Lot 324: 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409-ci Convertible

There’s very little to say about a Chevy Impala with the 409 engine that hasn’t been said already—in song—by the Beach Boys. As the lyrics repeated, “She’s real fine my 409.”

For 1961, the full-size Chevrolets had an all new shape which extended to the Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala lines. The look may have been fresh, but the mechanical underpinnings were largely unchanged. Front suspension was independent, while the solid rear axle remained. Drum brakes sat inside of each of the four wheels.

All three lines were available with a choice of straight-six or V-8 power. But the would-be buyer had many choices when it came to those V-8s. In fact, there were no fewer than seven V-8s to choose from in 1961. Fewer engines were available the following year, but there were still many decisions to be made. If the base 170 horsepower 283 wasn’t sufficient, there were 327s in either 250 or 300 horsepower varieties. There was also the mighty 409, offering either 380 or 409 horsepower. In either tune, that big 409 packed quite a punch. The base transmission was a three-speed manual, while the Powerglide automatic and four-speed manual were also available.

As if there weren’t enough decisions already, the Impala was offered in six body styles, including a pair of wagons, two four-doors, a two-door sport coupe and the desirable convertible. Of course, the really smart buyer was the one who made the best choices, such as insisting on a convertible with the dual-quad 409 horsepower package, the four-speed manual transmission and posi-traction. Just 15,019 cars were built with that big engine. Factor in the open body and the SS package,-and such a car becomes downright rare.

This particular 409 convertible from Pennsylvania was treated to a complete rotisserie restoration in 1996. Every bolt came out and when it was put back together, it was finished in white with a red vinyl interior. Beautifully detailed with the full spinner wheel covers and gleaming stainless trim, when finished it achieved AACA National Championship status. Since the restoration the top has never been down and the car remains in exceptional condition a decade later.

When the Beach Boys sang about “My four speed dual quad posi-traction 409,” they didn’t say anything about a convertible, which makes this impeccable white Impala SS 409 even finer than theirs.