The Impala was born as the highly optioned package on Chevrolet’s Bel Air line in 1958. Special trim and deluxe interiors offered on the Impala resulted in the highest price tag on the Chevrolet lineup. A “prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen,” was the definition of the Impala given by Ed Cole, Chevrolet’s chief engineer in the late ‘50s. In essence, the Impala was built on a simple formula – provide a good-looking car with more performance, amenities, and value than one might expect, all at a Chevrolet price, and the rest will follow. The Impala quickly became the symbol for performance in the early sixties and introduced Chevrolet’s signature “SS” brand of performance. The public’s positive response led to Chevrolet making the Impala a separate model for many years. Annual production totals for the Impala have ranged as high as one million plus; a true testament to its significance and impact on the automotive industry.

While the Impala cars are most often synonymous with basic blue-collar luxury, they were also attractive cars that could be sporty and flashy, such as this 327 Super Sport. It has been well accessorized with such features as AM pushbutton radio, rear deck antenna, power steering and power brakes, full console for the automatic transmission selector, dual exhaust, fender skirts, seat belts and factory air conditioning. Each area of this SS is very clean and tidy with an obvious attention to detail, down to the T-3 headlamps. Presented in red with a matching red bucket seat interior, it is a striking example of one of America’s icons.