1961 Chevrolet Impala 4 door sedan 350 V8

1961 Chevrolet Impala Description

1961 Impala

The 1961 Chevrolet Impala became one of the most memorable Chevrolets of the 1960s by mixing full-size luxury with sporty performance. Chevrolet declared the ‘61 Impala "unquestionably the finest car in its field."

This Impala came off the production floor in June 1961 with a 6cyl engine and auto Powerglide transmission. It is now equipped with a Chevy 350 cu in V8 engine, a Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carb, electronic ignition, ram horn manifolds, dual exhaust, Turbo 350 (TH350) transmission, a Saginaw 605 power steering unit and power brakes with a booster. It has the original 336 posi rear end.

This is not a show car or trailer queen, it’s a car you can drive! If you’re looking for a car you can cruise in, have fun, and take the whole family, this would fit the bill nicely! I have found this car to be safe, reliable, fun, and attention getting on family trips, cruising, cruise-ins, showing up to ballgames and BBQs, and just hitting the road on beautiful days. Even in “20-footer” condition, you’ll get plenty of attention from friends and strangers alike. People love this car. I’ve attended car shows just to view cars and been invited to register and participate. Not being a show car makes it that much more comfortable to drive and not worry constantly about chipping paint or getting the seats dirty. There’s none of that anxiety to keep it perfect. It’s a complete joy to take the kids fishing, wash it down in the driveway, then go to a cruise-in at a hot dog joint in the evening.

Mechanically, the car runs and drives well, doesn’t smoke, knock or rattle, rides smooth, accelerates, shifts, steers and stops just as it should. All the lights work. The speedometer currently has a bit of “bounce” to it, likely due to a worn or loose cable connection either at the trans or the back of the gauge. Wipers work. The clock is not working and the heater cable is jammed up. Has mostly been driven in fair weather to do things within one county radius with a decent length road trip once or twice a year. I hopped in and took her on a few hundred miles round trip (including some Interstate miles) in September 2018 and she did fine, but she’s been sitting at her current storage location since November 2018. Was started on May 20, 2019 and started right up after sitting 6 months! A short test drive ensured everything was still working. Has some slightly audible exhaust leaks and the front pulled slightly to the left while braking. Quadrajet could use rebuild or tuning. Miles are over mechanical limits of odometer. Title marked as mileage exempt.

The interior is complete, about 80% original, clean, and comfortable. It really adds to the nostalgic feel to have a decent mostly original interior. It’s not perfect and it’s showing its age, but it’s a good clean environment to cruise in. It has a full seat belt package with front shoulder belts with belts for six passengers. The radio is a modern retro-nostalgic model and works fine when the antennas are properly connected, but it’s currently used with an auxiliary cord that can connect to an .mp3 player or phone. Biggest flaws or signs of wear or damage are the kick panels and low on the doors which aren’t glaringly visible to passengers or to someone looking in. The recent photos had to be taken without much fanfare, so it didn’t get a good cleaning, but will clean up nicely.

Up until about October of 2018, this car was regularly washed and maintained and was in what is commonly referred to as “20-footer” condition. Looked great from 20 feet, but up close showed its age and flaws. The paint has chips, faded spots, and scratches and areas of cracking. Unfortunately, due to a family crisis, she sat outside for the first time in several years through the winter and now has significantly more surface rust on the chrome and Cragar wheels. Most of this should scrub and polish off, circumstances just prevent me from trying to get it done now. There are now some small rust spots growing into more than surface rust, but are small enough to catch now without needing significant body work. The dual antennas in the 2018 pics were damaged by vandals and replaced by budget universal antennas in the current photos, but the bases are correct genuine parts. One wheel center cap is missing, but I have the correct replacement and will include it. The fender skirts in the 2018 pictures were removed for installation of new tires in August 2018 and their chrome finish was damaged by a solvent spill, but they will be included.

Car is also for sale locally and auction may be canceled at any time. The car is sold AS IS / WHERE IS and there is no warranty and no guarantees specified or implied. The condition ratings listed below are completely the seller’s opinion and not official professional ratings. The photos are not touched up in any way, but they aren’t close ups of every flaw either. Bid if you want a very cool ‘60s cruiser that is what you see and it moves down the road and has been very loved (i.e. used), but don’t expect a show car or one that stands up to nit-picking and scrutinizing every aspect. My loss is your gain. I hope you enjoy her as much as I have.

It will be made available at its current location in Merrillville, IN, 46410, but picking it up, shipping it, transporting it, etc. is completely on the buyer.

Hagerty values a 1961 Chevrolet Impala, 4dr Hardtop Sedan 8-cyl at $10,000 in Fair condition.

Fair Condition vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash might be present. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or other non- stock additions might be present. A Fair Condition vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration.

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) values indicate an Average Retail Value of $14,050.

Average Retail Value - A “20-footer”; From 20 feet, it may look good. Close inspection, however, would reveal some worn interior and less than perfect paint. There may be evidence of surface rust in the body panels. The undercarriage may display surface rust. Chrome and trim may exhibit pitting. Completely operable. The exterior paint, trim and mechanics are presentable and serviceable inside and out.

According to conceptcarz.com, the average auction price for a 1961 Impala sedan over the last 18 years is $17,750.

Cowl tag and VIN decoding:

CHEVROLET DIV. GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

6C DETROIT, MICHIGAN

STYLE61-1869BODYJA14160

TRIM 865. PAINT 920

ACC. EZW-A

THIS CAR FINISHED WITH

Magic-Mirror ACRYLIC LACQOUER

BODY BY FISHER

6C = Body build date

6 =June

C = Third week of the month

STYLE 61 = 1961

1869 BODY= 8 cylinder 4-door sedan Impala (8cyl code often used even if body was to be equipped with 6cyl)

JA = Janesville, WI plant

14160 = Sequential body number of order confirmation number

TRIM 865 = Fawn cloth

PAINT 920 = Fawn Beige

ACC. = Factory installed accessories

EZW = Tinted windshield

-A =?

VIN 11769J244749

1 = 1961

17 = Impala w/ L6 engine (235cid 6cyl)

69 = 4 door sedan

J = Janesville, WI plant

244749 = Production sequence number