Frame Off Restored Roman Red Impala Super Sport 327 V8 4 Speed

SUMMARY

* Rotisserie restoration completed in 2011
* Correct 327 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
* Correct Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual transmission
* Factory power steering
* Sale includes restoration photos and restoration receipts

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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 a 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!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Logging only weekend miles since its complete, rotisserie restoration, this top-of-the-line Chevy displays clean bodywork that simply glistens under our bright showroom lighting. A lot of time and effort was put in to making sure the car's profile is extremely straight, which results in chiseled sheetmetal that's completely wave-free. That time was well spent, as better-than-factory fit perfectly centers hinged pieces, which move freely and close with a solid thunk. And those thunks are bathed in bright Roman Red base that, thanks to a glossy layer of clear, reflects a flat, show worthy shine.

Chevrolet's third generation Impala is a 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 sleek showboat, a broad stainless grille hangs four halogen headlights and small amber parking lamps between an ornate Chevrolet crest, a blocky “CHEVROLET” script and a mirrored, wraparound bumper. At the top of that grille, subtle fender toppers lead the eye to tinted glass that's cleared by bright wipers and sealed in straight frames. At the sides of that glass, dent-free rocker guards, optional fender skirts and engine-turned, SS-specific trim spears found bold “Impala SS” scripts behind traditional cross-flag fender emblems. Opposite those guards, correct door handles and classy bowtie mirrors perfectly complement ornate fuel filler trim and angled antennas. And, opposite those mirrors, a stainless-trimmed, engine-turned valence hangs a bold “CHEVROLET” script and six familiar taillights between a second Chevrolet crest, a small “IMPALA SS” emblem and a second wraparound bumper.

ENGINE

Powering this impressive sports coupe is a correct, 327 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 that's authenticated by a 3789817 casting number. At the top of that famous mill, a glossy, single-snorkel air cleaner forces oxygen in to a coated Edelbrock carburetor. That proven 4-barrel feeds a factory iron intake that's bordered by factory Chevrolet heads and painted and decaled valve covers. Those heads send spent gases in to correct, cast iron exhaust manifolds. A familiar points distributor sequences sparks through 7mm Ultimate Heat Protection wires. Pliable V-belts spin an old school generator, factory power steering and a familiar, pulley-driven fan behind a large shroud and factory radiator. Aesthetically, the Chevy Orange small block looks great, framed by a glossy engine compartment that's complete with clean decals and a fully finished hood. And everything, from the car's pliable GM hoses and retro glass washer bottle to its cool AC fuel bowl and tight Delco battery topper, is nicely detailed and ready to show.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

One look under this sturdy cruiser reveals a solid X-frame chassis that's just as ready for the road as the car's stout 327. Power flows through a correct Borg Warner 4-speed, which hangs a familiar T10-1C 3782212 casting number in front of a Universal Automotive driveshaft and factory-spec rear end. Holding that virtually unbreakable drivetrain off the ground is a restored double A-arm front and 3-link rear suspension. That suspension's handling is greatly enhanced by factory power steering and big drum brakes. A proper reproduction exhaust system hugs the contours of the aforementioned X-frame. All that old school Americana rolls on 14-inch steelies, which spin 215/70 Firestone FR380 whitewalls around patriotic Chevrolet wheel covers. And the car's rust-free floors are layered in light undercoating that, despite its all-weather integrity, appears to have never seen any significant moisture.

INTERIOR

Covered in a monochromatic sheen, this Chevy's vivid 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 53 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, color-keyed floor mats protect like-new carpet. At the sides of those mats, pleated panels feature correct door hardware. At the front of those panels, a painted dash centers rebuilt telemetry above a modern Custom Autosound head unit. At the base of that dash, a stylish, SS-specific console centers a chrome shifter in front of a small, lockable storage compartment. In front of the driver, a chrome-trimmed steering wheel laps a Super Sport horn bar. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk seals a correct mat, a correct jack and a full-size spare tire below correct insulation and a fresh decklid decal.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* An album of restoration photos
* A stack of restoration receipts
* A component manual for the car's Custom Autosound radio

Fully sorted and ready to roll, this awesome Super Sport is a wonderful classic to drive, enjoy and haul two or three 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, score the keys to this '62 hardtop, and get ready for years of carefree cruising!