Frame Off Restored Impala Super Sport 327 V8 4 Speed AC

A vast majority of the metal that comes through our RK Motors Charlotte showroom is either flawless, concours-level show fare or incredibly original, low-mileage garage fodder. But, as awesome as those rare and exclusive cars are, the foundation of this hobby has always been old school stalwarts that we can drive, build on, show off and enjoy. Think about it, when you were a kid, did you dream of towing a pristine factory-original car to a field where it would sit and look pretty? No way! You wanted a classy head turner that was striking, cool and expressed your individual tastes. Professionally restored and powered by an era-correct Chevrolet V8, this impressive Impala SS is the kind of fully sorted cruiser that you can fire up, press the go pedal and road trip across the country in!

Logging only weekend miles since its complete frame-off restoration, this top-of-the-line Chevy still displays immaculate bodywork that simply glistens under our bright showroom lighting. A lot of time and effort was put into making sure this big cruiser was extremely straight, which resulted in chiseled sheetmetal that's completely wave-free. That time was well spent as better-than-factory panel gaps perfectly center hinged pieces which move freely and close with a solid thunk. And those thunks are bathed in a rich layer of familiar GM code 918 Azure Aqua Metallic that's been sealed in a rugged clearcoat shell and buffed to a spectacular shine.

Chevrolet's third generation Impala is a sleek and stylish piece that, with its absence of excessive chrome, suggests GM had officially left the tailfin-induced bender America enjoyed throughout the 50s. At the front of this showboat, a body-width stainless grille hangs a small “Chevrolet” script and four T3 headlights between a red, white and blue hood crest, a wraparound chrome bumper and clear amber parking lamps. At the sides of the car, traditional cross-flag emblems combine with quarter-mounted “SS IMPALA” emblems to break up a sea of pastel paint while traditional chrome door handles perfectly complement SS-specific side trim and stylish rear fender skirts. At the top of the car, chrome hood and trunk spears lead the eye to like-new glass that's flanked by two chrome bowtie mirrors, cleared by two bright wipers and sealed by a series of well-maintained stainless trim pieces. And at the back of the car, a stainless-trimmed and “CHEVROLET” branded valence hangs six traditional tail lights and a second crest between two stainless antennas, a small “IMPALA SS” emblem and a second wraparound bumper.

Powering this real-deal Super Sport is a 327 cubic inch, era-correct V8 which wears a traditional 3782870 casting number behind a roster of correct equipment. At the top of that famous mill, a heavy duty single-snorkel air cleaner forces oxygen into a large 4-barrel carburetor that's clamped into spotless stainless fuel lines. Fuel and air flow from that old school carburetor into a factory iron intake that's bordered by factory Chevrolet heads and painted and decaled valve covers. Those valves send spent gases into correct cast iron exhaust manifolds which are bolted to a 2.5 inch true dual exhaust system that's marked by an awesome, and equally deep, roar. That roar is a product of sparks sequenced from a familiar points distributor to Premium High Temperature 7mm plug wires. Those sparks are generated by pliable V-belts which spin a modern alternator, a factory power steering pump and old school Harrison AC components behind a correct fan, correct tower clamps and a factory radiator. And this B-Body's entire engine compartment, from its Chevy Orange paint and satin black fenders to its reproduction Delco battery and glass GM washer fluid bottle, is nicely detailed and ready to both show and go.

One look underneath this sturdy cruiser reveals a solid X-frame chassis that's just as ready for the road as that stout 327. Power is put to the pavement by an era-correct Muncie 4-speed which wears a familiar 3851325 casting number. Holding that virtually unbreakable transmission off the ground is a restored double A-arm front and three link rear suspension. That suspension's handling is greatly enhanced by factory power steering and power drum brakes that are piped to a fresh master cylinder and an equally fresh brake booster. Exhaust flows from the aforementioned manifolds to factory replacement mufflers and hidden turn downs which stop just short of the car's broad rear bumper. The body's rust-free floors still feature a coat of bright red primer that was bestowed upon them during their detailed restoration. And at the corners of those floors, standard 14 inch steel wheels spin modern Hankook Steel Radials around Super Sport specific wheel covers.

Covered in a contrasting white sheen, this Chevy's great looking interior has been restored to factory-fresh condition in virtually every way. The SS-specific front bucket and rear bench seats feel newer than the car's 48 years would suggest, and present just as well now as the day they rolled out of the upholstery shop. At the base of those seats, like-new carpet is bordered by straight Fisher sill plates and displays hardly any wear at all. At the sides of that carpet, awesome two-tone door panels hang small “SS” emblems over chrome window cranks, chrome door handles and pliable white armrests. At the front of those door panels, a restored blue dash is chock full of rebuilt gauges, carries what appears to be an original Delco AM radio, and features a sharp and correctly centered tachometer. At the base of that dash a stylish, SS-specific console props a chrome shifter in from of a small, lockable storage compartment. In front of the driver, a deluxe steering wheel spins around a traditional red, white and blue Chevrolet horn button. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk carries a correct mat, a correct jack and a full-sized spare tire below fresh decklid decals.

This fully sorted Super Sport is a wonderful car to drive, enjoy and haul three or four of your coolest friends in. It's really no surprise that these cars are amazingly popular with almost everyone who sees them because they have such a great combination of style, presence and performance. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone, park this '64 hardtop in your garage and get ready for years of care-free cruising!