Frame Off Restored Black on Black Impala Bubbletop EFI 355 V8 200R4 4spd AC

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, thanks to recent wet-sanding and polishing, the depth of that finish is simply astounding!

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 detailing is on point, as this coupe is fitted with tinted 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 Billet Specialties air cleaner floats wind in to a polished Edelbrock Performer EPS intake, by way of spry FiTech fuel injection. At the perimeter of that intake, stylish Billet Specialties 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, Vintage Air Front Runner components spin a polished alternator and polished AC compressor above a polished Edelbrock water pump. And in front of those ancillaries, an aluminum, 4-core radiator plays well with dual puller fans 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 200R4 4-speed, sourced from Monster Transmission and Performance, funnels torque through an original axle. Fluid power steering and tubular control arms make quick work of turns while power-assisted calipers squeeze drilled and slotted rotors to bring everything to a 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. Dakota Digital VHX telemetry rides in a factory dash next to modern Pioneer audio, Vintage Air climate control and a 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.

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. This coupe really is as amazing as it looks! The budget for this build was well into 6-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!

----------

SUMMARY

* The beneficiary of a 6-figure, ground-up restoration
* 355 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 / FiTech fuel injection
* Monster Transmission & Performance 200R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Vintage Air conditioning
* Customized leather interior / Modern audio
* Power steering
* 4-wheel power disc brakes
* Upgraded suspension
* 18 and 20-inch American Racing Hopster wheels
* PPG urethane paint