I’m going to dispense with the “Giddy Up, Giddy Up 409…” folderol and look at this 1964 Chevrolet Impala two-door hardtop objectively and judge it on its merits and/or detractions. It shows pretty well and is properly equipped— I’d say it’s a fine discovery, courtesy of Rocco B! San Jose, California is where this Goldwood Yellow Impala cools its heels and it’s available here on craigslist for $38,500.
We’ve covered many 1964 full-size Chevrolets here on BF, and why not? The bowtie had the tiger by the tail in ’64, knocking out 2.1 M 1.6 M full-size (B-body) cars. The standard Impala, not including the separate series Super Sport (SS) model, accounted for 690K of that total. Even if only 5% (34,500 units) are still in existence, that’s a lot of cars that can still be covered. Since I already gave away the engine biz, I’ll suggest that about 8,700 B-bodies were powered by one of three different 409 CI engines. Initial observations: The finish looks good – it may or may not be a repaint, there’s no apparent indication of rust or panel damage, the stainless steel side moldings look as if they’ve encountered some parking lot friction (dings), and the suspension has either been lowered or this baby is sittin’ on some very tired coil springs. I’m generally not a fan of wire wheel covers, but I must say, in this instance, they work well.
Since this is a non-SS model, it is equipped with a bench seat, and the upholstery is in fine nick – as are the door panels. Ditto the carpet; black nylon loop has a tendency to fade to brown with age, so I’ll assume the rug has been replaced. One nice feature is the factory tachometer – it’s a necessary option as this Impala is equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, though that’s not stated anywhere in the listing – a big time omission! Of course, it’s a non-working tach, so as it is, its value is limited. A/C is also on tap, but it’s in the same operational mode as the tachometer.
Chevrolet’s W-head 409 CI V8 engine was available in three flavors in ’64: the base 340 HP – what we have here and in matching number form; the more potent 400; and the top dog, dual quad 425 HP stormer. There’s no word regarding this car’s running and driving characteristics, but the seller does mention improvements, including: a new fuel tank with sending unit and fill hose, new front wheel cylinders and grease seals, a new radiator, and a new fuel pump.
Two observations. First, for an ask of $38,500, the included images are not adequate and don’t fully present this car. Secondly, the no mention of the four-speed gearbox is about as big a faux pas as I’ve encountered – and I’ve reviewed thousands of auto listings in either my time here at BF or just in general. And that gets me back to the item of price. What’s your thought on that matter, priced right or not quite?
Nice car, there can’t have been many of them with a 409, 4 speed, and A/C. I thought I was lucky to find a low mile 327 63 convertible with A/C. It was abandoned in a field in Farmville VA, it was a project that took a year and took a lot out of me. I converted it to a 4 speed, but that was the early 1990’s when originality wasn’t that big a deal.
I found the original owner of my car, and I’ve been in Virginia in the summer, so I wasn’t surprised that he drove it with the top up and the A/C on.
Back in 1968 when I was a junior in high school, (yeah, I’m old), a friend of mine had a 64 SS Impala ,409, 4 spd, this same color. He could consistently outrun the 383 Road Runners, 383 Super Bee’s, SS 396’s, and a 68 Camaro SS350. Back in the day when country road drag races were a Saturday night ritual. The best of times, even with Vietnam hanging over our heads.
I know where the seller took the pics as I too have used the same spot to shoot pictures for a sale ad. It is literally a five minute walk from my house, so I am kinda surprised I have never seen this Impala around. I would assume they live in my area, but according to the ad, definitely in my part of the city, so if any BF’ers are interested in the Impala, I would be willing to do a thorough inspection for you. Plus, that’d give me a good excuse to check out a sweet Impala. The only thing I am really seeing from the pics, it sits a little too low for me – maybe cut or lowering springs, but not a huge issue if the rest of the car checks out. I wish there were a few more pics, undercarriage, inside trunk, rear of the car, full pass side, etc.
Super nose dive,multiple dings in the trim shown,big rust blister in the middle of the rubber cowl seal and that’s what is pictured,what’s not shown? Almost 40 large? Someone is going to be mighty sad when they see this in the flesh.
Lucky in San Jose not to have become a lowrider over the years.
A lot of positives with this car, price excluded.
I’m sorry, but I’m gonna have to delete Barn Finds because I’m gonna end up spending all my kid’s inheritance on cars! I guess I’m lucky that today’s post has THREE cars that I want, so I can’t make up my mind! I’d really, REALLY like to have this 409…Price is right, color combo is right, 4 spd + A/C, easy restoration. If I buy it I’ll have to live in it ’cause my wife will get the house!!
Also want the Mark VIII and the Graham…I’m like a blind dog in a meat house!
When u said u were spending the kids inheritance,I thought you meant the field finds at the top of this page. lol. That,s about what my kids will be getting
My dad said he wanted his money and his life to run out at the same time, and if he could die by noon tomorrow he’d come out just right!
I got my driver’s license in a 64 Impala that my mom bought new, we drove it from the dealership to the DMV…it had less than 50 miles on it.
Priced a little heavy for condition in my opinion. The Hurst shifter I don’t like seeing. No underneath shots to see how dirty it is and the engine compartment needs some help. But that is my opinion….Need to see in person.
Azzurra I’m not far behind ya. Dad had a 64 brown on tan 327 from 66-68 after returning from Vietnam. I was 10. That car is what turned me into a gearhead. Just beautiful.
I don’t know. The price seems pretty optimistic, but it is a pretty desirable car. On the other hand, I agree with Jim that not mentioning the 4 speed is a little strange. In my opinion, it is too much money, but I would still like to have it. This is one of the cars that got this 14 year old future car addict hooked hard..(also, it’s been lowered)
2.1 million full-size Chevrolets in 1964?! That’s a bit over-optimistic since the entire production was 2,318,619 units.
Correct, it was 1.6 MM. Post amended.
JO
Replace all the coils with new! Sits way too low!
Your correct if you want it back to normal ride height because I don’t believe that it has worn out coils, I think its me been intentionally lowered. My sister had a boyfriend that had a ’64 SS and he paid good money to get his to look like this.