The iconic Chevrolet Impala, a symbol of American automotive excellence, achieved a monumental milestone in 1965, surpassing the one million sales mark. This remarkable feat was part of a broader sales surge for Chevrolet, which sold over 2.3 million units that year.
The full-size lineup, including the Impala, accounted for a significant portion of this success, with over 1.6 million cars sold. Among the Impala variants, the Super Sport stood out, becoming a standalone series and selling over 243,000 units.
However, this year also marked the end of an era for the Super Sport, as Chevrolet discontinued the 409ci engine early in the model year.
The decision to focus solely on the 396ci unit resulted in a very limited number of Impalas equipped with the 409, estimated to be around 2,800. This classic Impala SS, originally equipped with a powerful 396 engine, has a surprising twist under the hood.
A previous owner replaced the original engine with a 402 truck engine, which has since been seized due to prolonged storage. While the car boasts a rebuilt 402, the seller is open to offers for a genuine 396 to restore the Impala to its original glory.
Despite the engine change and other modifications, the Impala’s value remains high due to its iconic status and rarity. Priced at $15,500 with the option to make an offer, this Impala SS is located in Mohawk, New York.
Potential buyers will need to arrange transportation as the engine is currently nonfunctional. The listing will expire in 29 days, providing ample time for inspections and negotiations.
