’96 Impala SS

1996 Chevrolet Impala SS

Offered by Mecum | Kansas City, Missouri | November 20-21, 2020

Photo – Mecum

This is one of my favorite cars. It will be a car I own in the near future. A little history: the Impala model is a classic dating back to 1958 when it was a sub-model of the Bel Air. It became its own line in 1959, and the glory years lasted through 1970. Things trended downhill beginning in ’71, and the 1977-1985 models killed the Impala nameplate for a decade (though I secretly like this generation).

Then, in 1994, GM revived the Impala SS as a standalone model (even though their VINs decode as a Caprice). It was essentially a Caprice cop car with a bunch of heavy-duty items (suspension, brakes, cooling system), in addition to a Corvette-based 5.7-liter LT1 V8. Power was rated at 260 horsepower.

It was produced only between 1994 and 1996, and 60,768 were built in total. Black was the best color, but Dark Cherry Metallic and Dark Grey Green were also available beginning in 1995. 1996 models are differentiated from earlier cars by having an analog speedometer and a floor shifter for the automatic transmission. They. Are. Awesome. And this one has 12,000 miles. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Sold $19,800.

Impala Z11

1963 Chevrolet Impala Z11

Offered by Mecum | Kissimmee, Florida | January 14, 2017

Photo – Mecum

The third generation of the Chevrolet Impala was built between 1961 and 1964. It was Chevy’s full-size model – the largest car they offered in 1963. The Impala was made iconic by the Beach Boys and their song “409” which referenced the largest engine available in these cars.

Well, until 1963 anyway. The Z11 was a rare option code that could be applied and it came with a 7.0-liter V-8. The 427 put out 430 horsepower and as you can see it doesn’t look much different than your aunt’s Impala two-door hardtop. It was the ultimate sleeper, with a higher power rating than what Chrysler would slap on their Hemi years later. The 427 was based on the 409, but bigger and better. Top speed was 120 mph.

This three owner Z11 is one of just 57 built, as 1963 was the only year this option was available. Only two were built in green, with this being one of those. A comprehensive restoration was completed, which included installing a correct Z11 engine (the car was probably raced in 1963 and was sold to its second owner with a 409 under the hood). It is expected to bring between $375,000-$450,000. Click here for more info and here for more from Mecum.

Update: Not sold, high bid of $250,000.