Chevrolet has long been considered a 'working man's brand'. The interesting thing is, despite those humble origins, Chevy consistently peddles enough content-laden trucks to also be considered one of the best-selling luxury marques in the world. No doubt, a big part of the firm's upscale appeal comes from the Corvette. From 1950s optimism to 21st century moxie, the Chevrolet Corvette has always represented everything aspirational about the automotive experience. Of course, another part of that appeal is the franchise's long history of creating many of the world's most iconic vehicles. And that unique axiom is exactly where you'll find this stellar Impala custom: self-assuredly rumbling at the crossroads of timeless style and world-class athleticism. Timeless, of course, because it's a 1961 'bubble top' that's been lovingly massaged by one of the best hot rod shops in existence. And a world-class stoplight slayer because, during that restoration, it was fitted with 502 cubic inches of fiery Chevy big block! Ready to see why the bowtie brand is affectionately called USA-1?
SIX-ONE SIZZLE
The product of a detailed, ground-up restoration that's absolutely exquisite both inside and out, this superstar resto-mod does an excellent job of wrapping enduring style around proven technology. An all-American cherry that was ripe for customization, the car was subjected to a systematic, no-expense-spared build that was completed by the artists at Louisville, Tennessee's Alloway's Hot Rod Shop. Reflections are pure class thanks to a slick combination of Impala Desert Beige and Bel Air India Ivory two-stage. And today, this sweet Chevy cruises the scene as a lights-out custom that's been featured in numerous magazines and claimed numerous national awards!
Rolling proof that more doesn't necessarily mean better, this hardtop turns virtually every head it passes by simply doing what it does best: being one of the finest Impalas on the planet. No heavy add-ons or overwrought fabrication, just classic proportions and tasteful aesthetics. At the front of the car, a chromed grille hangs a bright Chevrolet crest between a guarded bumper, clear parking lamps and old school halogen headlights. Above that grille, a chrome ""CHEVROLET"" script leads chromed, jet-inspired profile spears that are garnished with ornate Impala badging. A legendary 'bubble top' greenhouse bends flashy trim between polished wipers, factory door handles and a small mirror. And at the back of the car, Impala-exclusive taillights illuminate a second guarded bumper beneath flat fins that terminate at a stylized cross-flags.
SHE'S REAL FINE, MY 502
Built to go just as well as it shows, this classic's 502 cubic inch Chevrolet big block provides an excellent mix of fun times and fried tires! At the top of the Chevy Orange mill, an Impala-branded air cleaner floats a polished lid on a Gloss Black base. That disc feeds a choice Holley carburetor which, sequenced to a coated fuel pump, feeds a polished aluminum intake. That intake looks great between polished aluminum heads, which are artfully dressed in color-keyed, 409-style valve covers. The fires get lit by a hot MSD Pro-Billet distributor, which shoots spark through quality Taylor plug wires. At the front of those cables, a polished serpentine system spins a polished water pump between a polished alternator and a polished AC compressor. Cooling is provided by a big aluminum radiator, which aligns a quick puller fan between a polished thermostat and a polished cap. Spent gases are whisked away by coated block hugger headers. The buff motor rumbles in a smooth and glossy engine bay that leads chromed hinges with a chromed latch. And naturally, that clean frame highlights a sea of first rate hardware that includes braided lines, trick sticks, polished breathers and a fully finished brake booster.
LOOKS, POWER AND ATHLETICISM
Not surprisingly, the bottom of this show worthy bowtie continues the theme of pairing proven hardware with enhanced technology. Glossy Desert Beige floors create a picturesque frame for a Gloss Black rendition of GM's legendary X-frame chassis. That chassis rolls low on a custom rear-clip that's finished with polished bars and familiar RideTech coil-overs. Opposite that clip, a custom front-half tilts two more modern coil-overs between polished control arms. The massive engine's polished oil pan reflects a dressed 700R4 4-speed. Turns come courtesy of power rack-and-pinion steering. Speed gets scrubbed by polished Wilwood calipers, which cinch a quartet of drilled and slotted rotors. Coated exhaust feeds coated Flowmaster FlowFX mufflers. And all that hardware rolls on a sweet set of polished Boyd Coddington blades, which spin 215/50R17 Michelin Premiers in front of 275/40ZR20 Kumho Ecstas.
CUSTOM AND COOL
Between the doors, a custom cockpit manifests as a supple sea of tasteful leather that's enhanced by classic Chevrolet style. Those choice digs, installed by Paul Atkins, revolve around a quartet of broad buckets that mimic Super Sport fashion of the mid-60s. Those chrome-piped thrones get dissected by a '63 Impala SS console that's been tastefully modified for a fashionable shifter. A streamlined dash hangs a rebuilt speedometer above Vintage Air climate control, Classic Instruments accessory gauges and a requisite Straight Line Tuning radio. A snazzy billet foot pedal shades crisp Daytona Carpet, which floats piped and color-keyed mats beneath attractive side panels and a tight headliner. And the driver spins a gold-trimmed Impala steering wheel around a tilting column.
Owning a lights-out classic is cool. Owning a lights-out classic that's been tastefully customized is something few are lucky enough to experience. Owning a tastefully customized, lights-out classic that's propelled by one of the hottest powerplants ever created is the stuff most gearheads dream about. Don't miss your chance to enjoy this incredible Chevy Impala!
HIGHLIGHTS
World class Impala resto-mod that's the product of a professional, ground-up build
Built by Alloway's Hot Rod Shop
Earned a Goodguys Custom of the Year award
Earned an NSRA Builder's Choice award
Earned an NSRA Pro's Pick award
Earned several Best of Show awards
Featured four times in Popular Hot Rodding magazine
Featured twice in Street Scene magazine
Featured in Super Chevy magazine
Featured in the Goodguys Gazette
502 cubic inch Chevrolet Performance V8 with aluminum heads
GM 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
Modern air conditioning
Power rack-and-pinion steering
Wilwood 4-wheel power disc brakes
Substantially upgraded chassis with coil-over-shocks and a lowered ride height
Custom leather interior
Chevrolet Impala Desert Beige and Bel Air India Ivory paint
Chrome-plated trim
17 and 20-inch Boyd Coddington wheels
Coated exhaust with Flowmaster FlowFX mufflers
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world
