While the convertible and hardtop variants of the Chevrolet Impala often steal the spotlight at car shows and in magazine features, the Impala was by its third generation offered in an extensive range of body styles, including family-friendly sedans and wagons. Cars like this 1961 Impala Four-Door Sedan brilliantly illustrate why the model became such a mainstream sales success for Chevrolet: It offered full-size practicality without losing the eye-catching style that had quickly become the Impala’s trademark.

What sets this Canadian-market example apart from its peers, however, is its impressive state of overall preservation, as well as a cache of seldom-seen original documentation. The original owners guide, owner protection plan, dealer data card, and Delco battery warranty card help illustrate this Chevrolet’s early life (in addition to confirming the presence of the numbers-matching engine, 9V198675). Further, the trim tag confirms its factory color combination as “JC,” or Arbor Green with an Ermine White top. This very attractive pairing was offered on GM Canada passenger cars but was not available in the American market for 1961, further enhancing this Impala’s rarity and appeal. Its interior is complementary green cloth and vinyl.

Sold new on 15 June 1961 to a Mr. Steve Deschner by Red Deer Motors of Alberta, Canada, its options included a Powerglide transmission, power brakes, Airflow heater with defrosters, padded dash, engine heater, two-speed electric windshield wipers and washers, a GM radio, limited-slip differential, and heavy-duty shocks and springs, bringing the total price to a little under $4,300. The car would remain local for its first few years, with the protection plan booklet recording regular service through the 4,000-mile mark, which Red Deer Motors performed in August 1962.

Some time later, the car moved south of the US-Canada border. A state inspection sticker on the windshield indicates that, by 2001, the Impala was located in Missouri, traveling to California later that year. An October 2001 service invoice notes just 7,205 miles on the odometer. The car was subsequently acquired by a private family collection in the Pacific Northwest, and invoices dating to 2008 indicate further mechanical work; at some point, a Turboglide transmission had been fitted, and replacing this with a Powerglide (as originally delivered) was part of the scope of this work.

Today, the Chevrolet shows just over 7,951 miles at time of cataloguing, believed to be actual. Evidence of this car’s originality is visible in its factory exterior and interior finishes, as well as in more subtle areas—including assembly line markings on the firewall. Accompanied by original documentation and boasting an unusual color combination, this 1961 Impala Four-Door Sedan is a worthy candidate for continued preservation, with great potential for exhibition.