Go to any lowrider car show and you’ll soon realize that the 1964 Chevrolet Impala is the most popular model of vehicle to low ride. It’s big and boxy and looks great lowered. Add some hydraulics and nothing looks more dramatic three-wheelin’ (driving with one wheel up in the air). This Impala has been parked since the ’90s but they think it could make the perfect lowrider or hotrod build. Take a look here on ebay and let us know what you think in the comment section below.
Impalas came in many flavors when new. You could choose between an economical inline-six all the way up to a fire-breathing quad-carb 425 horsepower 409 cubic inch V8! There were many options in between too along with automatic or 4-speed manual transmissions. Obviously, everyone wants the 409 but lowriders are supposed to go low and slow so the 283/auto combo will do just fine. Get it?
The original upholstery is toast but that’s okay because we would want to wrap everything in button-tuck velvet anyway. Some automotive enthusiasts like to make fun of the genres of cars that they are not into but the truth is, we are all the same. Some guys like to modify their cars, some don’t, but we all love the same four wheeled contraptions. Stroll a lowrider car show and then go to a hotrod one and try to tell me they are not the same.
Back to the Impala! The brown paint may or may not work for a lowrider. Personally, I prefer the metal flake magenta that was so popular in the lowrider world during the ’90s. It looks great with some ghost murals on the hood and trunk. Add a pair of hydraulic pumps and a bank of batteries in the trunk and you would have the quintessential lowrider. The only hard part for me would be cutting out the top of those shock towers to install those hydraulic cylinders.
Do you think this should be turned into a lowrider or should the next owner stick with stock?
Low rider, WHY ???
Too nice to turn into some garish sideshow attraction.
It needs to be a high rider. Put a 4WD system under it.
A well done lowrider is a manifestation of the creator’s dream, a work of art, and an expression of a cultural heritage. He/she has put a lot of effort, not to mention money into the project. It may not be to another’s taste but it deserves respect.
And if you spend some time at a lowrider show you’ll have a ton of fun and meet some open and friendly people who love cars. You really should go to at least once if there’s one nearby. It will be a cross cultural experience you’ll realize was both enjoyable and expanding.
A love of cars in whatever form is a universal language.
I agree. Nothing ‘garish’ about a lowrider. Calling that side of the car hobby names is pretty ignorant. While I don’t personally want a lowrider, I can certainly appreciate the incredible work and craftsmanship that goes into many of them – certainly as good as any fancy car restorer’s work. And yes works of art some of them are. Oh and the women involved aren’t too shabby either.. ;)
Both of you said it so very well. I have no desire to own a lowrider but a properly done one is a piece of artwork. Yes there are quite a few cool owners. Not all are but the same can be said about any type of vehicle. For me personally, I’d put it back to original paint color, if this is original color currently on it, no problem. Just fresh paint. I’d redo the interior. Honestly doesn’t matter to me if it’s OEM or not. Just comfortable and durable. Disc brakes up front and dual reservoir master cylinder. Power steering and power brakes are mandatory. Not as young as I used to be. Lol. Probably hop up the 283 a little. Nice dual exhaust, in my case glasspacks would be used. I absolutely love the sound of an sbc with glass packs! We all have our favorites. I love RWL tires on some cars so that’s what I’d put on it. I’d go with polished old school aluminum mags or Torque Thrusts or American Diasy. You get the idea. Some will hate this idea but I live in Arizona and really like tinted windows for practicality sake if nothing else. Yes I like the looks too. To those that despise tinted windows on an older car, if you live in the Southwest and drive your car a lot, especially in daylight, there’s a possibility that you might change your mind about hating them
Before it can be turned into a low rider, it needs to find a new owner. This is the 4th time the seller has listed on eBay, so far it’s never recurved more than an opening bid, which is below reserve. The seller is proud of this car, there is no telling what he thinks it’s worth, but it’s pretty clear the market thinks $5,500 is about right.
Steve R
I’d retromod it but if it gets turned into a low rider that’s not the end of the world.
I see a ” Love Machine ” , only us older people will get that 😎
It needs a MUF DVR front license plate to be complete. ;)
And a light blue driver’s side door with no exterior handle, LOL! 😜
Buying this is like putting money up in smoke…
😆😂🤣😅 Cheech and Chong fan huh?
Personally I think this needs a700 horsepower ls swap tubbed out to put 15 inch slicks underneath a power glide a300 shot of nitrous and a rollcage
To back up anything this old when you have something so complete to start with is sad. Hopefully it can land in a responsible restoration. Keep it as close to factory with a touch of class. Anything else is like getting your grandma a set of 44DDs
Well, a mountain of work ahead of whoever gets it. 3500-5000 is maybe fair after a close inspection.
A lot of sellers today, like to dream they are sitting on their 401K. Truth is, this car and many others, are worth what someone is willing to pay. Which ever way this car goes, I hope it finds a good home.
I’m tired of the lower is cool thing. If you own a 60s or 70s truck it has to be on the ground. My 67 was lowered when I got it but I have returned it back to stock height. I love it.
boy that’s a lot of rot for the money.
Low rider ??? Right now its a Fred Flintstone car with the rusted out floor boards .
I see the floor completely rotted out and Illonois car – parts probably – go look first.. i’ve had several like this looks good 20 ft away and crushed a few even hating it but beyond salvation.
I always liked the 63-64 Impala`s but that color dont look good on a Impala
Keep it stock. New seat covers and floor mats all around and drive it. The 383 will give much better fuel mileage.
I would keep it mostly stock with some small modification 409 engine wouldn’t be a priority, maybe a sey of cragers and ss seats other than that i would leave it stock and cruise it