Lot 246: Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible

Ed Cole, Chevrolet's chief engineer in the late 1950s, defined the Impala as a "prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen. From 1958 until 1965, the Impala was Chevrolet's most expensive full-size car. The Beach Boys produced a hit single, "409, referring to the Chevy, which became an iconic song for these cars. Impalas featured premium interior appointments, plusher seats, and more chrome trim outside, including a full-width aluminium-and-chrome panel to house the triple-unit taillight assembly. The rare Super Sport (SS) models debuted in 1961 and featured the panel in a special engine-turned aluminium, which was also used to fill the side moldings, making the SS more distinctive in appearance. For 1964, the Impala was slightly restyled, reverting to a more rounded, softer look. At the rear, the signature taillight assembly had an "upside-down U shaped aluminium trim strip above the taillights, but the lights themselves were surrounded by a body-coloured panel. The 1964 model has been praised by Westcoast rap groups since the 1990s, with endorsers such as Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Skee-Lo and The Game among many others. On offer today is one of the rare SS models manufactured in 1964; the most desirable year for '60s Impalas, and boasting the 327 cubic inch (5.4 litre) engine and full factory options including power hood, power steering and brakes, air conditioning and automatic transmission. This car was imported to the UK a number of years ago after a careful restoration by specialists in the US and more recently new brake servos were fitted. Finished in red with a white interior it is supplied with a V5 document, past MoTs and a current MoT certificate and road fund licence valid until July 2010. Testament to the car's overall condition and general regard of the model, it was invited to the Hurlingham Club Concours d'Elegance in June of this year with the Hurlingham Club entry plaque and specification sheet included in the history file. This delightful slice of 1960s Americana offers unrivalled top down motoring and also the potential of invites to some of the most prestigious motoring events in the country