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This 1961 Impala Was This Close to Get an Unfortunate Engine Upgrade, Thank God It Didn't

1961 Chevy Impala 17 photos
Photo: eBay seller Rocky_Mountain_Cabin
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The 1961 model year has a special place in the hearts of many diehard Impala fans, and for good reason: it was the release that witnessed the debut of the Super Sport.
Offered for only $53, the original Super Sport package later became an iconic name in the Chevrolet lineup, and the GM brand also expanded it to other nameplates, including the Nova and the Chevelle.

However, the 1961 Impala also brought us the bubbletop, and man, it was a fantastic design idea. Original bubbletops are still in incredible demand today, though it's only available on two-door sport coupes.

The four-door Impala in these photos is something else. Most importantly, it's a car that was this close to getting an engine that wouldn't have made much sense, especially for people (me included) who love all-original Impalas.

eBay seller Rocky_Mountain_Cabin says they wanted to install a 327 small-block unit in his Impala, but they eventually abandoned the idea, so the car is now listed for sale without an engine. The 327 is still available separately if the buyer wants to install it in this Impala, but I can only hope that whoever buys the car sticks with a 1961 engine.

The 1961 Impala was available with almost the same engine lineup as the previous year, with the 348 remaining the top choice early in the model year. However, when Chevrolet launched the Super Sport package in February, the GM brand also launched a 409 big-block unit. Its goal was clear: offer a more potent engine for Super Sport buyers, albeit Chevrolet also allowed the 409 to be ordered for the regular Impala and the Bel Air.

I won't comment much on this Impala's condition because the photos speak for themselves, but it's very clear it'll need a complete restoration and massive work in all key areas. It has likely been sitting for several years, so expect rust and similar damage on the floors and the trunk pan. It's also unclear what else is missing, but it's still a solid project that could be worth checking out if you want a cheap Impala.

And speaking of how cheap it is, this Impala can be yours for $4,900, but the owner also enabled the Make Offer button on eBay to listen to what others have to say. You could get the car at a lower price, but keep in mind that it comes without an engine, so you'll have to spend extra to bring this Impala back to the road.

It's parked in Butte, Montana, and you'll need a trailer to take it home, considering the missing engine and the other parts no longer available on the car. The listing will end in approximately one month.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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