Hemmings Find of the Day – 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS

Published by Mike on August 28, 2014

It’s hard to believe that the ’64 Impala hit the half-century mark in 2014, a car more significant perhaps for what it ushered out than what it introduced.

As the ’64 made its debut, an all-new, game-changing full-size Chevrolet with a perimeter frame, crisp new styling and the Mark IV big block available as an option, was waiting in the wings.

The 1964 car’s X-frame chassis, introduced in model year 1958, would take its place in Chevrolet history. So too, eventually, would the 409 engine introduced in 1961. The W engine’s last full model year would be 1964 — it was initially available in 1965 cars, but phased out in February of that year.

The 1964 model year also unofficially marked the end of the full-size Chevrolet’s reign as the brand’s top performance car (aside from the Corvette). The new, downsized 1964 Chevelle with available SS trim and eventually a 300-hp 327 was aimed squarely at younger buyers, while it seemed that Chevrolet was marketing the big car toward older, luxury-oriented consumers rather than drag racers.

Today, most of the full-size X frame cars remain affordable and approachable. They’re easy to own and work on and have a deep fan base. This 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS, for sale on Hemmings.com, sounds like a catch: a red Super Sport in California and reportedly driven by one person its entire life. From the seller’s description:

Chevy 1964 Impala SS, 327 V8 engine with auto trans, car was purchased new by a 92 year old lady who has passed away and I bought the car from her daughter, she was the only driver, one repaint, used no oil and runs excellent.