This 1961 Chevrolet Impala convertible was the recipient of AACA first place Junior and Senior awards following a 5-year, nut and bolt restoration completed in March, 2014. The prestigious award is prominently displayed in the engine bay. The car was in long-term storage, completely disassembled and restored to show level standards. The adage “A photo is worth a thousand words could not be more appropriate for this exceptional ’61 Impala. We encourage a close review of our detailed 100+ photos of the exterior, interior, engine compartment, trunk and undercarriage.
The car is powered by a tri-power 348ci V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission. The engine carries the correct “FA” suffix stamp in front of a correct casting number of 3755011. A correct Borg Warner 4-speed transmission is mounted in the highly detailed chassis including bead blasted suspension components. The front suspension was rebuilt, and an alignment was recently completed.
Finished in two-stage Roman Red over a red and white interior and a white, power convertible top. It has power steering, and a dual exhaust system. The car has been owned by its current owner who acquired the Impala in 2016 and has added under 100 miles since using it for a few sunny California days and parages. The Impala has a clean California title.
Factory features include quadruple headlamps, a wraparound windshield, and horizontal tail fins as well as chrome bumpers and trim. As the photos support, the car remains in truly exceptional condition.
The interior features seats trimmed in red and white vinyl with houndstooth inserts, matching doors panels, and carpets protected by red rubber floor mats. Appointments include hand-crank windows, and a “Straight Line Tuning” push-button radio with a rear-mounted speaker. The dash and other trim are in superb condition including rebuilt gauges and a restored steering wheel.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, a clock, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The five-digit odometer currently shows 87,213 miles but due to the age of the car, the mileage is represented as TMU (total Mileage Unknown).
The 348ci V8 is fitted with tri-power carburetor and sends power to the rear wheels through a floor mounted Borg Warner 4-speed manual transmission. Optional power steering along with power brakes are also in place. At each corner are 8.00-14” Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls & restored original style wheel covers.
The trunk is highly detailed including all new seals, a correct mat, proper jack, full sized spare and even a trunk jack decal.
Decoding the trim tag reveals the following information:
- Style 1867: Two-door convertible Impala V8
- 04C: 3rd week of April 1960 assembly
- Body LA28746: #28,746 built in Los Angeles, California
- Trim 874: Red & White Vinyl
- Paint 923: Roman Red