The big news at Chevrolet in 1964 was the introduction of the new mid-size Chevelle. But there was some noise within the full-size Impala line-up, too, with the promotion of the Super Sport to series status. While the SS wasn’t a rare car, one with the factory 409 cubic inch V8 with a twin 4-barrel carburetor set up was (if this is one). That mammoth engine was rated at 425 hp making it one of the most powerful cars to come out of Detroit in ’64. This example, located in Lakewood, Pennsylvania, is pretty rough, but the VIN jives as being a real deal SS. It’s available here on eBay where the bidding has tipped the scale at $7,700.
Chevy laid down some big production numbers in 1964. Total assemblies reached 1,574,400 for the year and 889,600 were Impalas. 35% of the 536,300 Impala 2-door hardtops built were Super Sports or 155,000 units. Besides VIN documentation, the ‘64 Impala SS models were recognized by their different side moldings, unique wheel covers, and SS emblems on the rear quarters. SS models had an all-vinyl interior with bucket seats and a center console. This car has the top-line 409 engine with dual-quads which, if the car came this way from the factory, could account for as few as 1,600 cars.
The seller mentions that the carbs are a matching pair and provides casting numbers for the manifold and block, but he doesn’t tie them as original to the car. It’s my understanding that the 409 option required a 4-speed manual to be ordered, but the shifter in this car looks to be for an automatic. So perhaps the motor was added later as the Super Sport could come with almost any engine that Chevy built.
We’re told this Impala has been off the road since 1984. You can see a few new parts in the engine compartment, so perhaps some work was done to get it running as the seller says that it does start. The carbs alone are said to have cost $750 to rebuild. Most of the attention may be needed in the cosmetic department. Just about every body panel is going to need to be repaired or replaced. The floors will need patching and the trunk is of the see-through variety. While the seller says most of the trim has survived, the hood on the car is not correct.
The interior looks surprisingly good for a car that has been sitting for the last 37 years, with most of that probably outside. It seems complete, and the major pieces may be passable, at least for now. There is no title with the Chevy as it will be sold only with a New York Bill of Sale. While this car has the impressive 409 V8, is the rest of the car worth fixing up?
That is sure an expensive carb rebuild job.
Indeed
$750.00 to rebuild the carbs and they reuse all the damaged screws? Pass.
Mi Dio !
Another Impala !
Low rider !
What kind of Low rider do you have?
The lo-po 340 horse 409 could be had with a PG as well as AC. The other two versions could not.
The 1964 engineering documents indicate the base 409 (L33 – 340 hp) was available in any fullsize Chevy with either a 4-speed or a Powerglide transmission. The L31 and L80 versions were only available with a 4-speed.
Yet another rusted out parts donor, and an expensive one at that.
Rare? Someone better hurry and grab this before the rust finishes eating it!
A real shame this car didn’t receive much care during its life. Even with base 409 it would have been a nice collectible.
Always liked the ’64 SS Impalas. However, I thought the tach was mounted in the dash and not on the steering column.
The ’63 and ’64 SS with a 300hp 327 or any of the 409s could be ordered with the factory tach that sat on the edge of the instrument cluster right above the steering column. That is not a factory tach, perhaps the original failed at some point and was replaced with the aftermarket item.
Marvin,
That tach appears to be aftermarket mounted with radiator hose clamps.
Johnny, the position and mounting of the tach makes it questionable as if it is a factory SS.
I owned a 64 Impala (not an SS) and I am still pondering how the author knew it wasn’t the right hood?
Stu,
My brother had a 64 Impala back in the 70’s. As I recall, the hood had a single “spine” or raised portion in the center of the hood. It should mimic the trunk lid.
I live an hour from this guy’s junkyard. Believe me when I tell you this is winter city up here. We had 75 inches of snow this past winter and the salt trucks are out just about every other day so idiots in SUVs who can’t drive can get to work. Way overpriced this heap. Never shoulda sold my 64 SS in 1981. Oh well.
Drop that motor in a pretty 63 with a four-speed, buckets, and console and you’d have a trophy winner and a tire burner if you’re into that!
I like 1959 through 1967s and the SS from 1967 through 1967 Impalas.
I remember a ride in my friends one night. We were in a road race with a 63-4 Plymouth 426 hemi. We started around and their was a hole in the road on the right lane. The guy cut over to miss the hole and my friend asked me how close he was. I told him I cold see the finger prints on the door handle. W e ran for about 8 miles and stayed a good bit ahead. Got down to where they were gonna race the quater mile. The both were doing good until the Chevy hit 3rd gear and that,s all it took. Both cars were 4 speeds. Later on that night. The Plymouth ended up sitting beside the road.
SOLD for $8,300.
That’s about right. A more realistic sale price than some of the exorbitant costs we’ve seen attached to relics lately in worse shape than this one.