The year was 1964, and Chevrolet was already preparing for a new-generation Impala. This year’s refresh of the Impala didn’t bring significant changes, as the GM brand was almost entirely focused on getting everything ready for the big launch in 1965.
It paid off. The 1965 Impala became a record-setting model, as it was crowned the first car in the United States whose sales exceeded 1 million units in a single year.
However, it doesn’t mean the 1964 wasn’t worth people’s attention.
Chevrolet tried to fuel its customer appeal with important changes in the engine department, where the 409 returned as a big-block option for anyone interested in the performance side of the Impala. The engine was offered with three different power configurations, though the top-of-the-line was the best choice for the Super Sport.
The base 409, which was equipped with a single four-barrel carburetor, produced 340 horsepower. The second version was based on a similar configuration for a 400-horsepower rating. The icing on the cake was the 425-horsepower version, fitted with twin four-barrel carburetors for a unique adrenaline-filled experience behind the wheel.
The 1964 Impala listed on eBay by seller calichevy69 doesn’t sport this massive big block but tries to impress customers with an original package, still flexing the complete setup. The car has been sitting for a while, but I can’t tell if it’s a barn find, or the owner purchased it for an eventually-abandoned restoration. What I do know is that the Impala no longer runs, as the 283 V8 under the hood requires urgent repairs.
It’s the original engine (and this is fantastic news for anyone planning a complete restoration), but it doesn’t run, so your best option is to see the car in person and take a good mechanic to inspect the V8. The engine is paired with a Powerglide transmission.
The car exhibits the typical metal problems, but the owner promises the frame is as solid as possible. You’ll also get the complete convertible trim, though it’s not like it’s in tip-top shape anyway. The interior looks decent but aligns with the car’s overall shape, requiring typical repairs in all the usual places.
As a big Impala fan, I love the 1964 convertible despite many people thinking it was a second-class citizen of Chevy’s lineup. It wasn’t, as the Impala was a major catalyst for growing sales, including in 1964, when it didn’t receive many significant changes.
The owner hopes to get $17,500 for their otherwise intriguing Impala, and no other offers are seemingly accepted. You can inspect the car in Stockton, California, and you’ll need a trailer to take it home, considering the non-working engine and the other problems you can easily spot in the attached photos
