1967 Chevrolet Impala

Description

Not only is this car a standout, but it also offers a numbers-matching 396, an overdrive transmission, cold factory A/C, and original documentation to back everything up. Code F Marina Blue is this car's original color, and when it looks this good, you keep it. The bodywork is simply fantastic and that's no easy feat on a car with quarter panels as big as the side of a school bus. Tight gaps and lots of attention to detail make it look almost new and with those white stripes (borrowed from a 1969 Impala), it has a high performance look that suits the hardware underneath.

By 1967, bucket seats weren't the exclusive domain of the SS, and this full-sized cruiser got a code 810-D black vinyl front bench with individual backrests that look a lot like buckets. Of course, all the upholstery has been properly restored with correct patterns and materials, giving it a very elegant look. New carpets and door panels certainly help with the showroom feel and the big, bold gauges look to have been professionally restored. The vents on the dash indicate factory A/C, which has been upgraded to R134a refrigerant and blows ice cold today. Other options include power windows, a rear defogger, and a tilt steering column, plus the more recent addition of an AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo system in a custom console that also includes built-in cup holders. Heck, even the clock works! As you'd expect, the back seat is big enough for full-sized adults and the trunk is positively gigantic, even with the full-sized spare up in the front.

The engine is the original, numbers-matching L35 396 cubic inch V8. Rated at 325 horsepower, it's no slouch in the performance department and makes the big coupe feel a thousand pounds lighter than it is. The engine compartment is beautifully detailed and doesn't deviate from the factory look in any way. Check out the OEM air cleaner with reproduction decals, the hoses with proper stamping and correct tower hose clamps, and painted valve covers, not chrome. It runs superbly and idles like a luxury car, not a muscle machine, and thanks to a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, it's one of the best highway cruisers we've ever driven. Of course, as a big block Impala, a 12-bolt rear end was standard equipment and it exhales through a great-sounding Flowmaster exhaust system with tips just under the rear bumper. This wasn't a rotisserie restoration, but when the underside looks this good, there's just no reason to take the car apart at the molecular level. They did, however, add a set of handsome 15-inch Torque Thrust wheels and wrapped them in staggered 245/60/15 front and 275/60/15 rear performance radials. For more information on this 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS contact our Milwaukee showroom at (262) 891-4253. To see more HD photos and an HD video of this vehicle running and driving visit www.GatewayClassicCars.com.