Detroit was producing performance cars long before someone coined the phrase 'muscle car'. By 1961, the Chevrolet Impala was maturing into one of these classic models. Chevrolet debuted the full-size Super Sport Impala in 1961.
It is said that only 453 cars were optioned with the S/S package – RPO240. At $53.80, this option was a bargain. The factory SS package offered both trim and performance features including S/S logos on side moldings and trunk lid, spinner…
Detroit was producing performance cars long before someone coined the phrase ‘muscle car’. By 1961, the Chevrolet Impala was maturing into one of these classic models. Chevrolet debuted the full-size Super Sport Impala in 1961.
It is said that only 453 cars were optioned with the S/S package – RPO240. At $53.80, this option was a bargain. The factory SS package offered both trim and performance features including S/S logos on side moldings and trunk lid, spinner hubcaps, 7,000 RPM tachometer and ‘Corvette-style’ passenger grab-bar. Mandatory mechanical upgrades included a 348ci or 409ci engine, larger brakes and stronger springs. Our beautiful Impala ‘Bubbletop’ had a full restoration in 2003. It has all of the S/S features, but lacks a build sheet to absolutely verify the S/S status. This 2-door hardtop has had one single stage respray of Ermine White that is very nice, but is showing a little age. All of the chrome/stainless is very good. Inside is an invitation to ride in style. A mostly original interior features factory cloth/vinyl seats, door panels and new carpeting – all complemented by a nicely detailed stock dash w/8,000 RPM tach. There is a factory AM radio (works), rare factory air conditioning (w/rear window ‘Air Conditioned’ label) that the owner states has been upgraded to R-134, tinted glass and a beautiful Impala wheel. Another rare option, power windows, work beautifully. According to the VIN number, our Impala came factory equipped with a V8 (that is all the ’61 VIN defines). Horsepower is furnished by a 348ci “Turbo-Thrust” W-code – the early version of the famous ‘409’. (We have no way of knowing if this is the original motor, but everything appears perfectly authentic.) The W-code is equipped with a 3×2 Rochester intake and a relatively mild cam. It is likely that this was the optional 9.5:1 version that outputs 280hp and 355 lb/ft of torque. Cooling is managed by an aluminum radiator. This car was delivered with the optional Muncie 4-speed transmission that has been upgraded to a Tremec 5-speed manual. The chassis is equipped with power steering, large power 4-wheel drum brakes and front/rear sway bars. REV polished alloy wheels (18”F/20”R) mount BFGoodrich G-Force performance radials. If you appreciate ‘old-school’ BowTie performance and sound, you should consider this Impala ‘Bubbletop’. It is a stunner that must be driven to be appreciated.