala, Nova, & Vega. One year to celebrate the Bicentennial in 1976.
When I first saw this car, like Russ, I immediately thought Spirit of America because of the color and the skirts, although the Impala only could also be had in dark blue body with white vinyl roof.
This one doesn’t do much for me; looks like a cheap paint job.
I stumbled onto one,
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-chevrolet-impala-7/
Soon to be DONK!
I agree Karl.
No doubt!
Fake picture. Not a ’75 roofline.
the vibe the seller has going here will never work or sell this. wheels/dash/grille all need to go back to factory
@Jon Rukavina
Hey Jon, this old gals memory is fading fast. Ive lived in all the areas where dementia is prevalent. 😅
But seriously, I do remember a white out car (mostly the white grill) and red white and blue pinstripes and thought that was an Impala.
I vaguely remember the “Spirit of America” campaign.
Of course my “go to” red white and blue is going to be the Bicentennial Cadillacs.
What do I know. More often than not I enter a room and ask myself “why did I come in here?”
I don’t think you’re close to CRS yet! Just a momentary lapse of reason, that’s all.😁
I know the memory feeling. I have a photographic memory. But I don’t have same day service!
@Wayne
Laughed out loud at that one. 🤣
Angel, I’m glad that I managed to brighten your day a little
Merry Christmas!
🎄🎄 Merry Christmas, Wayne 🎄🎄