Frame Off Restored Impala 348 Tri-Power V8 4 Speed

Introduced in 1958 as Chevrolet's first foray upmarket, the Impala proved GM's volume car juggernaut had the strength to be all things to all people. It was the ride your upper class neighbors enjoyed and, like the original Bel Air, it wholly embodied the time of its creation. With that in mind, the restoration of this awesome, second generation coupe involved a frame-off mix of nostalgia and convenience that created a better-than-new cruiser. Amenities like a correct big block and a 4-speed manual transmission make this the perfect car for fun drives while classic lines, a stunning interior and miles of smooth black paint are sure to keep collectors happy. If you're looking for a spectacular classic that's road ready, show ready, and just plain ready to go, this fully-sorted Chevy is a whole lot of metal for not a lot of money!

Before we dive in to this classic's detailed description, here's a look at how the car's VIN decodes.

01837FXXXXXX:

* 0 -- 1960 model year
* 1837 -- V8-powered 2-door sport coupe
* F -- Assembled in Flint, Michigan
* XXXXXX -- Production sequence number

Logging only weekend miles since its detailed restoration, this brassy bowtie displays excellent bodywork that simply glistens under our bright showroom lighting. A lot of time and effort was put into making sure the car's body is extremely straight, which resulted in Kansas-flat sheetmetal that's completely wave-free. That time was well spent as excellent panel gaps perfectly center hinged pieces which move freely and close with a solid thunk. And those pieces are bathed in a rich layer of Tuxedo Black basecoat that's been sealed in glossy clear and buffed to a spectacular shine.

Speaking of shine, Chevrolet's newly anointed line topper certainly did its fair share to pad the polishing industry. And, as with its sculpted body, all of this Impala's jewelry has been returned to glare-inducing condition. At the front of the car, a broad stainless grille hangs a bright Chevrolet crest between a clean chrome bumper, four T3 headlights and clear parking lamps. Above that grille, a wide-set “CHEVROLET” script rides between good looking '60 Impala fender toppers. Below those toppers, ornate louvers, stainless rocker guards and color-keyed wheel skirts frame jet-inspired trim spears. At the tops of those spears, clean chrome trim combines with small bowtie mirrors, traditional door handles and angled antennas to highlight like-new glass. And behind that glass, six Impala-exclusive tail lights illuminate a second chrome bumper, a wide stainless valence and flat fins that terminate at a second colorful crest.

In 1961, when one stepped up to a full-size Chevy, it was best they also transition from the Turbo Fire small block to the Turbo Thrust big block. And in the world of W-block big blocks, there existed two schools of thought. Chevy's 'Super' engines were torque-rich mills which employed basic hydraulic valvetrains that were a pleasure to cruise down the road. The 'Special' engines were high-strung race horses which employed tweaked mechanical bits that were engineered to live 1/4 mile at a time. Lift this Impala's smooth hood and you'll find 348 cubic inches of Super Turbo Thrust V8 that's fully sorted and ready to cruise. A staple of working-class luxury, this impressive, big torque big block is one of the many reasons the Impala enjoys such fantastic name recognition. And absolutely every item from its thick coat of Chevy Orange paint to its unique, bowtie-branded valve covers has at one point been rebuilt, refinished or replaced. At the top of the bright block, a Satin Black, dual-snorkel air cleaner funnels wind into a fully restored tri-power set up that includes three Rochester 2-barrel carburetors and a network of stainless fuel lines. At the sides of the block, restored exhaust manifolds allow the oversquare cylinders ample breathing room by funneling spent gases into a correct, true-dual exhaust system. At the back of the block, a traditional points distributor sends fire through fresh 7mm High Temperature plug wires. Cooling is provided by a factory radiator, which sends water past correct tower clamps via reproduction GM hoses. Charge comes courtesy of a Delco yellow cap battery, which jolts a tagged Delco-Remy generator. And the car's Satin Black engine bay, which is as clean as the paint on its body, serves as an ideal backdrop for the mill's many different textures.

Park this Chevy on a lift and you'll find a solid undercarriage that's no stranger to mirrors and occasional flash bulbs. The car's straight floorpans, which are restored in the same Satin Black livery that sets off its engine bay, ride on a sturdy black X-frame. A proven Muncie 4-speed spins a familiar GM rear end that literally sails the engine through its broad power band. Under that capable drivetrain, a completely rebuilt coil suspension is equipped with manual steering and 4-wheel drum brakes. At the center of the floors, an aluminized, true-dual exhaust system utilizes throaty turbo mufflers to weave an aggressive, full-throttle rumble into a subdued and classy idle. At the corners of the suspension, great looking 225/75R14 Mastercraft A/S IV whitewalls frame deluxe factory wheel covers. And everything, from this coupe's mandatory sway bar to its leak-free fuel tank, is fully restored and ready to hit the pavement.

Covered in contrasting red houndstooth, this Impala's stunning interior has been restored to factory-fresh condition in virtually every way. The wide bench seats feel newer than the car's 54 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 protected by thick rubber floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, two-tone door panels hang straight stainless trim around chrome handles and modernist armrests. At the front of those panels, a restored dash, which is chock full of rebuilt gauges, carries what appears to be a correct radio. At the base of that dash, a stylish chrome shifter rows the Muncie through its gears. In front of the driver, a color-keyed steering wheel spins around a classic Impala centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk seals a correct mat, correct jack and full-sized spare tire below a fresh decklid decal.

With a clean restoration, fully-sorted mechanicals and more style than pretty much anything on the road, this revered Impala literally defines the term “strong value”. After all, when was the last time you saw this caliber classic for under $80K? Talk to us now and make space in your garage later – this Chevy won't wait around!