Judging a book by its cover can be a mistake in the classic world, especially when dealing with a car like this 1962 Chevrolet Impala. Its paint shade is subtle, and the car presents as a tidy family sedan. However, the small badges on the front fenders reveal that this car is a genuine sleeper. It confirms that its engine bay houses a 409ci V8, transforming this relatively humble classic into a genuine sleeper. Located in Shoreview, Minnesota, the seller has listed the Impala here on Craigslist. All someone needs to do is hand the seller $16,500 and they can drive away in a vehicle that is guaranteed to pin its occupants in their seats whenever the driver floors the gas.

Chevrolet’s Third Generation Impala range graced showroom floors from the 1961 until the 1964 model year. Its styling marked a radical departure from its predecessor, with the horizontal fins consigned to the pages of history. The latest offering was less flamboyant but still attracted healthy sales. This 1962 four-door Sedan is a tidy vehicle finished in Adobe Beige. Its overall presentation is tidy if considered a driver-grade classic. The paint is in good condition, and like the panels, there are no significant flaws or defects. I can’t spot any evidence of rust, and the seller doesn’t mention any hidden problems in their listing. The trim and glass show no signs of problems, while the 15″ steel wheels continue the subtle theme. However, the tiny badges on the front fenders confirm that there is more to this Impala than meets the eye.

The first owner ordered this Impala with a 283ci V8 under the hood, meaning that it rolled off the floor with at least 170hp at the driver’s disposal. Performance would have been fairly competent, providing respectable acceleration and long legs for open-road cruising. However, the seller wanted more from this classic, splashing the cash on almost every aspect of its drivetrain. The 283 is now a distant memory, with a 409ci V8 of 1964 vintage occupying its rightful place. It produces 425hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to a 3.55 Ford 9″ rear end via a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission. The car features a new dual exhaust and upgraded front disc brakes. This beast might tip the scales at around 3,700 lbs, but that monster motor should place a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET within reach. Overtaking on the freeway should be effortless, and it would certainly deliver a surprise or two at a “Traffic light Grand Prix.” The seller doesn’t supply specific information about how the Impala runs or drives, but if the included images are an accurate indication, the news should be positive.

The Impala’s interior is as tidy as its exterior, with no major faults requiring urgent attention. The seats wear updated covers in Black and Red, while the rest of the upholstered surfaces feature the correct and excellent Red vinyl. The matching carpet has no wear problems, and the dash is equally impressive. The seatcovers aren’t the only change, with a column-mounted tach allowing the driver to monitor the beast under the hood. It appears that the seller’s focus with this build was outright performance because apart from the pushbutton radio, there are no other factory options.

Some readers will immediately dismiss this 1962 Chevrolet Impala, stating that it has too many doors. That is a fair call to a certain extent, because the Sport Coupe is undoubtedly more popular, and typically commands a higher price than the Sedan. However, viewed purely as a tidy driver, it offers excellent performance and versatility for the buyer’s buck. It has been on the market for two weeks, but I believe it would probably already be headed to a new home if it were a two-door variant. If you have a young family and are searching for a classic that combines practicality and performance, could this Impala find its way onto your shopping list?