There is something inherently reassuring about buying a classic car with a known ownership history. This impression is emphasized when a seller takes the time to reveal its shortcomings to ensure unwelcome surprises don’t blindside potential buyers. That is the case with this 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS. It is a two-owner classic that the seller purchased from its original owner last year. They have worked through a few mechanical shortcomings to ensure it runs and drives perfectly, leaving the winning bidder to tackle the minor panel and paint issues. The Impala has generated significant interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Hunker, Pennsylvania. Twenty-six bids have pushed the price to $22,322, although it remains below the reserve.
Chevrolet’s Third Generation Impala brought a significant change in styling direction when it was introduced in 1961. Gone were the fins that looked like raised eyebrows, with the new body featuring a more square and aggressive appearance. It remained in showrooms until 1964, with our feature SS rolling off the line during the final production year. The original owner ordered this classic from an Ohio dealership, selecting a two-tone paint combination of Desert Beige and Saddle Tan. Initial impressions are that the car presents well for its age, although the seller confirms that the sheetmetal from the glass down received a previous repaint. Close examination of the photos confirms the panels are straight, with no evidence of prior accident damage. It isn’t perfect because the new owner has minor rust issues to tackle. It has impacted the lower quarter panels on both sides just forward of the wheel arches. It isn’t severe, and patches would seem the obvious solution. The same is true for the small hole in the trunk pan, while the most challenging repair could be to the ends of the front floor brace. The problem doesn’t compromise the Impala’s structural integrity, but addressing it rapidly would prevent further deterioration. The seller supplies this YouTube video for potential buyers. It is pretty long and probably unsuitable for general viewing at over twenty-six minutes. However, if we have readers genuinely interested in pursuing the SS further, watching the clip might be the best investment they could make. The trim is almost perfect, the glass is flawless, and the Impala retains its original steel wheels and hubcaps wrapped in new radial tires.
Impala buyers in 1964 had a broad range of engines from which to select, with this car’s original owner treading the middle ground with the 4-barrel version of the 327ci V8. They teamed this with a two-speed Powerglide transmission, adding power steering for an effortless driving experience. The sweet little V8 should produce 250hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque, and while it won’t set drag strips alight, that V8 allows this SS to cruise effortlessly at 70mph for endless hours. After purchasing it from the original owner last year, the seller went through this classic with a fine-tooth comb. It received a new water pump, fuel pump, shocks, sway bar bushes, tie-rod ends, wheel cylinders, and brake linings. The video reveals the typical assortment of oil leaks from the pan and some other spots. However, they don’t render this classic unroadworthy. It runs and drives perfectly, with no issues or vices. The motor has plenty of power, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the car tracks straight and true.
This Impala’s interior needs nothing if the winning bidder views it as a genuine survivor. There is slight wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, and the carpet has faded patches. However, that is as bad as the news gets. The Saddle vinyl upholstered surfaces are almost perfect, the headliner is flawless, and the dash is simply amazing. The wheel has avoided the typical cracking problems, and the bright trim looks beautiful. This car rolled off the showroom floor with bucket seats, a console, and an AM radio. The original owner added a Motorola 8-track player with a vintage Verb-A-Tone Stereo 67 reverb unit for added punch. The 8-track doesn’t function, but returning to an operating state would add an excellent finishing touch to the interior.
Purchasing any classic car requires a leap of faith, and the real challenge is selecting strategies to reduce the risk. The seller covers those bases with this 1964 Impala SS because the walkaround video provides virtually every sliver of information required for interested parties to make an informed decision. The winning bidder can enjoy this beauty immediately, but lifting its presentation to a significantly higher level should not be difficult. The bidding history confirms people like what they see, but will you throw your hat into the ring?
No wait, the 1st gfs car wasn’t red, it was this color. Go ahead and laugh, it’ll happen to you, hopefully. Again, hers wasn’t an SS, and just a peanut of a gal, looked so outt of place. Sat on pillows, she did. Anyway, traded for a ’72 Datsun 1200 fastback, what an about face that was. Also, time after time,these early 60s cars don’t have power brakes. I wonder why that was? I mean, it had to be one of the cheaper options, greatly improving stopping. I suppose our roads just didn’t dictate the need. As super highways and speed increased, stopping became a big issue. Nice car here. I thought the biggest Chevy made, someone corrected me on that, but still a BIG car.
You should remember people drove somewhat better and understood their car. You think the 64 is big. Park one next to a 71.
I question the statement that people drove better. I believe it is the population density increase and all the distractions that make drivers seem worse now.
My first car a non SS fully loaded convertible that took me through high-school and on into the beginning of life until a 70 GT Torino ran a red light. Not to worry I have stored it 40 years and I have everything for it now so 2024 is its year. Not a common color here. A very nice looking car but a basic unit from long ago.
Please share a picture of your treasure that you’ve saved all these years .
Dad had one of these in 66 in Florida. Colors are very close inside & out. Same engine. That SS was gorgeous! It’s what turned me into a gearhead at 10 years old. RIP Pops.
My father ordered a 64 Pontiac Bonneville in this same color scheme. Not too often to see the darker brown with the light tan top. If I had room I would be interested in redoing this one as a reminder of dad.
I have never really cared for 64s but I LOVE this one! Even willing to overlook the Powerglide(?!) Colors are stunning ánd unique/rare. Then the ultimate hook: exceptional unrestored condition. Car is loaded w/soul, one I would pay the $$ to continue for years to come…….
I love the ’64s but that’s the wrong choice of tranny for me.
Another half restored and repainted unrestored survivor lol.
Seeing a trailer hitch makes me wonder how much was towed over the years?
Had 2 of these as a kid, one white one and a silver one. The white one had tan interior and the silver had black interior. Both had 327 with a powerglide. I still like the looks of these. As I remember the seats were almost bullit proof in these SS cars, like they were made of iron.
My parents, who were up in years by this time, and had traded their 1951 Packard Mayfair convertible in on a 1958 Impala convertible, then traded the ’58 in on a ’64 Impala (not SS) convertible. So, I know this car reasonably well. I think they had a 283 with Powerglide, and theirs was a metalic lighter blue colour. It proved to be a fine car in every way, and it was their last convertible. When they were buying the ’51 Packard, they had worried that they were “too old” — and here, by ’64, they wanted another convertible! I believe theirs had bench seats. By the way, the writer has the “generations” wrong. 1958 was the first Impala, and a one-off. 1959 was entirely new, and hideous, introducing a new generation — then 1960 was a face-lift of the ugly ’59, to make it somewhat more agreeable. 1959-’60 comprise the second generation. 1961 again was entirely new, but not very attractive. The 1962 was a well-thought-out face-lift which dramatically cleaned-up that weird ’61 and made for one beautiful car. 1961-’62 were the third generation. 1963 again was all-new, a different body-shell (as with all ’63 GM full-sized cars). I didn’t care much for the ’63 — those 1962-ish cues did not work well on the new body — but the 1964 was a stunningly beautiful face-lift. 1963-’64 were the fourth generation. 1965 turned ugly again — but the 1967 was nice-looking.