Chevrolet restyled their cars in 1961, replacing the so-called “batwings” of 1959-60. The appearance of automobiles was less radical as the excesses of the late 1950s were fading away. 1961 would be the last year of the Impala with the “bubble top” roof (lots of glass), as it would become more formal in 1962 (although the Bel Air would offer it for one more outing). This 1961 Impala has been baking in the California or Texas sun for many years and likely hasn’t run during that period. Located with a dealer in Allen, Texas, this Fawn Beige project is available here on eBay for $22,500 OBO.
The GM division built about 178,000 Sport Coupes in 1961, but the production breakout of Impalas vs. Bel Airs isn’t known. This car may have been a fairly ordinary Impala with a 283 cubic inch V8 and a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, and not a lot more (the I-6 and manual tranny were standard). Demand for the body style was off by 12% that year, but competition was greater than ever and the compact Corvair was in its second season.
We don’t know the history of this Chevy or why it sat for so long. Given the absence of one valve cover, we suspect it developed an engine problem that never got resolved. The radiator is missing its cap, so we assume there is zero water anywhere in the motor. The seller thinks the Impala is complete and original and there is no reason not to agree with that assessment. Rust may be limited to the surface variety from what we can see.
Besides getting the car to run again (which may be a major effort), the interior is shot and will have to be redone. You might let the exterior go for a while if patina is your thing. The windshield looks to have a series of cracks throughout, so it will have to go, too. Somewhere down the line the factory wheels have been replaced by aftermarket ones, and we assume the tires are older than dirt. If you were looking for an early 1960s Impala to restore, could this one be it?
I love the early 60’s Impalas and this bubble top would be sharp if restored. With the prices restored models are bringing at auction, if this is as solid as it looks it could be a good deal though I rather see $15k
Don’t know what the restored price is for one of these is but the complete restoration cost is going to be eye watering. Gives a new meaning to “needs everything”.
This seller is overpriced on everything. They’ve been featured on this site several times, they find really cool cars, then throw out a number and wait.
The 1961 Bubble Top is a beautiful car, one of the best designs to come out of Detroit. There is a reason they sell for a premium.
Steve R
Yep…they’re mostly the Graveyard guys of Texas. Just about every piece of trim is dented and how many windows are gone/bad – so get ready to open up your wallet…..not even seeing $5000 for it.
The ’61 Impala is my favorite of all the ’60s big Chevy’s. But that’s a lot of cash for a car that needs everything. I wonder what the seller paid the old feller that had it sitting under the cactus, in his back yard?
Crazy-good looks and the coolest dash I’ve ever seen. I hope it finds a worthy steward!
My favorite year of Chevrolet (I’ve owned three), but the price is way out of line. As noted, it needs everything. Even if I was talented and could do much of the work myself, it’s way overpriced.
I love all the GM bubble tops. Would rather have the Pontiac or Buick. I just like the idea it’s not another Chevrolet.
We seem to live in a world where we put any kind of bait on the car hook and hope a sucker fish comes along !! Sad.
It was sitting in Fort Worth for years, I tried to buy it 100x, one it day appeared on CL sold immediately for 6,000.
Then this guy is flipping it, been for sale at that price for awhile.
In keeping with my declaration at the beginning of the year that I will not judge asking prices; I will refrain from weighing in on this one. Because of what this is; the car could be a worthy restoration project. But only people with deep pockets need make offers.
One of my all time favs.