Some enthusiasts are passionate about their classic cars, but the prospect of tackling a restoration can seem overwhelming or beyond their ability. That is where cars like this 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS fill the void. There is scope for a perfectionist to lift this gem’s presentation to a higher level, although its condition should still allow it to turn heads as-is. It needs a new home, and with summer fast approaching, I can’t think of many better candidates for a trip to your nearest Cars & Coffee. Located in Placentia, California, you will find the SS listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding sits at $20,100, although this is short of the reserve. The seller offers a BIN option at $42,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this gem for us.

When I look at cars like this Impala, they cause me to pause and ponder the future. There’s no arguing the desirability because climbing values confirm that as a fact rather than an opinion. This classic could be considered an automotive dinosaur compared to the models you will find gracing Chevrolet showrooms today. That isn’t belittling the Impala but acknowledges how far engineering development has evolved since this car sat on that same showroom floor. I raise this because I look at those current offerings and wonder how many will become as desirable as our feature car in fifty-eight years. There seems little doubt that zero-emission vehicles will dominate the market by then, which could make cars with internal combustion engines obsolete and irrelevant. Even if this proves the case, it seems a no-brainer that the Camaro and Corvette would still turn heads. But will potential buyers be drawn like a moth to a flame if a 2022 Malibu appears on eBay? If enthusiasts are offered the choice between that Malibu and this SS, I’m pretty sure I know which would receive the most bids. Turning our attention to the present, the vehicle presents impressively in Ember Red. The seller candidly admits it is an older repaint, but it still holds a winning shine. They also acknowledge that there are a few imperfections, but these aren’t visible in the supplied photos. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but its rust-free status is the potential ace up this Impala’s sleeve. The impression is that the car has spent most of its life in California, where the climate is ideal for preserving classic steel. The seller indicates that the floors and trunk are solid, and this photo seems to support that. The trim is in excellent condition for its age, while the glass is flawless.

If the Impala’s exterior is impressive, its interior raises the game to a higher level. I can spot some aftermarket gauges hanging under the dash, and although the photo isn’t clear enough to be sure, there could be a retro-style stereo mounted where the factory radio should be. Otherwise, it appears to be as it would have looked when it rolled off the production line, and its condition would cause no shame for the buyer at a Cars & Coffee. The Black vinyl upholstery appears close to perfect, with the owner stating that the seats wear new covers. The plated components sparkle richly, while the dash, pad, and console are spotless. The interior isn’t dripping with luxury features, although the factory tachometer is a practical inclusion in a vehicle of this type.

This is the only engine shot the seller supplies in their listing, and they also provide limited information about the Impala’s mechanical specifications. He confirms that the engine bay houses a 327ci V8 hooked to a four-speed manual transmission. The impression is that the car is numbers-matching, but this is no certainty. If it is original, that 327 could be producing 250 or 300 horsepower, but even those figures are uncertain. The engine looks factory fresh, and the headers visible in this photo may be a visual indication of other upgrades. The seller may be willing to provide further information, but they state that the car runs and drives well. The motor feels strong, and the transmission shifts smoothly. That makes it a turnkey classic needing nothing but a new owner to slip behind the wheel.

Buying a classic car on the strength of an advertisement without performing an in-person inspection takes a leap of faith. I have lost count of how often a seller will advertise a classic as a slice of motoring perfection, but the buyer learns to their dismay that all isn’t as represented when the car lands in their driveway. That is why I find cars like this 1964 Impala SS attractive. It presents beautifully in the photos, and the seller could easily have conveyed the impression of perfection in their listing. However, they have elected to be candid about its flaws, which raises confidence in potential buyers who may be unable to perform an inspection. I’m surprised that the bidding hasn’t been more intense, with only nine submitted at the time of writing. With plenty of time remaining on the auction, there’s scope for the situation to change dramatically. I think that the seller may struggle to achieve their BIN, although I wouldn’t rule it out entirely. If the seller tastes success, it appears the new owner will drive away in a classic capable of turning heads wherever it goes. When a vehicle has nearly six decades under its belt, that stands as quite an achievement.