This Impala has a heck of a lot going for it. One of a kind vintage styling, a great color scheme, some serious collectability by way of its rarity, a well-conceived drivetrain that's an inspired pairing of new and vintage components, and a careful and meticulous restoration. All of these combine to make this 1961 Chevrolet Impala one coveted top tier cruiser with undeniable curb appeal. Roman Red paint takes the place of the turquoise shade this Chevy began with, and it's a great color choice, giving the car an era-appropriate "stock-plus" look. After taking a quick lap around the car, your first thought is likely to be just how revolutionary several of the styling cues you see had to have seemed when they first debuted. The Impala's designers had already come up with a markedly trimmer and sportier model for 1961 and further upped the novelty factor on their new design by adding its revolutionary "bubble top" - a windshield carrying very pronounced curves at both ends, and no traditional pillars anywhere to be found. After nodding appreciatively at its intriguing styling, you're then likely to notice that this is a very finished looking classic - the front and rear bumpers are blemish-free and level as are the long expanses of chrome trim running the lengths of the sides - and the body panels line up well, with nice even gaps. The generously-sized side windows, with their rear portions not much smaller than those in front, and framed by still more clean, shiny chrome, give the cabin a very spacious, deluxe look. The red and ivory interior, a great combination of vinyl and cloth, is very well-crafted and complements the exterior perfectly. The front and back bench seats are still amply-padded - just as comfortable as they look and show very little wear, while an expanse of fresh red carpeting, featuring a pair of floor mats up front bearing signature Chevy bowties, runs underneath. A column-mounted tach just behind the stock steering wheel is the only deviation from stock configuration to be found in the impressively well-restored dash area that features great chrome ornamentation and still easily readable factory gauges against a shiny, red steel backdrop. The AM radio sitting front and center provides an era-appropriate look, while the AM/FM/CD player residing in the glove box provides plenty of modern-day audio options. In back, the spacious trunk area is in good order, with no visible dents anywhere, and a fresh spare sitting securely inside on an interior shelf, leaving plenty of luggage space. Chevy was already packing some impressive power into its engines going way back, and the 348-cubic inch engine sitting underneath the Impala's hood is a great example of their handiwork. Carrying a full 335 horsepower and fed by a trio of 2-barrel Rochester carbs, it starts right up and has a nice, mean growl to it as it exhales out its headers. A Tremec 5-speed manual transmission sits in place of its factory-issued counterpart, providing much improved gearing that includes engine- and fuel-sparing overdrive. Featuring power brakes and admirably precise power steering, this Impala is an easy driver - no mere trailer queen, it's one classic you'll actually enjoy taking out on the road. This vintage Chevy sits on a set of 14" stock and era-correct Chevy rims, outfitted with white wall tires. If you're looking to put a top tier classic cruiser in your garage, you can't do better than this 1961 Chevrolet Impala, a nameplate synonymous through the years with legendary boulevard magic. Call today!
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