The nameplate is also among the most desirable classics. The late 1950s and early 1960s versions are particularly sought-after, but late 1960s and early 1970s examples are nothing to sneeze at either. I’m a fan of the big-finned cars of the second generation (1959-1960), but I also enjoy the “bubble top” Impalas of 1961 and 1962.

On the other hand, no roof layout beats the convertible in my book. Sure, it’s not quite as practical as a hardtop, and it’s more difficult to maintain, but early Impalas look darn sexy with a soft top rolled behind the seats. Drop-tops are also much rarer than other body styles.

And that’s precisely why I get excited whenever I see an early 1960s Impala convertible getting rescued after years of neglect. Just like YouTube’s “Iron City Garage” recently did with a 1962 ragtop.

Found in a backyard somewhere in New Jersey, this Impala spent a few decades off the road. There’s no info on when it was parked there, but it sure looks like it sat for at least a couple of decades. On the other hand, it’s been with the same owner for 40 years, so we might be looking at a restoration project he never got to finish and drive.

And I’m saying “restoration project” because he also had quite a few parts to go with the car. Some were removed from the Impala a while back, while some were purchased as replacements. I’m talking about trim pieces, lights, interior components, and even a fender. Yup, it’s one of those rigs the owner never restored.

But is this Impala worthy of a complete makeover? Well, it’s not one of those super-rare 1962 versions worth a ton of cash in Concours condition, but it’s a solid project. It’s not so far gone to be dismantled for parts, but it’s not the kind of classic you can restore and flip for a profit. It’s more of a labor-of-love type of thing that needs an Impala convertible fanatic.

It’s not one of those desirable SS models either, but it comes with a few interesting features. For starters, it’s a V8 car. Second, it sports the red interior everyone is crazy about. And even though it left the factory with a front bench seat, it now packs a pair of buckets from a 1963 Impala. That’s a cool upgrade, a pleasant surprise, and perhaps a good start to turn this drop-top into an SS clone.

So, how rare is this Impala? Well, it’s not exactly scarce since Chevrolet sold 75,719 convertibles in 1962. On the other hand, the drop-tops are notably rarer than other body styles. The company built 704,900 Impala that year, so cabriolet output was less than 11%.

Hopefully, this Impala is off to a new home and will find its way back on public roads soon. Until that happens, watch it coming out of its resting place after more than 20 years