The Chevrolet Impala was one of the most popular automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s. More than one million of them were sold in 1965 alone (the peak). The fifth generation arrived in 1971, and the cars would become the largest Chevies ever built. This sweet 1972 edition spent 30 years in a shed but hardly looks worse for the wear with a rebuilt small block. Located in Fairbury, Nebraska, this Custom Coupe is available here on craigslist for $17,000 OBO. Our thanks to “Zappenduster” for the tip!
As far back as 1968, you could get the Impala 2-door hardtop in two variants: the Sport Coupe (fastback) and Custom Coupe (notchback). The latter used the formal Caprice’s roofline, but the rest of the trim was all Impala. Impala sales were a solid 600,000 units in 1972 with a minor styling update from 1971. Of those, 183,000 were Custom Coupes, the second most popular body style by just a handful of units. Most Impalas probably had a 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood, but a 400 variation of the same block was available.
As the story goes, this Impala was in hiding for three decades. Perhaps there was a problem with the original 400 2-barrel motor at 99,000 miles, as it’s been completely overhauled. We assume it’s paired with a TH-350 automatic transmission. In addition, the Chevy has been fitted with a new dual exhaust and set of new tires. We’re told that many other parts were installed but not named (a short list would help sell the car).
The body, paint, vinyl top, and interior all look good, though the carpeting appears to be faded and could stand replacement. Despite the vast number of these cars produced, they don’t turn up that often these days (no Super Sports in the mix). Perhaps one of the cleanest examples you’ll find, the seller says his/her loss is your gain, suggesting that party has more than $17k invested.
I guess it’s clean early 70’s Impala 2 door hardtop week here. ( Not complaining).Our next door neighbor we had when I was a kid in the 70’s owned an Exxon station and always seemed to have something interesting in his driveway. He had a ’71 Impala drop top. Even then, as kids, we knew it was rare. These are nice cars, definitely a product of the 70’s. I can’t get over how good this one looks for the age, mileage and the fact it was stored for so long. Hope it goes to a good new.home and gets enjoyed.
I’m in love.
My Driver’s Ed car! Ours was a 4-door of course.
You could get the Impala “fastback ” two door as far back as ’65. But there were none after ’68.