1961 CHEVY IMPALA BUBBLETOP

This is a tidy driver-quality example of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala ‘Bubbletop’ Coupe. 1961 saw the third year for the successful Impala and an all-new design. The new car was trimmer and boxier than its predecessor. While there were a few different styles for 1961, this example is a pillarless sport coupe which offered a thin rear roof pillar and an oversized rear window for almost uninterrupted visibility. In time, this would style would become widely known as the ‘bubbletop’. Now days, good examples are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

This Impala began life as a rare factory 348 ci big block car. The 348 engine has since been replaced with a later model 454 ci big block Chevy V8. The engine has been hopped up with aftermarket intake and dual four-barrel carbs. The engine bay is neatly presented with chrome rocker covers and air cleaner. The car also features power steering and power drum brakes. The engine is paired to a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission that is column shifted. The differential in the back is running 4.11 gears. Ensuring you can hear it coming is a custom dual exhaust system that has a nice rumble about it.

Externally, the car has been painted some years ago in a metallic burgundy colour. The paint work presents well for a tidy drive-quality car. The chrome work is very original and still has its shine, but it does have some minor aging and scratches in places, particularly on the rear bumper. Likewise, the anodised trim around the car is original but still presents well for its age. Some of the hard plastics including the front badge and taillight lenses are original, suffering from aging and cracking, not a big deal with reproduction parts readily available to purchase for these items. The car looks great sitting low over a set of 18-inch aftermarket wheels.

The interior has been redone at some stage during its life from the vinyl it would have originally been, to a cloth style trim in grey. The seats are in good condition as is the floor carpet but the carpet on the doors and kick panels are looking a little tired.

All said and done, this is a cool American classic cruiser with some nice upgrades. We have been quite critical with the description above understanding that people generally have a very high expectation of our cars, and you might not pick these easily in the photos. It takes nothing away from the fact that these Bubbletop Impalas are always popular and one of the coolest American classic cars available.

☎️ PLEASE CALL LOCKY MCCANN WITH SALES ENQUIRIES ON 0403 935 488

Located at 2 Palings Court, Nerang on the Gold Coast.

PLEASE NOTE: Vehicle information is provided to us by the consignee and we do everything we can to qualify the best cars in the Australian market to represent. However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied themselves as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgement solely. All vehicles are sold under standard auction conditions, consignment and auction vehicles are sold as is, without registration unless otherwise stated and there is no cooling off period or warranty expressed, written or implied. Independent inspections are welcome.