West Coast Classics presents are proud to present an exceptional example of this extraordinarily rare and collectible 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 2 door Convertible with the 348 CID 350HP 3x2 BBL V8 Tri-Power engine matched to a 4 speed manual transmission and finished in its original 'Ermine White' factory color (code 936) paint and original 'Red & Ivory' (trim code 874) interior and a White color power operated soft top with 14" wheels with spinner wheel covers, Bias Ply whitewall tires, fenders skirts, power brakes, power steering, tachometer, SS grab handle dash, soft ray glass, heavy duty springs and shocks, electric clock and push button AM radio!
Appears to be numbers matching. Complete nut and bolt, frame-off restoration. All original sheet metal. Rust free. Documented with original Window Sticker. Original factory cowl tag defining SS option and crossed flags mounted behind passengers side grab bar.
1 of 453 Super Sport Impalas built in 1961
W - 348/350HP V8 with 3x2 Tri Power
4 speed manual transmission
Power steering
Power convertible top
Padded dash
Correct SS-only spinner wheel covers
New bias-ply white stripe tires
New dual exhaust
Dual antennas
Front and rear bumper guards
Correct Sun tachometer and control box
Functional push-button AM radio
SS Grab bar dash
7000 RPM Sun Tachometer
Heavy Duty Springs & Shocks
SS Badging
Tissue dispenser
Restored condition
Finished in the original color combination
Factory code 936 Ermine White with code 874 Red and White interior
This is the very rare and collectible factory SS 348/350hp with a 4-speed, power steering, power brakes and power convertible top. Appears to be a numbers matching car with the original window sticker documentation from Chevrolet. 1 of only 453 original SS Impalas built by Chevrolet in '61. They had to be a 409 or 348 with power steering, power brakes, 4 bumper guards on rear and the big drum brakes from the factory. This is the only way a true SS was delivered from Chevrolet and officially known as RPO-240. This particular car has had a complete nut and bolt restoration on an all original sheet metal body, rust free southern states car. Original colors inside and outside. Everything works as it should. Runs and drives as good as new and a super rare car.
The 1961 full-size Chevrolet model was totally revamped for the new year. As with all other full-size GM lines, the new cars finally finished with the knee-banger, wrap around windshields and tailfins and shed some of the length and width that had been popular in the prior three years. The front end sported a full width grille with dual headlamps mounted at each end with the turn signals and parking lamps mounted above the headlamps. The car boasted all the regular Bel Air equipment plus Nylon pattern cloth seats, electric clock, full carpeting and dual backup lights.
The Impala was restyled on the existing GM B platform for 1961. The new body styling was more trim and boxy than the 1958-60 models. Sport Coupe models featured a 'bubbleback' roof line style for '61 and a unique model, the 2-door pillared sedan, was available for 1961 only. It was rarely ordered and a scarce collectible today. The rare Super Sport (SS) option debuted for 1961 and was retired in 1968.
It is hard to find a car as exceptionally rare as is this 1961 Chevy Impala SS convertible, especially considering 1961 was the first year of the third generation and the very first year Chevrolet offered an SS package. Only 453 SS Impalas were built in 1961 with 142 of them being 409's and just a handful were convertibles. Offered in the spring of 1961, the mandatory dealer options included as high performance W engine with aa minimum of 305 HP. It is reportedly estimated that no more than 5-10% of the original 453 remain in existence today (i.e. 22-45 cars)!
When you throw in the 348 Tri-Power and all the SS extras, you get the absolute top of the line for class and refinement in 1961 with a 4 speed manual transmission, power steering, a power convertible top, the SS correct Sun tachometer & separate control box or sending unit (aka EB-9A Box), dash grab bar, dual antennas, front & rear bumper guards, and fender skirts are all factory options for the car, and a few are SS exclusive options as well. Restored to its original paint colors of Ermine White with the Red stripe down the sides and the correct trim of red and white vinyl bench seats.
This car must be seen and driven to be fully appreciated - the engine is extremely strong and responsive, the 4 speed manual transmission shifts smoothly through the gears and the engine temperature always remains cool.
In summary, this this car is a true piece of history and an American classic car collector or muscle car enthusiasts collector's dream car, a truly splendid and wonderful example of a very striking 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 348 Trip Power 4 speed 2 Door Convertible in turn-key ready daily driving and daily head-turning condition, most definitely one very collectible and attractive all American classic car!
