What a difference a year makes. During the 1961 model year, Chevrolet introduced the Super Sport option on its full-size cars. The emphasis was on performance and fewer than 500 were built. For the 1962 model run, Chevy decided to focus on style over performance and sold more than 99,000 Impala SS hardtops and convertibles. They could be ordered with any Chevrolet powerplant, even a six-cylinder (though few were). The seller’s Impala is largely original with its factory 327 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission.
The Super Sport would remain a part of the Impala lineup for the balance of the decade. And, beginning in 1964, it would be promoted to a series of its own, with bucket seats, special wheel covers, and badging to separate the SS from other Impalas. The Super Sport could also be found on the compact Chevy II/Nova and the mid-size Chevelle.
While the engine in this Impala has been rebuilt, it’s the one the car left the factory with. It’s a little more potent than before as it was bored .30 over and a mild camshaft upgrade was added. The blue paint is original and looks good until you get up close where you’ll find some rust brewing in places that you’ll want to attend to sooner rather than later. The light blue interior is brand new.
The Impalas gained a formal roof in 1962 with its hardtops, leaving the previous “bubble top” fastback style to the Bel Air (for 1962 only) before finally going away. This sharp Chevy is in Deming, New Mexico, and has been listed here on eBay. The reserve is still in play at the current bid of $8,100. With a little time in the body shop, this Impala should be a nice candidate for weekend cruises!
For 1962, Bill Mitchell really kicked the competition’s butt in terms of styling. Then came ’63, with the Stingray and the Riviera. Mitchell talked about the successes of ’63, and said (sic) “…we could have got drunk every night!…”.
I assume he meant toasting that well-deserved success.
Pretty solid looking project that doesn’t need a whole lot. I would love to know the number that the owner has in mind. He might be a while selling it playing around on EBay. If he really wants to sell he should start with the minimum price he will accept and then let the bidders run it up.
I always loved the 1962 — and thank heavens for that formal roof in place of the ugly bubble-top! Cheryl really dressed-up the ’61 With this dignified face-lift which would setvthe v tone for 1963 and 1964. And what a RELIEF from the late 1950s “space-rocket-jet” excesses, and those HIDEOUS early 1960s Mopars! Chrysler woyld begin to recover sanity around 1965 or so. If I had the place to put it, and the money for the body-work, I’d love to cruise around in this one!
I always loved the 1962 — and thank heavens for that formal roof in place of the ugly bubble-top! Chevy really dressed-up the ’61 With this dignified face-lift which would set the tone for 1963 and 1964. And what a RELIEF from the late 1950s “space-rocket-jet” excesses, and those HIDEOUS early 1960s Mopars! Chrysler would begin to recover sanity around 1965 or so. If I had the place to put it, and the money for the body-work, I’d love to cruise around in this 1962 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport!
Very nice looking car bid is over 16 K now. If it stays under 25 K it would be a deal. How bad is the rust is the big concern? Do you feel lucky?