The Lost Impala

By Robert Snowden

Maybe the term "lost Impala" is a bit misleading, but this Impala is defiantly confusing to some! I can already hear many of you asking - how can an Impala be confusing? Well let's just see how good you are? When I say Impala two-door hardtop I'm sure most of you easily come up with a perfect mental picture, now lets just add the word Custom to the description. Do you still have that same perfect mental picture?

By adding that word Custom to the description we've entirely change this Impala two-door hardtop picture. The Impala Custom two-door hardtop was part of the Impala line-up from 1968 -72. This special Impala was a cross between the Impala and the top of the line Caprice. I guess the best one word description for the Custom Impala with be "luxury"! It's interesting to note that the Impala line still out sold the high end Caprice by a considerable amount. For me the easiest way to identify an Impala Custom is by its roof line, the B-pillar looks like that of the Caprice. The Custom Impala also featured a narrow trim strip from the front bumper all the way to the rear; this trim included a color insert. The Custom Impala retained the traditional six Impala taillight, now they were cut into the bumper.

In last months View I talked about the "muscle car" era, I have to take just a moment to recognize the '69 Impala, Impala Custom, this Impala was one of the last true "muscle cars" In 1969 the Impala Custom two-door hardtop could still be purchased with a Super Sport option. The engine offered was one of two 427 cubic inch engine combinations. 1969 was the last year for the Super Sport option - these great "muscle" cars became know as simply SS427's.

If you own one of these great Impala Custom two-door hardtops or if you know someone who does, I would like for you to send me a photo and short description of your "Impala Customs". If I get a good selection of these Impalas, we'll show them off in a future issue of Chevy Classics. It would be great if we get a photo or two of those SS427 Impalas! I'll be watching for your photos. Please send your photo to Late Great Chevys, 5140 South Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32780 attention Robert Snowden or send electronically to robert.snowden@ecklers.net.