A CLASSIC car has been pulled from a dilapidated barn where it dwelled for some 30 years – with a little surprise waiting under the layer of dust.
A gorgeous 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible has been sitting in storage since the 1990s – but the structure it’s been kept in was on the verge of collapsing.
A 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible emerges after 30 Years in storage[/caption]
Neglected but intact, the rare muscle car is ready for a second chance on the road[/caption]
Despite its long period of neglect, the Impala remains mostly intact, although it is showing the usual signs of wear – including rust and a weathered body.
Even so, this icon of the 1960s is a highly sought-after machine, with the SS iteration being a lot rarer than a standard Impala.
Better yet, it appears to be largely original other than an engine swap – although the original 327-cubic-inch V8 engine has been stored separately on a nearby shelf.
Discovered by Iron City Garage, it’s unclear when exactly the Impala was retired from the roads – but the current owner maintains it’s been kept in storage since the 1990s and now wants to sell it.
But before that, it will undergo a slight makeover – with the drivetrain needing to be revived.
They’ll likely also want to address some of its appearance issues as well, with rust on the lower panels, although the body and trunk are in surprisingly good condition.
The soft top and dark blue interior upholstery are also in reasonably good condition.
This Impala, which belongs to the third generation – produced from 1961 to 1964 – saw its final-year version given a major facelift.
The Super Sport (SS), which was initially introduced in 1961, became its own series instead of merely an option, that year.
LOOKIN’ GOOD
This comes as a 1971 Chevrolet El Camino with only 22,000 miles on the clock recently went up for sale – looking like a new car.
The pristine set of wheels, known by enthusiasts as a sort hybrid that combines the features of a car and a pickup truck, is currently listed for sale on eBay and will likely fetch a mighty price.
Featuring factory-spec parts and a roaring 350ci V8 engine, paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission, it even comes well-documented with original paperwork.
Seemingly well-preserved and hardly used over the years, the El Camino has many components, such as the interior, vinyl top, shocks, suspension, spark plug wires, hoses, belts and clamps, which are factory-original – meaning they haven’t been replaced or altered.
What’s more, the pick-up’s bed has retained its original paint thanks to being carefully protected by a tonneau cover since day one – helping to prevent wear and damage.
It’s also been stored appropriately, helping to keep it in great shape without the need for restoration.
The El Camino model was marketed by Chevy as both a “tough car” and a “luxurious pickup”, having first been first introduced in 1959 to take on the Ford Ranchero.
The idea for the vehicle is to combine utility without sacrificing style, and was wildly popular as muscle cars gained traction in the mid-1960s.
The 1971 model was Chevy’s third generation iteration and, according to Auto Evolution, was known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options.
Five steps for restoring a car
Restoring a car can be a massive undertaking. Here’s a simpler way to think about the process as a whole:
- Plan
- This includes setting a budget, preparing a work area, researching parts, and establishing a timeline to get the work done.
- Strip the vehicle
- This involves disassembling the vehicle and assessing the condition of the parts being removed.
- Bodywork
- This means stripping the paint and repairing any rust and dents, followed by repainting.
- Engine restoration
- This involves restoring a car’s power – including engine repairs.
- Rebuild
- After reassembling and detailing the car, all that’s left is to take it for a test drive.
Source: WeatherTech
