Why The 1961-1964 Chevrolet Impala Was All Things To All People
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มี.ค. 2024
- The 1950s and 1960s were the golden years for Chevrolet and no other car was more representative of this period of Chevrolet's greatness than the 1961-1964 Impala. Find out why this third generation Impala was such a special car.
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School was out for the day, and we all came out to see a mother pull up to pick up her daughter. Mom was driving a new '64 Impala SS. It was a very light yellow with black interior w/bucket seats. There were so many boys crowded around that car that the girl had to squeeze in between us boys just to get in. That was the most beautiful car I had ever seen. I still think it's one of the most beautiful cars GM has made. Here I am, 60 years later, still talking about a wonderful memory and a beautiful car.
I had a sixty three Impala I unfortunately had to let go in 2019. It was my first car got it in my junior year of high school. It’s about one hundred miles away and some day I will go see it.
My first car was a 63 impala ,what a car it was
Yup still thinking/talking about them and wishing I hadn’t traded it. Three little ones/2door not the answer!👨🏻🦳
What an Imagination!
My senior year 1975 I had a '62 SS two-door hardtop w/ the 283 and the toque flyte 3spd auto on the floor.
That 63' Z11 package, with the 427ci, was incredible! Those hp & 1/4 mile numbers 😳 are even amazing for today's muscle cars.
Had one!
I would have thought the tires would be spinning half way down the track. Maybe those numbers were not on street tires. Very impressive either way.
@@msparr01 Exactly
The worst mistake all those old drag racers made was to use ball joint spacers to lift the front end for what they thought would give the car more “bite” however the cars turned into parachutes at about 300’ out too much air underneath the car, grumpy Jenkins , frank sanders , butch leal all did this. Getting the front end down was the key. My point?? All those Z11 Impalas were a half second quicker by slamming the front end.
I Never Knew There Was A 427 W Motor. I Had The 427 Mark IV In My '68 Corvette. Something I Learned Today.
Ford Also Had Their 427.
I still have the’62 Impala I learned to drive in 47 years ago. It has been in the family for 57 years. Very smooth ride and very reliable as we take good care of the mechanicals.
These were THE REAL CARS!
The artform of these older cars remains timeless.
General Motors could not make these cars today despite the fact that people would be standing in line to buy them. Designers would “modernize” them with plastics, fake wood trim, aluminum and bucket seats while engineers would forfeit horsepower for economy and “ugh” maybe even electric power. These cars were produced during the best of times and have left those of my age with fond memories and experiences.
I remember neighbors who had a '63 SS and then '64 SS, I believe. Maybe 327 engines. Interiors looked quite dazzling, for it's time. Thanks for snapshot memories.
Learned to drive in a 14 year old 62 Impala station wagon. 283 with 2 speed powerglide automatic. Over 4000 lbs, it took forever to get to 60mph. It floated down the road like an aircraft carrier. It also ran and ran. Drove it to college for 4 years. It would haul a lot of stuff. Lot of really good memories in that car 😊😊 Wish I still had it.
'63 Impala was my 1st car. Wish I still had it.
You were very lucky.
I had one and I unfortunately had to let it go in 2019.😪 It was my first car also.
@@czechmate6916 That's sad, but sometimes people need the money or space, or both.
@@bobhill3941 Yes unfortunately I needed both that’s what happens when life gets in the way. Hope you have a wonderful day.
@@czechmate6916 Very true, I will, I hope you do too.
My 2nd grade teacher had 1 1964. It was beautiful with the Ermine White paint, and blue interior. She still had it when I moved on to middle school a few years later.
A few days ago I was loooking at the front and rear lights of present cars and I hate most. Back then cars looked like cars with decent lights and styles. I do miss them.
Back then, CARS WERE ACTUALLY VEHICLES and not rolling plastic GARBAGE!
@@johnmaki3046 I certainly agree with you.
So many look the same no matter who made them
I MISS REAL, ACTUAL VEHICLES!
I remember we moved to California in 1963 and my mom’s friend bought a new 1963 Chevy impala. My brother and I would ride in the back and marvel at the music speaker in the center of the rear seat. That was my introduction to music which continues to this day.
My first car was a 61 Impala 2 door sport coupe with a 283 engine. It was white with a red and white interior. It was the greatest looking car. I used to cruise up and down the boulevard and always turn heads! I wish I still had it!
I lusted after these cars when I was in high school. Beautiful. Great motors.
Bought a new 61 2 Door, 283 4 Bbl. $2750.00 out the door, loved everything about it except the Powerslide.
My parents owned a 1957, 1962 and 1964. All classics now.
My uncle had a 64 two door 327 it was a really comfortable car and rode like a magic carpet.
It had that Jet Smooth Ride. ✈
These really looked more upmarket than the sticker would indicate. It's good to see the '61 - '64 getting some love! Great episode!
I have the last Caprice / Impala - 1996 and it is a sweetheart, also .
Continued great reviews of classic cars. Myself, along with many others, appreciate your hard work. Look forward to seeing your next video of car history.
Impalas are making another come back again even the 90s impalas are starting to go up in value
To me, cash "value" DOES NEVER apply as much as "FEELING VALUE"! I LOVED SO MANY OLDER CARS FOR THIS!
Your videos bring back good memories. I am wild about the bubble top!
I made my living as an automotive tech. Well remember these beauties gracing the roads. They were really well constructed. A pleasure to both drive and service.
I’ve never seen anything close to the loyalty of Impala owners. They LOVE them.
This is true, I've had my SS for close to 10 years and have no intentions of getting rid of it.
That was GM's plan - get people to trade in every 2-3 years and after awhile, move up to Olds, Buick and Cadillac. That's also why they changed styling so much - you would be ashamed to be seen in an old model.
Dad had a '61 Biscayne 2 DR sedan, with the 283 V-8, 3 speed auto tranny...very spartan model. No body trim, carpet, creature comforts limited to heater, and AM radio! I grew up in that car, it was my gateway to fun and adventure (And dentist appointments) in my youth.
I grew up with a '50 DeSoto Custom that was this to me!
Figure 8 frame wasn't the best protection, two piece drive shaft could be a challenge when one wanted to get serious w/the horse power. Full frame in 65 up was big improvement.
Thanks for the great video which brought back many memories of my youth. In my neighborhood there were many of the 61-64 Big Chevys... a very rare 61 Impala 2 door Sedan, 61 Impala 4 door hardtop, 62 Bel Air 4 door sedan, 62 Impala 2 and 4 door hardtops, 63 Biscayne 2 door sedan, 63 Impala Wagon, 63 Impala 4 door hardtop, 64 Impala 4 door sedan. My favorite was a 63 Impala SS Hardtop red with a black vinyl roof, white bucket seats and rare factory wire wheel covers. Those were the days. I never remember seeing a gray car back then, now they are everywhere.
I'd wish it would be 1961 again.
Me too, for I wasn't born yet. I could possibly get a do over!
I can remember back in the early 70's you'd see these cars EVERY WHERE! Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala.
My first car (thanks dad) was a red 62 Impala SS, 2dr sports coupe, 283, 2sp, with bucket seats and a storage unit between them. ;-)
Very cool, I hope you still have it❤😊
I can't pick a favorite yr. I like them all 😎
My older brother came back from Germany in late ‘61 and bought a brand new 62 Impala convertible with a 327. White with red interior and top. I was 8 and thought it was the most beautiful car I’d ever seen. That started a family wide love of Impalas. My dad never bought cars new back then. Around ‘68 he bought a ‘65 Bel Air when I got my license in ‘69 that was the car I used. I bought a ‘63 Sport Coupe/327 4v. Super nice car! My dad then bought a 396 ‘66 Caprice. A year later I bought a ‘64 Impala SC 283 4v. Always wanted a ‘61 Bubbletop!
I owned this (BEATEN) as a dirt-track "ground pounder"!
I remember my mom's sister Elsie had a 1962 SS red with white interior 283 four barrel and powerglide. My oldest sister had a '61 Bel Air tudor sedan with the six cylinder and two speed powerglide. I really liked the 61-64's but when Chevy came out with the '65's and the all new styling I thought they looked great and still do.
I agree, the '65 Impala was "peak Impala" in my opinion - they also sold more Impalas in "65 than any other year and I can see why.
WOW! You have presented some of the greatest cars on the planet! Your videos are also top-of-the-line! I really love all of them! Thank you!
The theme music 🎶 and cool voice sound makes this a great channel to kick back and relax 👍
We had a 1964 Impala SS and it was dark blue with a lighter blue interior with bucket seats and it was an awesome car.
A friend of my mother drove a '64 Impala convertible. Light blue with a white interior. It used to be fun riding in that car during the summer, with the top down.
One of my favorites of all Chevys.
1964 Was my favorite.
Gorgeous machines. My parents didn't have a 61-64 but a 65 station wagon. Even that was a cream puff. I'll always remember it.
Great video. 👍
Simple, beautiful, reliable, and stronger than 100 acres of garlic 💪🏽
I owned a1964 SS 327/300. My brother had a 1963 SS 327/250. Both were one heck of a great car and very nice looking cars. I had a very nice tone red exterior and white interior. Sadly my car ended up being stolen from the employee parking lot at my work and was never recovered. It had a hidden kill switch which I never used at work because it was at an airport, dumb me!
Wasn’t born until 1960 but for some reason the late 50’s and early 60’s cars are my favorites 😻👍
I thought the highest engine on the Impalas before 1964 was the 409 but I didn't even know a 427 was even available then!!!! Absolutely crazy!!! 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and 10.8 seconds at 120mph quarter mile!!!!! Absolutely insane!!!!
You had to be a real car nut those years just to even know what was available.. The factory didn't exactly make huge headlines about these cars availability. The Z11 option with the 427 you mention, the 1962 Pontiac 2 + 2 with the 421 tri power.. under rated horsepower, and insane compression ratios.. I wish I had a time machine.
The '61 has always been my favorite. My mom had one when I was a kid . A blue convertible. It was stolen on a day trip to Mystic Seaport her next car was a '66 rag top
As a wholesaler to the classic and antique GM car and truck restoration market (41-87), I can tell you, these cars are red hot. Personally, I always thought they looked better than the Galaxie.
GM styling during the 1960s under Bill Mitchell was pure fire.. Ford and Mopar products were clunky in comparison.. AMC wasn't even in the running. Great, great era..
My late brother in law had a '63 with a 283 with three on the tree. His baby. That era Impala was a thing of beauty. Thanks for this.
Yes, these cars were TRULY CLASSIC!
Owned 2 in my lifetime. Both gold and both 327 engines. Great cars.
My neighbor had a black 62 Impala SS convertible with red interior........ it was a beautiful car.
These were indeed beautiful and dependable cars. 😀
My Dad had a black 61 impala when I was real young. Cool car!
I had a 64 4 door with a 327,3 spd with overdrive. Ex cop car solid black and fugly. Loved it
My parents had a '63 4 door, the first car we ever had with seat belts and A/C. It was a fine running car.
I remember these--- Many of my Aunts and Uncles preferred s certain Impala for each taste
I have a ‘64 Galaxie 500 , but I do love the ‘61 - ‘63 Impalas .
I had a 61 impala sport coupe, aka bubble top. Got it when I stared college in 63. Black with red interior, 283 v8 with 3 speed stick. Loved that car
My favorite Impala is the '61 bubble top i like the way the rear clip is, and how many cars have song's written about them, gitty up gitty up my "409"😊
I have always been a Chevy owner until they downsized the Impala to the size of a large compact. My favorite was my 1965 Chevy Impala SS. I wish I had that car today. I also liked the 59, 60 Chevy fins. Back then, cars were made out of metal, had a great quiet ride, luxury interior, and powerful engines unlike the cars of today. "Body by Fisher" was valued and proud to have their name on vehicles, back then. Long live the Chevy Impala line.
I worked at Fischer body in flint Michigan but I was building 73 regals 😢
I had a 1964, Daytona blue, with a 283 motor. I sure miss that car
Great explanation. I agree!
My first car was a 1964 Chevy Belaire 230 cid, 4-door sedan w/ 3 on the tree. What a great car.
Thank you for another awesome video! Here's one for the algorithm! :^)
My first car was a 61 Impala 4 door sedan I paid $300 for in Montana. I always loved the 61 Bubble Top. Wish I had one now.
The 1961-1964 impalas are my favorite generation but the 1964 is my favorite model
Beauties one and all. ❤❤❤❤
Great video. I was a crossing guard as a student at my elementary school and we looked at all the cars that came to drop off the kids. We got to see the new cars as soon as they were delivered to the customers and it was so exciting to see all the changes from year to year.
An excellent-ly narrated, informative video and report on these beautiful, classic Chevrolet Impalas. As a young boy, I was crazy about cars… and knew every make and year going down the street… simply by their taillights. These triple tail lamp Impalas were easy to spot for their distinct, sharp styling, and tail lamps were refreshed in some way each year. I was only about 6 years old when the ‘61 Impala came out… I remember them all so well. Thanks for your research and hard work in making your videos! Hope you can keep more of these coming! These were beautiful and varied examples. Great job! Thanks!
Got my drivers license in a 63 Chevy. Loved that car!
Dec 31, 1962 my mom traded in her 59 Parkwood station wagon for an SS63 Impala. Two tone, ice blue with white top, light blue interior, AC, AT, PS, PB. 327 300 HP V8. So beautiful. She sold it in 75 with 55k for $500. I had to replace the starter. I wished I had the $500. The buyer turned it into a low rider, broke my heart.
That 61 Bubble top is as stunning today as it was new. I would include the 65 to these as among the most beautiful cars ever made.
The bubble tops are works of art and performance. Beauty and brawn in one package.
My brother, your content is absolutely spot on with all aspects of video production. You're pace, information, etc....greatness. And on top of that, attention to detail should be, and is, appreciated Bravo!!!!!.
The Impala was so popular during this era that it was referred to as Standard Chevrolet by Chevy dealers. The sales numbers were awesome!
I would have said 1960 thru 1965. Had both a 60 and 65 when I was in High-school, 69 - 73.
Great insight into how the Impala could be ‘all things to all people.’
I had a 65 SS 327
So did I, in Mist Blue.
@@chrisjeffries2322 mine was 2
My Dad built that honduras maroon 1961 Impala SS in the 90s. It was a really nice survivor plain impala with a 283. He made it into a "dealer installed SS" and added a correct QA block 409 and 4 speed.
My uncle bought the twin to the car featured with the 427. It was stolen 3 months later. He couldn't find another one with the 427 and ended up with the 409. Traded that one for a 67 GTX 440.
He upgraded nicely ...😀
My first car was a "63 SS that I paid $150 for in 1973. 283 4speed and rough, but it ran ok.
Growing up in the 1960s, a neighbor bought a white 1964 SS convertible. Red buckets and interior, 409 w/ 2x4 bbls. 4 speed. What a beauty it was.
Thanks
The town I grew up in, all 4 door Chevrolets went to Star Cab Company, got painted yellow, and got abused.
I have one that got away, a 4 door 63 Belair.
My Dad had a 1963 4-door Impala, color light blue!
In the early 60ies Impalas were real beauties.
Dad was an old Chevy man for a long time. In 1962, I convinced him to buy a leftover ‘61 Impala, four door hardtop, black with red and white interior; fabulous vehicle I took to my senior prom…
My parents had a '62 Biscayne 2 door sedan in the late 60s. Same great lines with less chrome. It had the 283 with an automatic trans. It also had add-on air conditioning. One of my favorites that they owned. My father was in the USAF and was stationed in W. Germany at the time. We traveled to Italy and Switzerland in it. Great memories.
Well, it was at 283 comments. On to 327 !! I’ll never forget 3rd grade recess, was with my constant pal of those school years, Roger, and his quite older brother rolled in, stopped,and talked with Rog. Brother was driving a black beauty 65 SS, buckets, 4 speed and I noted the larger race flags on front fender and the engine displacement started with a “4”, research to refresh old memory, it may have been last of 409, or first of 396. Sure seems like it started with a “4”. My jaw hung slack, such a beauty !! To this day my fav Impala taillights are the 65’s sticking slightly out at a slant, resembling rocket after burners. I see 1965 full sized Chevrolets sold more than 1 million in one year, a record that has never been bested. Many dark maroon colored ones, pretty electric blue, red, remember the light lavender colored 65’s ? Seems like a bold move to offer that color and it looked good. Now I’m leaping to the wildly fun bright youthful colors MOPAR offered in the late 60’s, Plum Purple, Lime Greene, burnt orange, I’m forgetting official name of that one. The psychedelic years and hippies, peace, love. Make love, not war. Don’t trust the establishment, no one over 30. Hitch hiking, flower power, tie died t shirts, VW bug and van, long hair and mustaches, sideburns. Mini skirts and longer sun dresses with sandals. Burn the bra. Organic food shops. Head shops behind beaded curtains of a record shop. Thousands of albums to paw through. Beautiful art album covers. A look back.
My dad's first car was a 61 Impala bubble top, red with white stripe and a white roof. Long gone, but in 2012 we bought a copy of her and drive her around now!! Both 283 power
I well remember my Aunt’s ‘62 Impala 2 door hardtop. It was a 283 with three on the tree. It was a wonderful car to drive.
Great cars. Great pictures. Good job
I remember back then it seemed that half the cars on the road were these chevys
My uncles first car was a new 57 BelAir, then got a 60' Impala, then a 63' Impala...I remember them all as a small kid. I also remember those were the days when America was still sane. He's dead now. My current car is a 17' SS Camaro 6 speed manual.
My dad used to buy a brand new Impala every year. We were not rich, by any means. It was the fact that Impalas retained so much of their retail value that he was able to do that. Nowadays, when you buy a new car it depreciates something like 40% the second you drive it off the lot. What surprised me in this video was the lack of mention about the Chevrolet Impala later became the #1 choice for low-riders everywhere! 😎
In this neck of the woods, we called it the "Impala" not "Impaula" :) It was by far, the best selling vehicle in our area. Great car, BUT we were a Plymouth Fury family. Thanks for the memories.
My uncle had a 63’ that was maroon and to a 7 year old it was amazing
❤
Back in 1978, I was desperate for a car. One day on our way home from shopping, I spied a green 1961 Belair 4 door sedan. I liked what I saw. But my older brother shot it down. Not long after that a neighbor was selling a White 64 Impala 2 door hardtop. V-8 auto. A week later it got side swiped. Long story short. I ended up a year later with a green 1973 Olds Omega 2 door 350 V-8 Auto.
That's a bummer.
@@MarinCipollina Not all that bad I had the Omega 5 years. I traded it in on the first of 3 Chevette's.
They were really good cars, and very versatile.
My persona was a '62 Bel Air Sport Coupe 327ci / 325 hp. I loved the '61 roof '62 body combo. CHEVY RULES!!!
My first car was a 63 chevy. Nice car. Still my favorite style of that series. It didnt last long. Ran into the side of a dump truck that was running a red lite. Had to go to court as a witness. He got a $25. Fine
First and my high school car was '63 2 door hardtop, white over turquoise, black interior, 283 4 barrel with the V emblem, 3 speed manual, no A/C, no seat belts, AM radio, bench seat, and 50 years later I still miss it!