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One-Owner Estate Sale: 1964 Chevrolet Impala

Some classic cars are more memorable than others, and this 1964 Impala probably rates with the best of them. That isn’t because it features a rare drivetrain or a list of options as long as your arm. It is a one-owner classic that the original owner treated to a meticulous restoration. Sadly, he has recently passed away, and his family is selling the vehicle as part of the process of settling his estate. A third party has listed it, and he appears to be very approachable for potential buyers with questions. If you find this a gem that is hard to resist, you will find the Impala located in Canton, Illinois, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $28,100, which takes it beyond the reserve. I have to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this stunning classic for us.

It isn’t every day that you come across a car like this Chevrolet. Finding a vehicle that has remained in the same hands for fifty-seven years is one thing, but when that owner embarks upon a restoration of this caliber, it takes that vehicle to an entirely new level. The Impala wears a combination of Meadow Green and Ermine White that looks pretty impressive. If the original owner was seeking to achieve perfection with his restoration, it seems that he wasn’t far off the mark. The paint looks beautiful, with consistent color and no evidence of flaws or issues. He has applied the paint over panels that appear to be arrow straight, and the gaps are some of the most consistent that I’ve seen on a car of this age. The question of rust would seem to be irrelevant because not only do the panels seem spotless, but the seller doesn’t mention any issues with the underside. With his willingness to answer questions, you have to wonder whether he would be willing to entertain the notion of in-person inspections. That would be the best way to confirm this classic’s rust-free status. The exterior trim is as immaculate as the paint, while the glass is spotless.

I scoured the supplied photo in a bid to find something to criticize with this Impala, and I came up empty with the interior. I hesitate to use the term “time capsule” because I believe that it has been played to death. However, climbing aboard this Chevy would be like stepping back to 1964. The upholstery shows no evidence of wear or damage, with the seats appearing to be in as-new condition. The carpet is in a similar state, while the wheel is immaculate. Perhaps the aspect of this interior that impresses me most is the pad. These can fade and warp, but this one looks as good as the day it rolled out of the showroom. The interior isn’t loaded with luxury features, but the AM radio should provide entertainment as this baby rolls down the road.

Chevrolet offered a few different engine options in the ’64 Impala, and this owner chose the 327ci V8 that produces 250hp. He also ticked the boxes on the Order Form beside the two-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The Powerglide can sap some of the performance of any GM product, but it remains essentially indestructible. If the buyer points this classic at a ¼ mile, the journey would be over in 17.1 seconds. There are plenty of modern offerings that could better that mark, but it is worth remembering that this is a fifty-seven-year-old classic that will seat six people. That makes it seem more than acceptable. The seller indicates that the Impala has 60,753 original miles showing on its odometer, and given its ownership history, I suspect that potential buyers might be able to verify the reading. The engine bay presents as immaculately as the rest of the vehicle, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. We’re told that the car runs perfectly, meaning that the open road is beckoning for this classic and its new owner.

As I look at this 1964 Impala, I can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness. The original owner will almost certainly have remembered the day that he rolled it out of the dealership for the first time and how beautifully it presented with nothing but delivery miles showing on its odometer. It appears that he was attempting to regain its lost youth, and he has succeeded in this objective. However, I get the impression that he didn’t have much opportunity to enjoy his handiwork before he passed away. I hope that its next owner enjoys this car as much as he did and continues to treat it with respect. This classic deserves nothing less.

Comments

  1. Avatar Terrry

    Ironically, the Poweglide “slushbox” hindered the bigger engines’ performance, yet Powerglides, when modified, are the auto trans of choice at the drag strip.

    Like 19
    • Avatar gravyboat

      to bad the thm-400 wasnt an option

      Like 0
  2. HoA Howard A Member

    Memories,,,I’ll say. My 1st ( real) girlfriend right out of HS had a car just like this , only bronze. It was her fathers he passed down to her. She was just a little thing, and had to sit on pillows to drive it. She traded it for a Datsun 1200 fastback. Talk about one extreme to the other. Cars had evolved to a point here, where all that was needed was a speedometer and a gas gauge. They had become so dependable, it’s all that was required, not that the majority of people would have known what low oil pressure or no charging would mean anyway. Nice find, these were all scrapped and sold to Japan and turned into Toyotas. Nice to see one didn’t meet that fate.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar local_sheriff

    It’s more or less spec’d exactly as my own ’64, only mine is an SS and white only. IMHO Meadow Green and Ermine White makes such a lot more desirable period color combo, feeling abit envious now… Just love the psychedelic cloth pattern of ’64. Seems to be a very nice find 👍

    Like 11
  4. Avatar Moparman Member

    I had a ’65 Malibu with the base 250 hp 327 c.i./Powerglide combo, and it never seemed hindered to me. Driven like granny, it would deliver mileage in the low 20’s; floor it though, and you could hear the engine roar and that huge Rochester gulping air a block away! You could also watch the gas hand move as well, LOL!! :-)

    Like 6
    • Avatar LarryS

      Pretty sure the 327 Chevelle in ’65 came with either a Carter AFB or a Holley 4150.

      Like 1
  5. Avatar Stu

    My first car out of the Air Force was a 1964 Impala, dark blue with a light blue interior. I believe it had a 283 and an automatic trans. The trunk was smooth as glass but honeycombed with cracks. Sold it to pay for college and the new owner met up with a hail storm. Took care of the cracks. I would love this car as is.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar glenn C marks

    Just gorgeous! I hope the new owner just drives it and admires it like it is.

    Like 0

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