145 bhp, 350.0 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, Turbo 350 Hydra-Matic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 121.5 in.

Before the long-running Ford Crown Victoria effectively captured the entire market for public service fleet vehicles, full-size Chevrolets provided an alternate choice for emergency service personnel. These were usually from an entry-level or intermediate series, devoid of unnecessary options or trim and sporting black tires and “dog dish” hubcaps. This car was originally sold to a private owner, but now appropriately acts the part of a fire chief’s car, as outfitted by John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams Museum.

A mid-range Impala four-door sedan, it has plain blue vinyl upholstery and is fitted with power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning, the latter necessary in its delivery state of Oklahoma. Creature comforts comprise only windshield washers and an AM radio. The car has manual windows and even lacks a clock. The indicated mileage of 73,698 is no doubt correct.

Originally blue, which matches the upholstery, it has been repainted in white and lettered as a fire chief’s car. It is correctly outfitted with a roof-mounted revolving red beacon, a Federal Director siren, a public address system, and a General Electric Master two-way FM radio with trunk-mounted transmitter and whip antenna. Basically clean, it has been well cared for but shows its age, and there is evidence of a more recent repaint.

Notably, the car was sold by Charles Cannon Chevrolet, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Mrs. Alta Dixon on September 5, 1973. It is accompanied in this sale by an original owner’s manual and some registration and sales records.