The fifth generation of the Chevy Impala was built between 1971-76, after which they would be downsized from their peak size of 227 inches overall. The Impala, though behind the Caprice in the amenities department, would continue to be a top seller for GM. That would include the Custom Coupe, which was an Impala with the Caprice’s formal roofline. This beautiful survivor looks like it came right out of one of the company’s “See the USA in a Chevrolet” commercials. Located in Aurora, Colorado, this automobile is available here on craigslist for $30,000. This tip comes to us compliments of Barn Finder Gunter Kramer!
Though below their heyday of 1965 when more than one million impalas were built, 1972 Impala production would reach nearly 600,000 units. Given the rise in imported car sales and the wide variety of choices that domestic automakers offered, this was still an impressive showing. The ‘72 models were minimally changed from ‘71, although enough to be noticeable when parked side-by-side. By then, all Impalas were V8-powered and came with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes as standard equipment. The base V8 was the 2-barrel 350 cubic inch edition that was good for 165 hp (SAE net rating). This is the engine we presume is in the seller’s car.
This sharp-looking Impala Custom Coupe looks like it must have an interesting story to tell, but the description is light in that area. We’re told it has 84,000 miles on the odometer, so that means it wasn’t quite given the time capsule treatment yet survived nicely. It’s said to have been garage-kept its whole life which would explain the shiny blue paint, apparently flawless white vinyl top, and the pristine blue interior. The car has been regularly serviced and documented. Whether this is coming from the first owner or not, the original window sticker, owner’s manual, and build sheet all await the successful buyer.
If I had to ding the seller – especially at his asking price – I’d have at least pressure-washed the engine compartment so that it looks equal to the rest of the car. But some would also say not to do that and to let the dust and dirt speak for themselves. NADA says the nicest ’72 Impala on the planet is probably a $22,000 car at best. The condition of this Chevy probably justifies a premium, but how much?
Waaaaay too much money. Sweetheart of a car though! The condition reflects a quarter of the advertised miles. I’m drooling at the car, just not the price.
Agreed; the price is way to much, especially if it has the base engine. It looks like a really nice car and the colors are very attractive but I can think of a lot of cars I’d rather have if I had $30,000 burning a hole in my pocket. This one wouldn’t even make the list.
30K for a 20K car and we’ll just leave the filthy engine bay for the new owner to clean!
Even it being a 20k car is being generous, and assuming half of that is the assumption people will pay the same sort of steep premium for a two-door that they do for midsizers and older big cars.
You are right, $15,000 is much more realistic. This body style never caught on like early to mid-60’s full size Chevys, unless you bolt on a set of 26” wheels and paint it candy tangerine.
Steve R
The ’71-76 full size GM cars IMO look better with the fender skirts than without them.
If it was a convertible, Maureen McCormick & possibly Barry Willaims might be interested in this car, tho it is an older model than the one with the huge bumpers used in her road tests on the BB TV show. Quite a huge car for a 16 yr old to 1st drive!, tho its REAL power steering puts modern “power” steering to shame.
The trunk/rear window treatment is very kewl – something we will never see again in “car” design, much less a 2 door.
A less intrusive 2.5 mph front bumper on this ’72 is about as far as should have been req’d, IMO.
$30k and not even Donk’d yet? No way.
That’s why it’s so rare……so many of these beautiful machines have been trashed by someone who thinks “donk’d” cars look good. Such a waste.
These were big, ungainly cars. Even with the 350 they felt underpowered. I think the series before them were much better cars
Definitely overpriced. I had two 1973 Impala coupes at different times. They rode and handled well and didn’t get bad mileage, considering their size. I had a 1975 Granada with a 302 in between, and I swear both Chevys got better mileage with 350 2 barrels.
Current Texas plate but car is out of Colorado and by the wording of the add this is definitely a flipper. 30k? Maybe if he gets a bite from a Denver Bronco that wants to Donk it out.
One thing for sure Jim. My guess is if out in the wild and you saw an actual group in their Donks you wouldn’t have nothing but praise for fear of getting donked yourself. Unless you are still able to run to your car and lock the door.
These boats never appealed to me but think god they do to others. Because of them many are preserved to a state often museum quality, better than slapped together by GM. They drive and are NOT afraid to race their show cars.
Most old geezers disrespecting the alternative to their own personal taste in style couldn’t afford ONE 24″-26″ rim alone a set of four. It isn’t nice to berait someones taste in mods. Not the Donk crowd or even the kids racing the streets in their imports. It’s called car culture. Every generation has had their own. Why can’t we just get along?
This car is not all original as claimed by the seller. Image #3 in the craigslist ad shows this car has been repainted.
It sure does, good catch on the overspray. I remember the factory color as being a lighter blue
What over spray?
Why is that?
Glass house. Not worth 30gs that’s better than barret Jackson prices. People need a reality check.
I had a 4 door 76 as one of my first cars engine sized on the freeway without warning the start of my distrust in GM vehicles and why I still don’t buy them 40 years later.
Ha looks like my gf from 1975, her sister and her rode to school in their dad’s 72’ green Impala. I didn’t have my license yet but she talked sis into to handing over the keys to me and I didn’t have driver’s license. So a friend and me play hooky. Now grandpa had a 72’ caprice with the 454’ that’s another story hahahahaha reliable cars.
Normally skirts were not an option for the Impala, only for the Caprice. However, they look nice on this particular model. And for that outrageous price at least give the motor a bath.
Completely agree with all that say this overpriced…..it is way overpriced. It’s not a Caprice, it is a beautiful Impala in very attractive colors, but 30k…..uhh not so much….15k-17k tops. Good luck with the sail…..I mean “sale”!!
WAY TOO MUCH MONEY…..
So many people think everything is worth ALOT of money, and they are clueless!