National Award Winning Impala EFI LS6 V8 405 HP 4L60E 4 Speed Auto PS A/C

1961 Chevrolet Impala Description

SUMMARY

Featured on the cover of Super Chevy Magazine / Winner of multiple national awards
5.7 liter Gen III LS6 / 405 horsepower
4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
Custom Kamali leather interior / Vintage Air conditioning / Modern audio
Upgraded suspension / RideTech air ride system
Shaved body / DuPont black and Prowler Orange Metallic paint / Airbrushed stripes
Custom 3-piece Asanti wheels
Sale includes restoration photos, restoration receipts and a copy of the car's magazine feature
10-bolt rear axle / Posi-traction differential / 3.73 gears
Power steering / Aerospace Engineering 4-wheel disc brakes

With big '60s Chevys being highly desirable collectables in factory-correct form, it takes quite a bit of nerve to pull the gloves off and 'frankenstein' a killer resto-mod. But, as you'll see, the results are definitely worth the six-figures it required to finish this amazing hardtop. Wrapping a smooth Gen III LS6 in silky aesthetics and custom mechanicals, this magazine-featured Impala possesses the kind of performance and style that literally defines 'one-of-a-kind'. Ready for a first class build that combines everything great about front row Goodguys kustoms with modern road rocket technology? Check out this killer bowtie bubble top!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Sealed in a sophisticated combination of basic black and Prowler Orange Metallic, this slick Chevrolet is the beneficiary of an extensive, ground-up restoration that was completed over the course of six years. After being stripped to bare metal, the car's solid body was patched, worked and sanded until it displayed better-than-factory alignment. That body's combination of form, fit and flash is reinforced by high-gloss DuPont clear, which was blocked three times and buffed to a mirror-like shine. And that world-class look is completed by custom-airbrushed side stripes, which earned the car the nickname 'Crocodile Rock'.

The greatest thing about building a massaged third generation Impala is: the crouched, laid back aesthetic most street rod enthusiasts crave is pretty much standard factory fare. At the front of this fully sorted full-size, a straight, chrome grille hangs a classic crest and modern torches between clear parking lamps and a 1-piece bumper. Above that grille, a shaved hood leads the eye to a filled cowl that founds like-new glass under bright stainless frames. At the sides of that hood, a fully shaved profile highlights custom rockers and polished side-exit exhaust. And at the back of that profile, a shaved decklid melts into jet-inspired taillights and a second 1-piece bumper.

ENGINE

This sweet looking Chevy is powered by a smooth, Gen III LS6 that provides plenty of solid, reliable motivation. Straight from the factory, the racy mill utilizes 346 cubic inches to twist buff 10.5 to 1 compression into 405 horsepower and 400 lb./ft. of Oak-shaking torque. And despite consistently delivering track-blistering, low-end performance, it can rev to 6,500 RPM and idles like a commuter car! At the front of the aluminum block, a chrome Street & Performance serpentine drive spins a chrome alternator and chrome AC compressor at the sides of a custom-shrouded Street & Performance air cleaner. Once air enters that cleaner, it flows through a factory throttle body to a painted factory intake that's bolted down over completely stock internals. High-octane fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced through reliable AC Delco plug wires. Spent gases swirl through ceramic-coated Street & Performance headers. And cooling comes courtesy of a beefy radiator that's centered on corrugated hoses and a large electric puller fan. On the visual end of the spectrum, chrome-detailed, "IMPALA" branded rail covers perfectly contrast the block's various shades of silver. The glossy engine compartment seats Prowler Orange fenders in front of a smooth, body-matched firewall. And niceties such as stainless fluid lines, polished fluid reservoirs, a bowtie-branded cowl jamb and a chrome-detailed hood add a tailored feel to quality assembly.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The car's spry small block is, first and foremost, augmented by a fully refinished X-frame that mixes subdued looks with proven brawn. At the center of that chassis, a tough 4L60E 4-speed makes good use of a shortened driveshaft. That driveshaft twists a proven 10-bolt rear end, which seats 3.73 gears and a posi-traction differential between RideTech CoolRides and KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. Turns come courtesy of modern power steering, which floats a 605 gearbox between RideTech ShockWaves and Fatman 2-inch drop spindles. Smooth and solid stops are provided by dual-piston Aerospace Engineering calipers, which squeeze 12-inch drilled and slotted rotors. Spent gases flow through large-diameter pipes and throaty turbo mufflers. Power meets the pavement through custom, 3-piece Asantis, which spin 245/35ZR20 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx in front of 265/35ZR22 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx. And everything, from this Chevy's color-keyed fenders to its beefy sway bar, tucks nicely under a 6-inch total drop.

INTERIOR

Once covered in black leather, behind the car's lightweight doors you'll find a luxurious mix of alligator, suede and Kamali-supplied leather. Comfy bench seats stretch stylish alligator accents over polished trim and Prowler Orange frames. From the driver's perch, a hand-fabricated dash hangs Auto Meter Carbon Fiber Ultra-Lite telemetry above custom ornamentation and billet foot pedals. Beneath that dash, orange carpet frames a custom, Impala-branded console, which anchors Chevrolet-branded cupholders beneath Vintage Air climate control and Panasonic touchscreen audio. Opposite that console, sculpted side panels center small power window switches between billet door handles and large Boston Acoustics kick speakers. Above those side panels, a sculpted suede headliner frames matching alligator accents. In front of the driver, a stylish Budnik steering wheel laps a billet gear selector and convenient, tilting column. And behind the passengers, a show-finished trunk hangs a fully upholstered decklid over large JL Audio amplifiers.

AWARDS/FEATURES

This pristine Chevy has garnered MANY prestigious accolades. Here's a short list of the car's major awards and features:

Featured on the cover of the November, 2008 edition of Super Chevy Magazine
One of Super Chevy Magazine's Top Ten Chevys of 2008
Winner of the National Street Rod Association's Pro's Pick Award
Winner of the Good Guys Air Ride Technologies Low, Cool, Smooth Award
Winner of the Street Rodder Magazine Top 100 Award

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

A few restoration photos
A stack of restoration receipts
Component paperwork
Paint codes
A sample of the car's carpet
A large show board
A copy of the aforementioned Super Chevy feature

This incredible Impala is the kind of car that runs hard and wins trophies. Everyone loves a nice Chevy full-size, but some are A LOT nicer than others. If you've been searching for an awesome custom to enjoy for years to come, you've officially found your next classic!