It is a question that has long attracted different opinions among car enthusiasts. When a rock-solid classic appears to carry the survivor badge proudly, is preservation or restoration the most appropriate approach? Both sides can provide convincing arguments, which is the decision awaiting the new owner of this 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS. Its lack of rust makes preservation viable, although some will contend that the minor mechanical changes are enough to make restoration the best approach. The Impala is listed here on eBay in Boise, Idaho. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $27,700, which is below the reserve.
Chevrolet introduced the SS badge to its Third Generation Impala range for the 1961 model year. Our feature car emerged in 1962 finished in stunning Nassau Blue. The seller indicates it has never undergone repairs or restoration, with the steel and paint original from the day it rolled down the line. Therefore, the lack of Bondo is no earth-shattering surprise. The paint shows age, and the panels sport minor bumps and bruises. However, those considering the preservation path will be pleased to learn this classic is rust-free. The underside shots show a consistent coating of surface corrosion, but there is no evidence of steel penetration. The trim generally looks acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, although I think a couple of the side pieces may have minor dings. The glass is crystal clear, and the seller has fitted narrow whitewalls to the factory steel wheels.
Ain’t that purty? Lifting the hood reveals a spotless engine bay that houses a 327ci V8. It is unclear whether it is original, but the seller states it produces 300hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. The transmission marks the most significant change, with the original Powerglide making way for a TH-350 automatic. The extra ratio will undoubtedly improve performance, but the modification undermines claims that the Impala is a genuine survivor. Further notable changes include the upgraded power steering, tandem master cylinder, and HEI distributor. Other recent work includes a new dual exhaust, brake hardware, and an Edelbrock carburetor. The seller supplies a comprehensive service history dating back to Day One, which may motivate some enthusiasts to return this car to its factory form. This SS is a turnkey proposition, with the engine and transmission only clocking 200 miles since the rebuild. There are no issues or problems, making flying in and driving home a viable choice.
The seller admits the two-tone Blue vinyl seatcovers are a recent addition, with the remaining trim as it left the factory. The headliner has developed some flaws, and the armrests show their age. Otherwise, this interior is very presentable. The tilt wheel is another recent addition, allowing the driver to tailor their position perfectly. The bright trim is in good order, and the factory AM radio works perfectly.
Okay, it’s crunch time. What would you do if this 1962 Impala SS landed in your garage? Would you enjoy it as-is or perform a cosmetic refresh? Another alternative is to source the required parts to return the car to its factory form. There is no questioning the interest it has generated, with forty-five bids submitted at the time of writing. It appears people like what they see, but do you? If so, would you consider joining the bidding battle?
Isn’t this just a regular Impala and not an Impala SS?? I don’t see any SS badging.
Something isn’t right. I entered the VIN from the eBay listing, and it comes up as a 6 cylinder sport coupe, base.
I had a 1962 Sport Coupe withe the blue flame 6. The VIN 21747 does indicate that it was originally a 6 cylinder. Mine was a 3 on a tree and radio delete. Only 7297 with the 6 cylinder were made in 1962.
A 327 would have Chevy Flags emblem on front fender ….car has many questionable issues for the “survivor” claim
Non-SS….but what’s up with that roof pilar….that’s not factory paint cover up there is it ?
I think it’s been restored. The steering has been updated to a newer box, the aftermarket tilt column has been added, firewall is body color, the master cylinder and cooling system has been upgraded, there is something off with the pulleys and brackets that relocated the alternator to the wrong side of the engine. Hopefully there is a list of what parts were used or maintenance will be a nightmare.
Steve R
You know what I’m gonna say…
Put a LS in it?
Let me guess. A lowrider.
“Love Machine?”
LOL!
Too much on this car is left to question. Me, I’d keep searching if I was bent on getting a `62 “SS”.
Bench seat + no console = no SS
The VIN starts with 21747, which indicates a 6-cylinder 1962 Impala Sport Coupe.
Wouldn’t a SS have bucket seats and a console gear shift? Not a bench seat and coloum shift.
Buckets, yes. But 62 with auto was column shift.
I have owned several SS Impalas. Both 62 and 63. In my humble opinon it not an SS.
Obviously born a 6cyl impala but later has a 327 transplanted. Still a nice car but not worth what expecting.
Not a SS, my Dad owned the exact same model (fabric seats which unfortunately dissolve when you apply ice cream to them). Good memories
Too much money for a base Impala. Not an SS.
Gee, they only made a million of them
The 21747 vin was the 6 cylinder. Less than 7500 were made in that configuration in the Sport Coupe.
I’ve never seen the alternator sitting in that spot, reminds me of a car I bought that had five extra feet of fuel line zipped tied up in the engine bay. Looks like quite a furry of bidders who aren’t as careful about what they’re buying.
Would be cooler with the 6.
Would be cooler with air conditioning haha
Nice looking car any way you look at it and color is my favorite. I had one with a 6 and switched it to a 283 everything hooked up even the exhaust, motor mounts ect. easiest 6 to 8 swap change I ever made
Mine was a blue flame 6 with 3 on the tree in the Gold. It was repainted white over red after I sold it. I always wondered what happened to it .
You guys are right, not an SS. There are no engine badges on the front fenders, Chevron for the 283 that with crossed flags for the 327. No markings verify the VIN of a base 6 banger. Also no turned metal trim pieces and no spinner hubcap. Too much dough.
We’re all agreed it’s not an SS, but (aside from all the other deficiencies already noted here) where’s the fancy chrome with the circular tooling marks in it to try to pass as an SS? Also, please correct me if I’m wrong but I didn’t think a 327 was even available in ‘62. Nice lookin car overall & I love a bench seat, (can’t get my sweetie close enough in buckets 😃) but not close to what it’s being represented as
Upon deeper investigation, I see eBay listing just says sport coupe, not Super sport coupe.
In 62 rhere were 2 327s available. A 250 hp and a 300 hp. I had one with the 300 hp.
OK..I’ll correct you…327 was introduced in the Chevy & Corvette in 1962…Chevy had 250 or 300 HP options.
Corvette had those 2 and high performance versions of 340 and 360 HP….with Fuel Inhection
Erich, yes the 327 was available in ’62, as both a 250 HP and a 300 HP. That being said many of previous comments are exactly correct. It is not an SS, and it was a factory 6 cyl. Could make a neat street cruiser though as it wouldn’t take much to make it an SS clone.
I really like this car. I don’t remember seeing a 62 Impala this color, and the matching interior really sets it off to me. I’m not the only person who likes it as the bidding is at $27,700 with reserve not met. I like it and would love to have it but I see one little detail, that while wouldn’t stop me from bidding, is that they didn’t bother to replace the torque convertor cover. That is a small detail but makes me wonder if there are other small details that they cut corners on. Excuse me for nit picking but that would bug me until I fixed it if I bought this car.
They couldn’t put the cover on because it is a 4×4 350 case and the sheet metal cover probably would not fit. And they also put the transmission crossmember in upside down. Something is not right about the divshaft it should not be hitting the frame.
Not a Super Sport. Friend had one same color, 300HP, Powerglide. Right side wiped out by a moving van. Put back together with a lotta mud. Super Sport had bucket seats. That’s what made it a Super Sport. Column shift Powerglide, not really a console but storage box between the seats. Spinners on wheel covers, too. Side trim had engine-turned insert, not paint. Someone at my grade school had a 62 Super Sport with a six.
Wonder why the 327 fender flags were removed….or might it be that the Hi-Thrift 235 6-cylinder was the original motor…whereby there were NO engine designations on the fender(s).
Mom’s 62 biscayne had the same hubcaps
My parents ’62 Bel Air four-door had the same wheel covers on it.
I love 62s ,3s and 4s. Great lines in these cars.
Doesn’t look like an SS.
Probably was 283 engine car, I had two 62 a SS and regular Impala love 62, but now I have 67
Well I’m glad we got that straightened out.
This car is no SS. I would also go as far as saying it is likely not a 327. Though nice, this car is far from original. Price is steep to me. The positive is, if this is bringing this type of cash, it may be time to let my full optioned one with an incorrect 396 4 speed in it go.
VIN says Blue Flame 6, excellent engine, and column says automatic, Powerglide was also excellent. Likely used up within 60+ years. Upgrade to 283 or 327 with a 350TH is also great choice, but doesn’t make it SS or worth $30k (fees included). Needs complete pro inspection and paint at very least. Be @ $8-10 if it passes.
I have an all original, never painted, 62 Impala setting out front with 327 auto, P.S. setting out front and have had multiple offers up to $25,000. but wasn’t looking to sell, but if the offers get any better I might have to consider letting it go.
Here is a cheap one to fix up just buy a 4door parts car or use it for parts
https://kansascity.craigslist.org/pts/d/kansas-city-1963-chevy-impala/7720410740.html
Standard Impala, not SS ~ also came from the factory with 6 cyl./Powerglide.
My Brother in law said he told his Mom SS stood for Separate Seats so she would not worry. Was a 62 SS 327 3 on the tree, Great car!
My first car was a nassau blue with white convertible top 1962 impala ss. 327/300 hp straight drive. This car is not a ss impala.
Couple other dead give aways to it not being a ss is the ss quarter panel emblems not there along with the decklid emblems and the cove panel on the back isn’t engine turned like the body side molding would be and there isn’t a grab bar on the right side of the dash. It is very buildable but it’s a 7500 dollar car all day long. If it was a true ss numbers matching in this shape it would be worth around 30 thousand I have one for myself to restore and yes I will clone a ss and my dad has a pair of them a red on red ss and a white over red all original sport coupe his ss and my sport coupe came with power steering factory ac 327 powerglides and his other one still has the 283 non ac powerglide but it’s been sitting longer with only 71 thousand miles. Y’all wish me luck it’s enough work to keep me up to my ears in work for a long time because my first project is my first truck 72 swb GMC and then my 66 gto