1964 Chevrolet Impala Series Series 1800 V8 Convertible

As lesser Chevrolets were given dual taillights, the Impala had triple taillights. In 1958, Chevy introduced the Impala name as a deluxe trim and appearance package on the Bel Air hardtop and convertible. The following year it became a separate, top-of-the-line series. Chevrolet re-styled their mid-size Chevelle for 1964, but the full-size Chevy remained the sales leader with 1.6 million sold. The larger Chevy's received minor changes with an update on the new-for-1963 body shell, giving it a more rounded look with a flatter grille and redesigned rear panel.

The SS, representing Super Sport, was considered a separate series for the first time rather than an Impala option package. The SS trim included tri-bar wheel covers, rear cove molding, instrument panel and console, SS badges on the exterior, and engine-tuned trim on the side moldings.

For 1964, Chevrolet produced nearly 890,000 Impalas, with approximately 185,000 wearing SS badges, and 81,897 were convertibles.

This maroon Impala Super Sport with black vinyl interior is powered by a small-block 327/365-horsepower V8 engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission. It has power steering, AM-FM radio, dash-mounted tachometer, and bucket seats with floor console.

In 2010, this Impala SS was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $30,000 - $50,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $27,500, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2010