This 1961 Chevrolet Impala sport coupe underwent a multi-year refurbishment and modification process under prior ownership that was completed in 2022. Work included refinishing the body in red, re-trimming the interior in two-tone vinyl, and fitting an overbored 348ci V8 mated with a rebuilt Borg-Warner T10 four-speed manual transmission. Additional equipment includes a Positraction rear end, three Rochester two-barrel carburetors, Offenhauser valve covers, front disc brakes, and AutoMeter gauges. The car was produced at GM’s St. Louis, Missouri, facility and reportedly spent time in Texas, California, and New York, where it was acquired by the seller in October 2022. This “bubble top” Impala is now offered with refurbishment photos, service records, and a New York State registration document.
The third-generation Impala was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door pillarless hardtop nicknamed “bubble top”, which was only available for the 1961 model year. The body on this example was refinished in its current red with white accents during the refurbishment according to the seller. Details include quad headlights, chrome hardware, dual antennas, and “Impala SS” badging on the rear panels.
Body-color 15″ wheels wear chrome hubcaps and are wrapped in staggered-width BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. A full-size spare is stored in the trunk. Work completed in 2022 included the installation of front disc brakes and an overhaul of the rear drums.
A red and white color scheme is carried throughout the interior, including the dashboard, carpeting, and seats, the latter of which are clad in replacement upholstery over replacement foam. Additional features include a push-button radio and safety belts for the front and rear occupants.
The two-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a tilting column and fronts a 120-mph speedometer along with a tachometer and AutoMeter gauges monitoring fuel level and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 79k miles. Total mileage is unknown.
The replacement 348ci V8 was reportedly rebuilt with a .040″ overbore and features triple Rochester 2-Jet two-barrel carburetors, finned Offenhauser valve covers, and a side-exiting dual exhaust system. The replacement engine block bears the suffix stamp H, indicating a 348ci V8, and the casting number 3751872 corresponds with a 1958 348ci V8.
Power is routed to the rear wheels via a rebuilt Borg-Warner T10 four-speed manual transmission connected to a replacement Positraction differential equipped with 3.70:1 gears.
Decoding the Fisher body tag reveals the following information:
- 5E – Fifth week of May production
- Style 61-1837 – 1961 Impala 2-door sport coupe
- Body SL4865 – St. Louis, Missouri production, body sequence 4865
- Trim 873– Red and ivory vinyl interior
- Paint 973C – Ermine white and Roman Red exterior
- EZ1 – Tinted glass
Service records and photos showing various stages of the refurbishment are included in the sale as pictured in the gallery.
The car does not have a title, as it is currently registered in a state that does not issue titles for vehicles of its age. It is being sold with its New York registration document.
