The Impala was perhaps Chevrolet’s most successful model, running from 1958 (as a Bel Air option) to 1996 and then again from 2000 to 2020. The fifth generation (1971 to 1976) was when the cars took on their largest physical proportions, more than 18.5 feet in length in ’76. This 1972 edition is a white-over-red convertible that hasn’t run in four years and has been stored outdoors where Mother Nature has had a field day. A one-family car for the past 41 years, this drop-top project can be found in Norwalk, Connecticut, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $9,500. Kudos to “Zen” for the tip.
After a major overhaul in 1971, the 1972s only had enough cosmetic changes to tell them apart. Despite the growth in size over the years, an inline-6 was still standard, though most were probably ordered with a 350 cubic inch V8 like the one said to be in this Impala. The 1972 model year was the last for an Impala with a canvas top, leaving the Caprice to carry that torch for three more years. Just 6,456 convertibles were produced that year, making it one of the rarer body styles to leave a Chevy showroom in ’72.
We’re told this Impala has had just two ownership groups: the originals until 1985, and the seller’s family since then. The ragtop has collected 80,000 miles, but none since 2022. The 350 V8 should be numbers matching and paired with an automatic transmission, probably a TH-350. Its running condition has not been verified, which suggests no attempts have been made to start it in some time. Did something break that caused it to be parked?
You’ll have your work cut out for you in restoring this machine. The red finish is an older repaint, and corrosion and patina development have since been left in charge. The white convertible top is beyond repair, and the matching interior has probably suffered as a result of obvious holes. The car may be intact, but upwards of $10k as a starting point will help drive the cost of a restoration here to get pretty lofty. But when was the last time you saw any big 1972 Chevy, much less a drop-top?
Hunter S. Thompson approved. Nice proportions on these yachts, the wheels and tires fit nicely in the fenders.
This is at best a $1500.00 car these prices some people are asking is not reality based.
For $9500.00, it needs to be in a lot better condition. I think Lakota has the right price as it sits.