Chevrolet did an extreme makeover on their full-size cars in 1961, coming with crisp, rounded styling compared to the “batwings” of 1959-60. This ’61 Impala has the desirable “bubbletop” roofline, which would be the last for the model, switching to a more formal bonnet in 1962. The seller, who is both a dealer and a collector, says this ’61 Impala has been fully restored with a 327 cubic inch V8 (not numbers-matching as the 327 didn’t come along until 1962). The carpeting still has the plastic film over it from installation. Located in Houston, Texas, this sweet Chevrolet is available here on eBay for what our readers may think is top dollar — $59,000.
We assume the restoration on this 101,000-mile Chevy is fresh, as the carpeting film has yet to be removed. No VIN or cowl tag is provided, which you would think a dealer would include. So, we don’t know if the Impala was redone exactly the way it left the factory or if some deviations have taken place. Perhaps the vehicle had a 283 CI V8 when it was new, but the 327 from 1962 or later occupies the engine bay now, and it’s been rebuilt. We assume the automatic transmission is a Powerglide.
The seller says the body is straight, but makes no mention of whether any repairs were needed to the sheet metal before the red over silver paint was applied to this “bubbletop.” The bumpers are said to be new, and perhaps that also applies to the rest of the exterior bright work. We’re told it’s “garage kept and well-maintained,” but does that only apply to his/her watch or for the 65 years prior?
Not much else is said about the car. Rather than dropping some hints about the Impala’s heritage, most of the listing is “marketing-speak” promoting the quality of the car. For the asking price, you would think the original engine would have been used, but the 327 is a great powerplant. Another Bow-Tie tip from Mitchell G.!
Q – I know about bubbletops and flattops – but what was the replacement coupe roofline called, that looks like a solid ‘convertible’ top with the bow-style ridge / crease?
Lots of money; 348 territory? Not 409 but that would still be fun.
Late 1960 dad traded moms white over pink 57 chevy for a 61 white Impala bubble top. The car was loaded and the first we had with AC and power windows. I remember it had twin antennas on the back that were cool to this 5 year old.
early 62 unbeknownst to me we had another kid on the way #4 at the time. Dad traded it for a 61 Buick wagon…the first of a wagon run for the family until I got my license in 73 and there was only two younger brothers left to drive around.
I didn’t know motors or anything technical about mom’s early cars until dad bought a green 67 Impala wagon that had a 327 badge on the side.
Restoration is a funny word because it has too many definitions. Often times it’s used when refurbished/reconditioned/updated would be a better more fitting description. Restored tells me ‘returned to factory original condition’ or as extremely close as possible. This comes from seeing years of pulp weekly advertisers offering such dreck as tri-five Chevys ‘restored as new’ with 350s and 4 speeds. How TF can a self-proclaimed car collector call a car fully restored when it has both a replacement radiator and engine?
The grill only carries the Chevrolet crest indicating a 235 under the hood originally. Add a V to the emblem and the car came with a 283. A 348 would have crossed flags as well. No information is available about 409 callouts. This only matters if the grill is original to the car.
The silver and red combination is quite attractive. The suggested color combination for sateen silver was an ermine white roof with the body insert in roman red or ermine white. It’s a very pretty car but calling it restored makes me rant.
I believe the four door sedan had the roof line @Fahrvergnugen refers to.
You could get a flat top roof in the 1961 Bel Air 2 door sedan too. There are plenty of pictures online, though they are rare on the ground.
Steve R
If you look closer the front grille emblem does have a gold “V” at the bottom indicating a 283 not a 235.
1962 was the last year of the bubbletop, a buddy of mine has a gorgeous black one with red interior.
Chevrolet never used the term “bubbletop” these rooflines as well as the 62-64 roofline Fahrvergnugen is referring to were all called sport coupes.
great color combo.
What a beauty!
Different strokes for different tastes. I think the color combination sucks, and why not a 327?
If I’m to have any peace in my final years, and enjoy these images from my(our) past, I simply must get over the prices. Not easy, folks, this borderlines outright greed, and has a familiar ring,,mostly here. With 374 “viewers” and no bids, you tell me. The only reason I’m attracted to the post, is because ’61 Chevys have a place in the noggin’. My grandfather had one.
See, the thing is, the people that usually have these cars are used to affluent lifestyles, I’m sure my daughter in L.A. has had $300 lunches quite often, however, newsflash, we don’t all live in Cal, Co. or Tx., and the bottom is crumbling, and this is a last ditch effort to sell the “Chevy” before the big one hits,,,okay, enough drama, but really, less and less people are going to see the worth in a mere automobile of this nature for $60grand when their health ins. gets cancelled.. In 10 years, there will be or already is a glut of these types of cars and a veritable bonanza for anyone left with money.
And the band played on,,
Never liked the 61, but love the 62. There is a black 61 in my town that does look pretty good, mainly because of the color.