Frame Off Restored Black on Black Impala Bubbletop 355 V8 TH350 3 Speed Leather

1961 Chevrolet Impala Description

SUMMARY

The beneficiary of a 6-figure, ground-up restoration
355 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed automatic transmission / High-stall converter
Customized leather interior / Modern audio
18 and 20-inch American Racing Hopster wheels
Power steering
PPG urethane paint
Front disc and rear drum brakes
Upgraded suspension
Flowmaster Hushpower exhaust

When the 1961 Impala hit the streets, the '50s were officially over. With a stunningly clean profile, restrained use of brightwork, and performance that fueled the fires of the horsepower wars, the 'bubble top' Impalas were a welcome antidote for chrome and tailfins. Purchased in 2005 from a gentleman who kept it locked away in a garage for more than twenty years, this amazing Impala coupe underwent an 8-month, frame-off restoration. And, from its show-quality paint and custom leather interior to its high-winding small block, the car is a magnificent classic that literally defines the word "cool"!

BODYWORK/TRIM

One look at our high definition photos reveals a straight and solid cruiser that features no aesthetic modification. In other words: you're looking at 100% factory sheetmetal that's unchopped, unshaved and completely unaltered. Thanks to a quality restoration, every panel was straightened, aligned and hand-sanded prior to receiving a rich coat of black PPG urethane. And the depth of that finish is simply astounding, enhancing some of the best lines to ever breach GM's Warren Tech Center.

Perhaps it's the dazzling trim on this Chevy, particularly that sweeping side spear, that makes the paint look so astounding. The tailfin era was gone, but here, its memory is honored by a bead of stainless that transitions from the car's sweep panel to its trunk opening. Modern tri-bar headlights enhance safety, six round taillights were an Impala trademark and cross-flag emblems have represented performance since the Corvette debuted back in 1953. And naturally, this coupe is fitted with fresh glass, fresh weather stripping and a roster of chrome that's been massaged by Nashville's Advanced Plating.

ENGINE

Pop the hood and you'll find a reliable, 355 cubic inch Chevrolet small block that's been fully rebuilt and fitted with polished aluminum heads. Revs are created when a finned MQQN Equipment air cleaner floats wind in to a polished Edelbrock Performer EPS intake, by way of a coated, Weber-style carburetor. At the perimeter of that intake, finned MQQN Equipment valve covers hang a polished cap and breather over coated block hugger headers. Behind that breather, a proven Mallory distributor shoots spark through loomed plug wires. At the front of those looms, traditional V-belts spin polished pulleys in front of a polished alternator, polished power steering components and a polished Edelbrock water pump. And in front of those ancillaries, a glossy radiator plays well with a large puller fan and a polished cap. Despite being a thoroughly massaged piece, the Jet Black mill looks right at home in the car's spotless engine compartment. And details, like a chrome coil, a MQQN Equipment temp gauge, a chrome fuel pump, braided fluid lines and a chrome master cylinder, mix first-rate looks with first-rate functionality.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

As expected, the restoration work under this Impala is just as spectacular as its body and engine bay. Solid floors wear quality undercoating, which looks great against a glossy frame and glossy chassis components. At the center of that chassis, a familiar Turbo-Hydramatic 350 3-speed utilizes a high-stall converter to funnel torque through an original axle. Fluid power steering and tubular control arms make quick work of turns while a combination of discs and drums bring everything to a quick halt. The aforementioned headers dump spent gases in to ceramic-coated pipes, which employ Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers. Everything rolls on polished American Racing Hopsters, which spin 245/40ZR18 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As in front of 275/35ZR20 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As. And items like a stainless fuel tank, a polished flywheel cover and a finned transmission cooler round out a roster of impressive hardware.

INTERIOR

This Chevy's beautiful leather interior was designed to seamlessly blend original and new equipment, and it's a smashing success! Twin buckets are sumptuous and comfortable, separated by a custom, Impala-branded console. Original factory gauges remain in a factory dash next to a modern Pioneer CD player and correct Delco All Transistor Radio. Door panels and kick panels are well-crafted pieces that will leave onlookers scratching their heads about what's original and what isn't. Fresh carpet, protected by flecked Impala floor mats, and a tight headliner, fronted by a polished Impala mirror, add a dash of originality. In front of the driver, a leather-wrapped Lecarra steering wheel laps billet foot pedals and a polished, tilting column. And behind the passengers, the car's positively massive trunk has been finished with a combination of carpet and leather.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

Service receipts

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. This coupe really is as amazing as it looks! The budget for this build was well into six-figures, and it shows in every single component. 'Bubble top' Impalas have always been highly-sought cars, and this one makes it easy to understand why: custom classics simply don't get much nicer!