1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe 454ci V8

Chevy’s full-sized offering, the Impala nameplate is still fondly looked upon by many despite bowing out by 2020. Arguably, the classic Impalas from the Sixties through Eighties are the defining ones, as well as the Impala SS from the Nineties. This 1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe Restomod hails from the third generation of the nameplate and has undergone a full restoration in 2013. Let’s find out what it’s all about, and why it makes for a fine classic with some modern conveniences to enjoy.

Exterior and Interior

This Impala wears a black suit with plenty of chrome accessories to highlight its timeless Sixties beauty. Let’s first take in the trio of rear lamps that are its most defining feature to those following. The rear of a car may not receive as much design attention as the front, but you can tell that this wasn’t the case for the third-gen Impala. Moving to the sides, you’ve got clean lines and an ample glasshouse, thanks to the no post or B-Pillar. The restomod aspect comes from the set of aftermarket U.S. Mag alloy wheels and low-profile tires. Now it’s time to venture inside, and we’re going to start with the trunk because it’s decked out in an eye-searing red, replate with Chevy bow tie on the trunk lid inners. This is an ample-sized trunk, you can easily fit plenty of luggage for a cross-country dash. Speaking of cross-country trips, four adults can comfortably ride in the red passenger cabin of this 1961 Chevrolet Impala Restomod, resting upon newly upholstered leather seats. There’s air conditioning too, thanks to a new Vintage Air system. Front seat occupants receive bucket seats for that extra bit of bolstering when the driver gets a tad boisterous, which isn’t hard, given the massive engine up front and the Hurst 8-ball gear shifter to snick through the transmission with. We also note some aftermarket gauges, including a tachometer in a custom center console as well.

Engine

This 1961 Chevrolet Impala Restomod packs a 454ci (7.4L) V8 engine that’s reportedly new. Along with the hefty motor, sits twin Edelbrock 4-Barrel Carburetors. Since the third-gen Impala peaked at 403ci from the factory, this upsized engine is another piece of the restomod puzzle. We don’t have power figures, but safe to say that upwards of 300hp and 350lb-ft would be reasonable to expect. Drive goes to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with stopping power replaced with 4-Wheel disc brakes with a set of drilled rotors up front.