The Chevy Impala debuted for the 1958 model year as GM celebrated its fiftieth year of vehicle production. The top trim in the Bel Air line, the Impala was Chevy’s prestige passenger car, and could be had in either hardtop or convertible guise. The full-size Chevrolet lineup was built on the Safety-Girder Frame introduced by Cadillac the previous year. A longer wheelbase and lower roofline distinguished the Impala from the rest of the Bel Air line, as did its iconic triple taillights.
A number of drivetrains could be had with the Chevy Impala, including the Blue Flame inline six for the economy minded, multiple versions of the 283 cubic-inch Small Block including the Rochester Mechanical Fuel Injection variant, and the 348 cube Turbo Thrust W-head Big Block that produced up to 315 horsepower.
For 1959, the Chevy Impala became its own model. A significant restyling introduced mini Dagmars, a revised grille, and vents at the leading edge of the hood. Two-door Sport Coupe, convertible, four-door hardtop, four-door sedan, and five-door wagon versions were available. Bullet-style trim arced from the headlights and flared just ahead of the taillights. Gone were the previous year’s faux rear fender vents. The rear fenders were molded into batwing fins, complemented by a smoother rear bumper and squinty taillights. The base inline six and 185-horse 283 Small Block were carried over from the previous year, but a new 283 fuelie making 290 horsepower or a 348 Big Block generating 335 horses could be had.
1960 saw the return of triple taillights for the Chevy Impala. Engine options included carburetor-fed 283 Small Block engines in either 170- or 230-horsepower ratings, or 348 Big Blocks capable of 250 or 320 horsepower. A 350-horse 348 Special Super Turbo Thrust Big Block with triple two-barrel carbs, 11.25:1 compression, and dual exhaust made was available for the horsepower hungry, but the fuel-injected 283 was no longer offered. Almost 490,000 1960 Impalas were built.
Restyled again for the 1961 model year, the Chevy Impala had a leaner, more angular look than previous years. 1961 introduced the “Bubble Top” roofline, with thinner A and C pillars for the two-door Sport Coupes. 1961 also saw the introduction of the Impala Super Sport, the first Chevy to wear the badge. Only 456 Super Sports were built for 1961.
Our feature 1961 Chevy Impala convertible has been extensively reworked into a multiple award-winning custom. Known as “Swansong,” this Impala was constructed by Hot Rods & Custom Stuff of Escondido, California. It is finished in House of Kolor Trojan Brandywine with a tan Haartz cloth convertible top. Chrome has been replated and other trim is highly polished.
The Chevy Impala’s interior has been fully customized in deep tan leather by Mark Lopez’ Elegance interiors. It is fitted with Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital gauges, power windows, a custom console, gated shifter, polished foot pedals, and audio system by The Art of Sound. The steering wheel features a center crossed flag emblem. When the top is lowered, it can be covered with the custom top boot.
The Chevy Impala is powered by an updated LS3 backed by a 4L65E automatic gearbox that moves power rearward to a Ford nine-inch differential with 3.73 gears. The car rides on an Art Morrison GT Sport chassis with AccuRide/Ride Tech suspension, power assisted rack-and-pinion steering, and disc brakes all around. Wheels are Vermon Design by Schott, measuring 18 inches in front and 20 inches in the rear, all shod in Pirelli performance rubber.
This remarkable 1961 Chevy Impala convertible custom will cross the auction block at Mecum Auctions Glendale, Arizona event taking place March 5th and 9th.
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Comments
Cousin had a ’61 Impala convertible in green. Had the top down a lot. Her brother had a ’61 Pontiac coupe, too. The good old days.
Beautiful car, too bad they butchered it.
Butchered?! Have you ever actually studied a car like this? Not butchered. High-end custom work that takes skill, talent, patience, love, and, of course, money.
It has air ride. You can make the stance look any way you want.
No cookie cutter here. Beautiful this is when cars had a style of their own.
It would look better at stock ride height. This looks clumsy.
All that I can say is WOW!!
I’m guessing $150,000 at Mecum
I have owned several 61 impalas. From Nomand to yes an original 409 ss Personally I admire the amount the work that has been put into it, but this is a personal taste of one person. I highly doubt this fellow will get out what he put into it. This is more bragging rights at this point. The cars are original once. Old cars take love and knowledge on upkeep and knowing how to drive them. That is what makes the hobby fun.