Judging a book by its cover can be a mistake, especially when the classic in question is this 1964 Chevrolet Impala. It looks pretty rough, with tired paint and a selection of dings and dents. However, it is a rock-solid classic below the surface, and although it has sat for decades, the seller has coaxed its V8 back to life. They have listed the Impala here on eBay in Pleasanton, California. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $8,100.
Marketed from 1961 until 1964, Chevrolet’s Third Generation Impala featured more conservative styling than its predecessor. By the time our final-year example rolled off the line in 1964, the fins that had been integral to the Second Generation were a distant memory. Ordered by its first owner in Almond Fawn, this beauty has spent its life in sunny California. So, crawling beneath it and finding no penetrating rust is unsurprising. There is dry surface corrosion that should be treated to prevent deterioration, but this Impala is structurally sound. The panels have a broad selection of dings and dents, but the only visible rust is a few small spots in the lower rear quarter panels and door corners. None are severe enough to justify wholesale steel replacement when well-crafted patches would provide an effective solution. The Impala is missing a few trim pieces, and others might require restoration or replacement. It retains its spotless wheel covers, and the tinted glass looks pretty good.
The entry-level V8 for 1964 Impala buyers was the company’s mighty 283. It was available in only one form, producing a factory-quoted 195hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque. Add the two-speed Powerglide transmission and power steering to the equation, and this beauty would have been equally comfortable in the cut and thrust of city traffic or cruising at seventy on the open road. The seller states that the Impala has hibernated since 1997, but they have coaxed the motor back to life. It runs well, but sounds tired. Therefore, the buyer should budget for a rebuild. Pulling the motor would also provide an ideal opportunity to refresh the engine bay, ensuring that it presents flawlessly when the car is bolted back together.
Cars from this location are often a compromise. The dry climate is great for rust prevention, but can exact a heavy toll on upholstery and plastic. This Impala is no exception, because its interior is pretty sad. The combination of Fawn cloth and vinyl would have looked classy in its prime, but those days are far behind it. The upholstered surfaces are beyond repair, and the carpet is badly stained. However, the dash and pad look acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, so a simple retrim is all this interior requires to present nicely.
Choosing an ideal first project candidate can be challenging. Enthusiasts must balance their budget and skills against the car’s requirements. This 1964 Impala has many needs, from its panel and paint shortcomings to its tired V8. However, life in California has protected it from severe rust issues, minimizing the cutting and welding required during the build. Many enthusiasts will find that attractive, and with over a week remaining in the auction, they’ll have time to assess whether it is the ideal project for them. Not rushing a decision can be crucial, and this Impala provides that luxury. That said, would you consider returning this gem to its former glory?
Cruisin down the street in my six fou
Guess the seller didn’t notice those quarter panel hits on both sides or the rust out in the trunk bottom…..this is the same seller that posts questionable “orginal garage kept” cars on here….up to $11,000 with reserve not hit…..did he say it ran/moved ?
That 283 will make some horsepower at 6000 RPM
“That” 283 won’t.….LOL
There is a reason you don’t see a lot of 283’s at the business side of race tracks.
This dealer is really expensive. He finds nice cars, this will make a great project, if a deal can be reached.
Steve R
Right about the 283, and it is worth being blunt about what that does to the money. Base 283 with a Powerglide is a cruiser, not a muscle car, so the ceiling is driver money however nice the paint gets. Before a bid I would want three things confirmed. Brakes, because a car that starts after decades asleep usually stops far worse than it runs, and that is a single-circuit master and wheel cylinders that have been dry. The Powerglide seals and the fuel tank and lines, since a running engine on old varnish is a countdown. And “no penetrating rust” is a claim, not a fact: on a California car the rear window channel and trunk floor are still where it hides. I do pre-buy reads on cars for buyers, so my bias is toward the first six months of ownership rather than the asking price. If the underside photos back the seller up, this is a solid one.
That 283 could be pulled and used in a Jersey Skiff. Replace it with a mild 383 and it could be a fun cruiser……… after all the other problems are fixed.
Stock 2bbl. 283s usually float lifters at about 5,500 to 5,800 RPM. Unless you have the valves adjusted right up to the top of the lifter. THEN, your limiting factor is the small Rochester carburetor. So, good luck with your 6,000 RPM dream. (All of these statements are from memory of my high-school days!)
This old girl is destined to be a low rider.
283 was a great engine, reliable as you could ask for. Rebuild it and enjoy
The 283 saw improvements beginning in 1963, using the base 327s heads and a more aggressive camshaft. Horsepower rose from 170 to 195 (gross).
Looks like the gas tank had a strap underneath. Might be a good idea.
The “Reserve ” is a bit high for this particular car but I’m sure there is someone out there who MUST have a 64′ project for some reason. Like “That’s the first car I ever owned” or “My first son was almost born in a car like that”.
I do declare, it’s tough trying to come up with catchy sayings for these memory joggers, but,,,this was my 1st ( real) girl friends car. It’s uncanny really, this exact car. Just shows to go, without the internet, we thought we were the only ones. Come to see, there were many just like us, only a different place. For me, it was Beer City, early 70s, right out of HS, I had my V8 , ’64 Valiant, soon to be ditched for the Opel Rallye, then MGB, this was her dads car, that he moved up to the Buick, in typical GM fashion, she got this. She was just a peanut of a gal, and had to sit on pillows. She didn’t have it long, as the 70s gas thing hit, and she traded the car on a used ’72 Datsun 1200 fastback ( non-hatch). Talk about one extreme to the other. While not the biggest Chevy, make no mistake, it’s a big car. Great find.
Love the ’63 wheel covers! Not original, but to my eye, one of the best looking styles that Chevy offered in that time period. Still have a set hanging in my garage – just waiting for the right car to wear them!
She looks tired – hangin’ low (and not on purpose).
Watch this auction take off at the end. Some guy itchin’ to build his own low rider is waiting till the last moment.
Too bad EBAY started doing the auction reset at the end.
all there needs money and time as well. pretty solid if you’re looking for 1 of these.
Low-rider material. I’m surprised someone else didn’t mention that already. And it is already in California.
The video with the Love Machine is a fun watch.
Here in Michigan, the X frame on my ’64 Impala rusted thru by ’76. Location can be a huge detriment… or attribute; depending…
Was a white over dark blue hardtop.
I have a 64 chevelle 2 dr wagon that I have had since mid to late 60s. It for many years had a 283. Never had an issue with it. Oil changed regularly and now has an Ls3 in it. Where the 283 moved onto is beyond me. But if you treat it right it will do the same for you.
Seems like a OK deal here and there are a lot of detailed pictures in the add which I will give a A PLUS for. Yes it need work but It could be a nice 2 door running project V8 cruiser!
Stock 2bbl. 283s usually float lifters at about 5,500 to 5,800 RPM. Unless you have the valves adjusted right up to the top of the lifter. THEN, your limiting factor is the small Rochester carburetor. So, good luck with your 6,000 RPM dream. (All of these statements are from memory of my high-school days!)
That passenger rear quarter is in bad shape.
Resembles the banged-up beater I had back in the 80’s.
My third car l owned in high school was a navy blue 1964/SS ,327 auto-matic💖
My third car l owned in high school was a navy blue 1964/SS ,327 auto-matic💖
BIG muffler & mounted up front!
Auction ended with a high bid of $17,600, there were 22 bids from 8 bidder. It was relisted with a set price (BIN) of $20,995.
Steve R