The Chevy Impala made its debut for the 1958 model year as part of General Motors’ fiftieth production-year celebration. As the top of the line Bel Air trim, the Impala was a prestige vehicle, available as either a hardtop or convertible. Built on the new Safety-Girder Frame pioneered by Cadillac the year prior, the Impala had a longer wheelbase and lower roofline than lower priced Bel Air offerings. Additionally, the Impala could be distinguished from other trim lines by its triple taillights.
The Chevy Impala was available with a number of drivetrains. The Blue Flame six cylinder was available for the mileage conscious, several different versions of the 283 cubic inch Small Block could be had, and there was even the 348 cubic inch Turbo Thrust W-head Big Block that made up to 315 horses.
For the 1959 model year, the Chevy Impala became a model unto itself. It was now available as a two-door Sport Coupe, a convertible, four-door hardtop, four-door sedan, and a five-door wagon. A thorough restyling brought a new front bumper with mini Dagmars, the grille was revamped, and vents were added to the leading edge of the hood. The faux vents that had previously been just forward if the rear wheel wells were eliminated. The beltline bullet-style trim ran from just aft of the headlights, flaring as it approached the taillights. In the back, the Impala grew batwing rear fins, a cleaner rear bumper design, and taillights that looked like red eyes squinting. The base six cylinder and 185 horsepower 283 cubic inch Small Block were both carried over from the previous year. Also available was a 290 horse 283 with fuel injection and a 348 cube W-head with up to 335 ponies.
Triple taillights returned to the Chevy Impala for 1960, and cruise control was offered for the first time. Engine options included carbed 283s in 170 or 230 horsepower, or 348s in 250 or 320 horsepower. For those who wanted a factory hot rod, there was the 350 horsepower Special Super Turbo-Thrust 348 equipped with triple two-barrel carbs, 11.25:1 compression, and dual exhaust. The fuel injected 283 Small Block was phased out on full size Chevys. Nearly 490,000 Impalas rolled off the assembly line.
The Chevy Impala was restyled again for the 1961 model year. The new Impala was slimmer and more squared than in earlier years. 1961 saw the introduction of the “Bubble Top” roofline, with thin A and C-pillars on the two-door Sport Coupes. 1961 was also the first year for the Impala Super Sport, or SS, the first Chevrolet production car to wear the moniker. Only 456 Super Sports were built.
Our feature 1961 Chevy Impala has had a frame-off restoration. It is finished in Roman Red over a red cloth and white vinyl bench seat interior. Power comes from a 283 cubic inch Small Block V8 fed by a Rochester four-barrel carburetor. The mouse motor is backed by a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Painted steel wheels wear full polished hub caps, and are wrapped in wide whitewall radial rubber.
This 1961 Chevy Impala Bubble Top will cross the auction block at Mecum Auctions Chattanooga, Tennessee event taking place October 13th and 14th.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Impala news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock General Motors news coverage.
Comments
Beautiful car, my aunt had a white 61 when I was a kid.
I’m pretty sure the roof line made its debut in 1959 , but this is an awesome ’61,,,,,,,,,,,, GLWTS
Always thought the ’61’s were an ugly duckling and the “bubble top” too. They have aged well though.
Relative had a ’61 convertible in green. Always seemed to have the top down. Thought the rear speaker was cool as a kid.
Curriously – this model has the delco-remy 35 amp generator and regulator replaced with an integrated old school delco-remy alternator/regulator, only around 20 years newer than the car….
You see this kind of thing on engine swap outs, but supposedly this is the original 283. Hummm… Also a few aftermarket gauges added under the dash…
Had the 348/350/4speed version as my first new car.
This one has the 348 emblems with a 283 motor.
Not original.
There was also available a two door sedan.
I spy with my little eye, SS emblems on rear quarters.. This is not an SS. Never was. I have a better clone, with W block, 4 speed with correct console, grab bar for passenger, and all correct trim. What you see is a base model with about 200 dollars in emblems added…. Still a beauty. Restore proper badging and enjoy.
No radio? No sale.
Anyone notice the shift quadrant on the steering column? There is the letter G instead of L. This would indicate a Turbo Glide transmission, the last year it was offered by Chevy.
Yep, I saw that . Makes you wonder what transmission this car actually has cause it says Powerglide in the write up ? It also has ( as previously mentioned ) crossed flags emblems front & back which would indicate a 348 CID motor but yet the text says 283 ?, Dual antennas but no radio shown ? Like I said ,,,,,,,,, “Awesome car” but.