1961 Chevrolet Chevy Impala Super Sport SS 409 61 Bubbletop 62 63 64 60 59 58

This is my Seamist Turquoise 1961 Impala Super Sport.

It is an original California (Bay Area) car with the one piece deluxe bumpers and EZ Eye tinted glass.   I have owned it since 1992.

Originally it was a "Special High Performance" Impala Coupe. but I made it into an SS using all of the original Super Sport parts from a "donor" 61 SS that was rotted beyond saving.   Many NOS parts were used to round everything else out.

Yes. I realize that this does not qualify it as a bona fide Super Sport.   I had the chance to buy the body with the title and tags of a true SS but declined. as I was not going to ruin the integrity of this car to commit fraud.

This is as close as it gets.

The frame. body and sheet metal of this car are all original. and as clean as you would like them to be.   I have old film pictures of it stripped down to bare metal. There were only a few small rust repairs in a couple of spots.   They were cut out and worked with minimal filler.  I spent over two weeks scraping. sanding. priming and wet sanding the entire undercarriage and frame after it was media blasted.  The pictures do not do the mirror grade finish any justice.  It is as nice as I have ever seen if I do say so myself.   The frame was painted with PPG single stage paint. and the red oxide finish is actually a paint with a flattened clear on top.   Most of the frame and engine parts were powder coated along with the core support and inner fenders.

Every nut. bolt. screw. clip and piece of hardware you could name is an original with the correct markings.   I spent over 18 years gathering 2 or 3 of every part I could buy for the restoration.

All of the trim on the exterior are original restored. All of the stainless. anodized aluminum. bumper brackets (powder coated). engine brackets (powder coated). interior trim or whatever are original 61 metal.   The emblems are GM reproduction.

The block and heads are out of a 35. 00 original mile 340hp 409 (dated April of 1964).  It was super clean with no cracks. I went with . 030 over forged pistons and a beefier cam for the complete rebuild.   Crank is original machined . 010 under. I have all of the receipts and the build sheet for the motor (along with 20 years of other receipts/paperwork/pictures).

The intake. carb. oil pan. water pump. exhaust manifolds. brackets. pulleys. fan. shroud. and valve covers are correctly numbered/and or original 61.   Many came from that 61 "donor" car. some are original to this car.    The dual snorkel air cleaner is a Show Cars reproduction.

The 4 speed is out of a different 61.   The 3. 23 Posi is dated October of 61. I believe.   I never could get a "P case" with a closer date code.

The factory original SS hubcaps are restored and look amazing.   The 4 speed shift plate. door handles. scuff guards. "IMPALA" scripts. Sun tachometer/transmitter. radio and floor mats are NOS. There are many other NOS parts on the vehicle; too many to list.

It has the 14x6 wheels with correct tires.   The complete and original jack pack is in the trunk with the full size spare.   I have the fender skirts finished. in bubble wrap.

I ran the motor as a rolling chassis a few times to properly break it in. I then pulled. drained. sanded and repainted it so it does not flake or blister when it runs.

The paint and body are incredible.   I spared no time or expense on this vehicle. I elected to make the Bubbletop white.   This was not a two tone option for 61.  

Only modifications from factory are the 9 passenger station wagon rear springs. and a Hurst shifter.   Everything else is 100% concurs.

By and large this car was crafted with original parts.   There are only a few reproduction pieces. most of which I mentioned. The interior. weather stripping and rubber of that sort are reproduction per usual.   It has won an award at just about every show I put it in. maybe 10 or so. including Best in Show at 2012 Beloit Autorama (out of 1600 vehicles).   I was not taking it to the local ice cream parlor's cruise night either.   It has 3. 9 miles. up and down the enclosed trailer (along with a "test drive" in a private parking lot to ensure all mechanicals were fully functional).   I encourage you to come and take a look.
This car is sold as is. as shown. with no warranty expressed. written or implied.   Original 1961 dealers brochure shown in trunk photo is NOT included in this auction.   I reserve the right to end the auction at anytime. as car is for sale locally.
A non refundable $2500 deposit is required within 72 hours of auction ending/a deal being made.

You can call me at (414) 793 3232 anytime to discuss the car. I am NOT looking for any trades.   I built this car as a piece of art to be displayed briefly. then sold.   It is time for me to move on to the next thing.

This is a very special. very original turn key car for show or go.
Please DO NOT call me to ask the reserve price. I will entertain reasonable offers.  
I am not in a position of need to sell the vehicle. I want it to go to the right home. I should hope the next care taker would not drive her. but it is a free country.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my car. As always. happy car hunting to all gear heads.

Also published at eBay.com

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