The fifth generation of the Chevy Impala enjoyed a six-year run from 1971-76. They would be replaced by smaller renditions as the industry began its down-sizing phase. The cars would be little changed from year-to-year, with the exception of how big the bumpers would get (Federally-mandated impact limits kicked in, eventually requiring the cars to withstand 5 mph whacks in the front). Located in an open garage or shed in Centerville, Texas is this pair of one-owner Chevy Impalas, one from ‘72 and the other ‘73. They could almost be twins as the coloring is about the same. $6,000 takes the pair home from here on Facebook Marketplace.
We’re told both these cars were parked at least 30 years ago and left to collect dust. We don’t know what caused them to come to rest in this spot and how many years apart that may have occurred. Both cars have the same number of doors (four) and both are said to have clean interiors. Both have the 350 V8 engine. The chance of a sale could be enhanced if the cars were pulled out of storage, cleaned up and an assessment made of what it might take to get them going again.
1972 Impala
The ’72’s were little changed from the year before as a total makeover had been done that year. The grill now extended below the bumper. All engines were now designed to run on unleaded gas. The power ventilation system was improved, and exit vents were moved from the trunk lid to the door pillars. We can see some surface rust on at least the right rear quarter panel and – while we get a couple of photos of interiors – we’re not sure which car is being displayed.
1973 Impala
The previously mentioned larger bumpers took effect starting in ’73 and new taillights were mounted in the still conventional rear bumper. Tweaks to the suspension and frame gave the cars better roadability and the front seats were repositioned for more legroom. That was better for taller drivers, less so for shorter ones. From the photos provided, the ’73 may have withstood Mother Nature a little better than the ’72, but that’s a subjective call.
Once again, these are my Driver’s Ed car , where after school 4 of us would pile in with Mr. Hill and drive around for 2 hours. This is how I became the world’s best driver, as my wife will attest.
Normally I wouldn’t give a 73 Chevy a second look. I could tell, even then at age 16 , that the build quality was getting cheaper. But now, I’d love to get those cars running. That engine bay photo looks really good!
I agree Rex, pretty clean in there. It’s hard to find an original engine bay with all the goodies still there.
I also took Drivers Ed in a ’73. Thought we would have to throw out an anchor to stop! LOL! My kids still cant believe we drove around in something “THAT BIG”! LOL
Interesting how the rear bumpers are different
on the same year cars.
One is a 1972 and the other is a 1973, they’re not the same year.
Thanks! I caught that when I re-read it.
I would like to know the back story why there would be two, not one, nearly identical everyman early 70’s Impalas parked in the shed back in the day.
$6,000! It’s been forty years since I saw one of these that wasn’t taking part in a demolition derby. Is that what participation costs now?
i agree demo derby would be the best use of these…a bit pricey for that..
I learned to drive on a friend’s mom’s 73 wagon! We drove across country in it too. These cars road smooth! I still love them. These would be tempting but I’m a sport roof coupe kinda guy.
First one I have ever seen without the air cleaner lid installed upside down.
Apparently the owner didn’t know it added at least 50 HP if you were a teen driver
Believe it or not, a small classic car lot near me (in Greenbrier TN) specializes in what looks to be 72-76 full size Chevies, the only other car on the lot is a ’66 Mercury.
i was born in oct.3rd.1975 even i love old 4dr. cars from this era
My first car was a ‘73 caprice coupe, I loved that car & have dreamt of having another one day. These cars drive down the road very smooth. Felt like king of the road driving it😂
They were a decent ride but very large. My Grandparents had a 72 2-dr hardtop with the 350 2V motor. Very dependable, decent power and good gas mileage. I inherited the car but traded for an El Camino. Wouldn’t mind having that car back today.
I still have my 72 4-dr sedan Biscayne with the B07 police package to enjoy. I’m sure the owner of these two will offer up a reasonable price for both. If not, then they both continue to collect more dust.
Facebook? Let the buyer beware.
One has a 4bbl 350, the other has 2bbl. They both have a lot of rust, especially the ’72. And the rear windows on this generation are especially prone to leaks and rust.
My college car was a 1975 Impala 4dr, Nicknamed the hooptie could fit 8 people comfortably in that thing, trust me when I say that thing was indestructable.
My dad had the same color 72 in a door as I was learning to drive. We made sure to flip that air cleaner for the full affect of the 400.
Dr. Cosmo Kramer, proctology, has enter the chat
I live less than 30 minutes from Centerville,Tx and know the area extremely well. I volunteer to go put eyes on them if anyone could use the help. I don’t know the seller not I have looked at their post. I would appreciate the help if I needed it so I’m offering..
We used these as police vehicles, flipping the lid on the air cleaner sounded mean when the 4 barrel kicked in. At the end of the shift if you forgot to flip it back, you rode the desk for the near future….
Looks like a lot of work for very little gain other than preserving a peice of history.
In 1973 I lived in San Francisco which helps to explain why I thought so-called normal cars were getting ridiculously large. To my mind a Chevrolet should not be only 3 in shorter than a Buick. I’m sure that because there were two or three smaller models in each brand that cost forced more commonality of tooling within each size across the GM range. I was not fond of how similar they all were.
Like everyone else I hated the five mile per hour bumpers, but bumper protection had gotten to be pretty much a joke on some of the more stylish cars (in my view a reason why we don’t see as many of those late 60s and early 70s beauties as we’d like because many got totaled in minor accidents).
My first car was a used 1961 Mercury Monterey, so I can hardly put down people who like big cars.
I thought my 1973 Volvo was the perfect size – about the same as my 2000 Mustang GT convertible but twice as big inside with four times the trunk
Had one I got in the 80’s for about $350. Don’t knock that bi-directional intake boost, we used to call that the but what option. You stomped out a cigarette butt on the gas pedal yelling “Think I’m slow” at a red light, then BUUUUUTTTY WHAAAATT. Used to die laughing every time like it was the first time. Good times
Desirable to you or not(I don’t care for these in four door)these early to mid seventies Chevy 4 doors are popular with the “donk” crowd & this is a bargain for them. Just a matter of time before they sell.
Bought one at Mecum a few yrs ago for $6200 in excellent condition with 6k actual miles. What a boat anchor.