4-Speed Project: 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS
When the Super Sport was introduced in 1961, it was supposed to be a performance version of the Chevy Impala, which it was. But only 453 copies rolled off the assembly line. In 1962, Chevy’s strategy changed, and it became a sporty version of the Impala that could come with any engine or transmission. 99,311 examples were delivered, so the changes led to success. This ’62 Super Sport has some rust that isn’t too obvious – the trunk and floor pans, and it may make a good candidate for restoration, though not running. Located in Orange County, California, the SS is available here on craigslist for $15,000 or something close. Thanks for the cool tip, T.J.!
If you checked the box for Option Code 240 on the order sheet for your 1962 Impala, you were buying one with the Super Sport (or SS) package. For $156, you got front bucket seats with a special “leather-soft” vinyl covering that had aluminum edging, a heavy-duty suspension, a tachometer, metallic brake linings, a locking console, knock-off style wheel covers, and SS badging everywhere. Considering how many were purchased, this must have been considered the bargain of the year.
One of the ways to decipher an Impala SS is the trim tag code 875. That stands for bucket seats, and they only came with the Super Sport. This example left the factory finished in Roman Red with a red/grey interior, both of which could be original depending on how long this Chevrolet has been laid up. The odometer reading is simply a placeholder at 100,000 miles. The sheet metal generally looks good with all the SS trim and other brightwork in decent shape.
This Impala has a 327 cubic inch V8 which does not run. But the big news here is that it’s paired with a 4-speed manual transmission instead of the more common 2-speed Powerglide automatic. When restored, this could be a $45-50,000 car, but it will take you a third of that to just acquire the project. The seller says he may give a little on the price, but not a lot.
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Comments
Low Rider Candidate
How do you know it’s a 327 ? This thing has been around since 62.
“V” Fender flags are for 327. 283 was just a “v”.
Because the Craigslist ad says original 327?
Can’t even match up the valve covers.
Car has potential but strange black door panels with red seats an SC dash
A Buddy of my brother’s in high school had a white 62 ss convertible with 4 speed 327 and I thought that was the sweetest ride
I know what emblems are,the small block with mismatch valve covers could be what ever.my opinion.been there.
I have V10 Triton emblems on my garden tractor doesn’t mean that’s under the hood.
The Super Sport Equipment option did not include heavy duty suspension or metallic brake linings. They were separate options available on any 62 full size Chevy. The Super Sport option only added the SS full wheel covers with spinners, bucket seats, vinyl interior, storage console, passenger grab bar on the dash, unique SS side and rear panel trim, and SS emblems.
This looks to be a decent car, but instead of telling me it’s the “original 327 with 4 speed”, I prefer a picture of the stamp pad, especially when the asking price is at the top of the market for a project car. I thought factory 4 speed 327’s came with a column mounted Sun tach, I know 4 speed 409’s did. If so, there’s no sign of the sending unit, or it’s mounting holes, in the left inner fender. One thing interesting, this is a factory, no radio car.
I do love Roman Red though, and always thought it’d be kind of neat to have a Roman Red Impala SS sitting in my garage, next to my Roman Red 62 Corvette! Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), this one’s 3000 miles away from, making it a little hard to look at.
Low rider treatment would ruin another restorable classic. Buy an 80’s Buick and ruin that instead. I appreciate the customs but hate to see a classic stocker modified. My cousin bought a red 409 new and as a boy, we watched him run it at Detroit Dragway. It was cool looking but a slug doing about 78mph in the quarter, stock. Smooth ride though.
Column mounted Sun tach only factory installed on 409 equipped cars in 62.
Anybody that “hates” lowriders is a narrow minded fool. Lowriders can be so many things but one thing for sure…they’re cool to drive and universally appreciated. However I wouldn’t go lowrider with this car. Those econo white wheels make me want to go in a period nascar direction with this ride…and very quickly.
Agree with you. My first car at 14 was a 50 Fleetline with a 327 Vette 3 on the tree with an overdrive. It was way cool. Cheater bigs and littles out fron on painted rims is how this car ran.
I see a few other 62, 63 Chevies in the picture. If they belong to the seller I’m thinking he or she doesn’t think it’s worth putting the money into this. That might say something though if this is the original drivetrain ( I cant decipher the plate) I’d think this might be worth restoring if you have the money to spare.I like ’62’s but no tengo dinero.
Is the car still available?