To help celebrate 50 years in the car-building business, Chevrolet arranged for dealers to order a limited number of Impalas painted in a special color. That was paint code 927 or Anniversary Gold, and estimates are that only 300 to 350 of the 1962 automobiles were so finished (these cars also had gold interiors). This ’62 Impala is one of them, an SS with bucket seats, but it’s been languishing in a field for some time and will need loads of work. That includes sourcing another engine and transmission. Located in Flushing, Michigan, this rolling rarity is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached just $1,775.
The Impala Super Sport was introduced in 1961 as a performance car and found only a small group of buyers. Chevrolet changed its strategy in 1962 making the offering more about style than muscle and – as a result – they sold nearly 100,000 SS Impalas in 1962. So, the number of these cars with the Anniversary Gold is almost immeasurable, making these rare vehicles when they turn up. The seller’s Chevy was the focus of a feature here on Auto Evolution in 2021, and it is still waiting on someone to save it.
The article mentions that its 327 cubic inch V8 and 2-speed Powerglide were out of the auto but on a stand somewhere. They may have since been sold or deployed elsewhere as they are not part of this sale some 20 months later. The engine compartment is still bare and it’s an unfortunate sight indeed. 60 years ago, this machine was thought of as just another used car and was treated as such. Who knew it would become one of the more collectible Chevy products.
From the photo provided, there may be more rust to deal with than the seller is giving credit for. The bottom of the fenders, rockers and quarter panels are quite crusty and that could suggest that more trouble lurks below. But the seller acknowledges that the floors have some minor holes and the rear frame rails have also been affected by the Rust Bug. The driver’s side front fender is a different shade, so it’s likely been replaced. We’re told the machine has been idle for more than 30 years, which would explain how the interior has practically fallen apart. But this is an SS and is a Gold Anniversary car, giving two reasons to consider what will be a costly restoration.
Hagerty doesn’t mention the Gold Anniversary model, but it does say a concours example of a 62 SS with 327 would be at 59K.
So I’m curious…if a restorer could have this car for free, could they bring it to that concours level for under 59K?
Doing pretty much all the work yourself? Maybe.
One of the photos looks like part of the Titanic.
Like buying a bucket of iron oxide
and air !
This car is the poster child for $ pit. Gotta like those Cheech and Chong lowrider fake spoke wheels with gold spinners…not. This car needs everything including a frame and to me at the present almost 2k it’s up to is topped out.Don’t care how many were made.glwts and to whomever buys this shipwreck.
Doing pretty much all the work yourself? Maybe.
THis one appears to have the gold and iron returning to Lake Michigan,
Will be even more rarer in a few years given that amount of rust.
I cannot believe the myths and ‘old wives’ tales concerning Anniversary Gold cars are still out there, especially with automotive writers. While there was a small initial batch of cars as noted, after that time Anniversary Gold became an RPO color for Impala 2 and 4 dr hts and converts as well as the SS models. There were thousands of RPO 927 cars produced, not “300-350” as noted in the text.
I have to check. I have a 63 Wagon (Impala) and I think it’s a close match to that color. I think there is a special 63 gold color. I have to get out there and check that paint code. It’s like checking lottery numbers!
I kinda agree with Chuck. I’ve seen a ton of these gold Impala over the last several decades. I’m a 62 model myself and the anniversary gold 62s always appealed to me. Can someone out there confirm the RPO 927 for me. It’s a knowledgeable group on barn finds and I’d like to know if he’s correct. And this one is a rusty money pit I’m afraid.
I have a copy of the production figures for 1962 and Chevrolet made 16,925 anniversary gold Impalas in the 62 model year. Initially it was only available on sport coupes (SS or base Impala) up until the end of 1961 (the actual 50th anniversary was November 3rd, 1961), but the order books were opened up to any Impala on January 5th 1962. I own an anniversary gold SS sport coupe and have also recorded every anniversary gold 62 I’ve ever seen and have recorded 219 so far, but some of these were just the cowl tag from a long-gone car. Cheers, Carl
“Few minor holes in the floor. rear frames gunna need a lil attention. nothing major”
Ha…..what a crock. I have some real trust in this seller.
yes after a while you could get this color in any Impala but only a few real anniversary special where built
LS swap, CLEAR COAT THE PATINA and finish driving the wheels off of it
LS it right to the crusher!
After the Studebaker Mom & Dad had a ‘56 Hudson then a ‘62 SS with a 327 AT & AC. Cream yellow with cloth interior and Dad kept it pristine. An anniversary it was not but very reliable.
Looks like it has Daytons on it.
My first car out of high school! Anniversary gold convertible. No longer have it but still love it!!!!!!