A man's forgotten treasure: The story of a 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
In 1982, a man bought a 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS, drove it once, and then parked it, never to be seen again. Fast forward to the present, and this forgotten gem is now online, seeking a new owner who can bring it back to life. The seller, SUR Holdings, describes the car as a "project car that has been sitting since it was purchased and driven home."
The Impala SS is a mature nameplate that debuted in 1961 as a $53.80 package. Over the years, it has undergone notable improvements, including bigger engines. The Super Sport is a sought-after model, with the big-block engine fitting like a glove. The 1964 model year saw the Impala SS graduate to a stand-alone series, with a total output of nearly 200,000 units. The hardtop was the preferred choice, accounting for approximately 155,000 cars.
Despite its mature nameplate status, the Impala SS was still available in various body styles. Approximately 30,000 customers ordered the convertible, while the hardtop was more affordable. The Super Sport could be ordered with any engine in the lineup, but the six-cylinder engine was not a good fit. Some buyers believed otherwise, which is why a six-cylinder Super Sport can still be original.
The top engines for the 1964 Impala boasted a displacement of 409 cubic inches, producing 409 horsepower. The base configuration was fitted with a dual exhaust system and a high lift cam. The 425-horsepower version, with dual four-barrels, carried a price tag of $484. The seller notes that the engine under the hood is not the big-block unit, but rather a small block, which may be a 327ci unit with a two-barrel carburetor.
The Impala is in need of a complete restoration, with signs of corrosion and missing parts. The seller explains that the undersides are "acceptable," with only a few rust areas. However, a thorough inspection is required to determine the extent of the rust damage. Some extras, such as the chrome, are in the trunk, and air conditioning components are also present, suggesting that the car may still be complete.
The Impala is attracting substantial attention on eBay, with 1,500 people checking the listing in the last 24 hours and 174 people adding it to their watchlists. The top offer is currently $6,100, and with a no-reserve auction, the car is sure to find a new owner. The Impala is parked in Arkansas and will require a trailer for transport, given its condition.
The seller urges potential buyers to contact them to discuss the details and take advantage of the 3-day listing period. This Impala SS is a rare find, and with the right restoration, it can become a true classic.
