Beginning in 1952, Dinah Shore sang the phrase “See the USA in Your Chevrolet” over and over, and it became a Chevy mantra for many years. Even 10 years later, more than 700,000 Americans took that advice by taking deliveries on shiny new Impalas. This 1962 Impala Sport Coupe has been in the same family for 45 years and needs a restoration, something its owner realizes will never happen on his/her watch. So, someone new gets to take a crack at getting this 130,000-mile Chevy back up to snuff. Located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, this Impala might be yours for $7,000 as no bidders have yet to come forward here on eBay.
Besides crisper styling over the 1961 models, the full-size Chevies had a new optional V8 engine in 1962. Out of the closet was the 327 cubic inch Turbo-Fire motor producing a minimum of 250 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor (it would be standard in the Corvette). That’s what’s under the hood of the seller’s car, original but rebuilt with 30,000 miles. The seller says it runs well off a gas can (the fuel tank is toast). A later TH-350 automatic transmission replaced the factory Turbo-Glide many moons ago.
This Chevy comes with a great story, which always makes for a more enlightening transaction when the time to sell comes along. The seller’s grandfather bought the Impala in 1980, and it passed from one family member to another until the seller got it as a daily driver. Though restored in 1997, the car eventually got driven less and less, and it turned into the project you see here. Some old receipts have managed to survive, like one for 12 gallons of petrol at under $4.00 (ah, those were the days!).
While the restored interior has held up okay, the body and paint have not (we gather from being an outside car when not in use). There is some rust, but not a lot, so this Chevy would look great with a shiny new black coat. This was a rare factory A/C car, but since the belt is off, we will assume it quit working long ago. The windshield is cracked, and there is a gremlin somewhere in the electricals. Some of the tires hold air, while others do not. Complete with a bunch of parts, this Impala is waiting for another chance to prove itself! Kudos to Mitchell G. for yet another great tip.
Nice jack stands holding the front end up.
Needs a hood and at least rear lower quarters.
The fuel system and tank needed plus breaks likely redone with lines.
I wish some underneath shots showed pans and frames.
These old Chevy Impalas make fun cruisers.
The engine runs at least 👍🏼
I would definitely redo the “BRAKES” and check for any other “BREAKS”!!!
Did you mean brakes? It has enough breaks already.
I am willing to bet it’s going to be major project for someone. Good looking cars. Almost bought one out of HS but the 327 had a rattle, was a four gear car bucket seats. Alas about a week later someone else I knew bought the car and it threw a rod after a week of use. I was still pretty green on repair, so dodged the bullet there.
This was a sweet car, I’m surprised the same family of 45 yrs didn’t take care of it better or do something with it.
Great color combination, A/C and that good ol’ 327. Been a long time since I put a wrench to one.
Not too shabby! An AC ’62 Impala! Shame its not an SS. I am just outside Manitowoc in Two Rivers. If anyone want me to grab a look-see, sing out! Yachtsman36*charter*net
Looks like it would be a great project. The one thing that concerns me is that there are no bottom side pix. After all, it is Wisconsin. There appears to be significant bondo in the quarters and it is in the heart of the rust belt.
I think with that tail lite set up it is a 1963.
no it’s a 62 63 rear was a little different had both 62 and 63 63 was 327 4 speed
I would definitely redo the “BRAKES” and check for any other “BREAKS”!!! It’ clearly a ’62
And I think you’re wrong. Google ’63 Impala ~ Google is our friend. Triple taillights were standard on Impalas in 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, & 68.
Paging Taco…..
It is a 62. I have owned 2 of them. Sure wish I had them back.
I’ve owned 64 and 65 Impalas dating back to 1981. Daily drivers. Both 283s Powerglides. Never amy major trouble. Sold the 65 in 1998. Dumb
My second fav to the 61. Great car. Hope it finds a great home.
61 also my favorite mostly 348 tri power 4 speed
The 58 also had 3 lights in the rear. The middle was a back up light. I have owned 2 62s, 2 64s, 1 63 SS, 2 61s, 1 66. I love Impalas. It is definitely a 62.
I had ’62 Candy, 327, 3 on tree. 4 sp was $140.
SS was same, couldn’t afford. Only color avail. was tan. Bought new, all my money, cost $2750. Traded for 4 sp monies. Had 4:11 ham.
At the tract 1/4 15 flat, 99 mph. Only car back then I lost to 409/409.
Sold it, Married, next was ’69 Riviera. Sorry I sold. Those were the days !
it’s a 1962 it has a 1962 dash in 1963 the dash board was charged 63 64 similar dash 61 and 62 similar dash
Not one person mentioned the Cutlass wheels on this car?