There are only a select few cars that have been cool from the moment they were built, and the 1961 Impala bubbletop is one of them. No matter what you do, they remain an icon that will forever look fantastic. This slick resto-mod packs big block power under its white bodywork, making it a lot more than just another pretty face. If you're over the 1950s, this 1961 Imp is the antidote. Fins are gone, replaced by sleek, sculpted quarter panels that look fast just sitting still. And with that much sheetmetal, it would be easy to go astray during the restoration, yet the guys in charge of putting this one right took the time to eliminate the ripples, align the gaps, and bolted everything together with far more care than the factory could manage. The Ermine White paint has a depth and clarity that you don't often get with white, and it shows off the long spears with contrasting red inserts that make this car look about a mile long and low enough to limbo. Bumpers are beautifully re-chromed, the trick gun sight ornaments atop the front fenders are crisply rendered, and all six taillight lenses are in outstanding condition. Bright red is the smart choice in your Ermine White Impala, and the fully restored interior in this one looks downright amazing. The two-tone white and red seat covers replicate the originals exactly and offer true six-passenger comfort. Door panels are spectacularly ornate pieces with silver inserts and jet-exhaust-like armrest trim, and the new carpets replicate the original weave and texture. The two-tone steering wheel frames the only notable modification, a set of Auto Meter gauges neatly set into the original instrument panel, right below the full-width speedometer. There's also a Hurst cue ball shifter atop the Muncie 4-speed, giving it a period performance feel, and for slightly more modern entertainment, there's also an AM/FM radio in the original location. The trunk is extremely clean, featuring a correct mat set and a spare tire cover. In 1961, the top motor was the mighty 409, but this car does it a few better by packing a thundering 496 cubic inch big block under the hood. It's clearly dressed for show with candy apple red paint on the block and a bunch of polished and chromed bits, ranging from the Edelbrock intake with EnduraShine, to the polished valve covers, to the billet serpentine drive system. The minimalist design looks great, allowing the engine to be the focal point of the under-hood area. Upgrades include a dual master cylinder for the newly installed front disc brakes, and a great-sounding dual exhaust system that fits just like the original. Underneath, it's quite clean, showing no rust in the floors, a straight frame, and a suspension wearing rear air shocks, so you can fine-tune the ride and handling to your liking. 18-inch Boyd Coddington aluminum wheels look suitably vintage, and wear 245/40/18 front and 285/40/18 rear performance rubber. These cars never last long here at Streetside Classics, and this is one of the nicer ones we've seen, never mind that thumping big block. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Atlanta showroom. For more information, please call (678) 279-1609 or toll free (877) 367-1835.
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