The Unbeatable Lineup: Top 3 Chevrolet Impalas Every Collector Craves
When it comes to American automotive royalty, few names carry the weight and prestige of the Chevrolet Impala. It’s the car that defined an era of style, power, and cruising cool.
But with so many legendary model years, which ones truly stand above the rest? These aren't just cars; they're rolling sculptures, symbols of American culture.
So, let's fire up the big block and take a ride through history. Here are the three best Impalas ever made.
#1: The 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS – The Epitome of Early ‘60s Class
Why it’s iconic: If you want pure, unadulterated class from the early '60s, the 1964 Impala is your car. It represents the absolute peak of the second generation's design before things got wildly curvy. This year is the perfect balance of tailored sophistication and lurking muscle.
Design & Style: Forget the bubble-top of earlier years; the '64 is all about razor-sharp style. It features crisp, clean lines, a handsome horizontal bar grille, and those legendary six "knight's lance" taillights stacked on each side. The roofline on the hardtop coupe is a masterpiece of formal elegance. It’s a suit and tie, but you know there’s a athlete underneath.
Performance: This was the last year for the legendary 409 cubic-inch V8 before it was replaced. The 409 was a beast born on the drag strips, famously immortalized in song, and it gave the Impala SS serious performance credentials. You could also opt for the new 327 V8, which became an instant classic in its own right.
The Collector's Verdict: The '64 is a blue-chip classic. A pristine Super Sport (SS) model, especially with a 409, is the holy grail for many purists. It’s a timeless investment that never goes out of style.
#2: The 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS 427 – The Gentleman’s Muscle Car
Why it’s iconic: The 1967 Impala is, for many, the most beautifully styled Impala ever. It took the curvaceous "Coke bottle" design introduced in '65 and refined it to absolute perfection. But this wasn't just a pretty face; under the hood, it hid one of the most brutal engines of the era.
Design & Style: This car is all about curves. From the swooping fastback roofline to the deeply recessed grille and elegant rear fenders, it’s a work of art on wheels. The interior is pure late-'60s luxury, a fantastic place to be whether you're cruising Sunset Strip or heading to the drive-in.
Performance: While you could get a variety of small-blocks, the king of the mountain was the RPO L72 427 cubic-inch V8. This was a full-on, race-derived, solid-lifter big block pumping out a factory-rated 425 horsepower (though it was likely much more). It was a stealth bomber—elegant on the outside, absolutely ferocious under the hood. Finding one today is incredibly rare and highly coveted.
The Collector's Verdict: The '67 is the ultimate blend of high style and tire-shredding performance. A 427-equipped SS is a crown jewel in any collection, representing the peak of GM's muscle car era cunningly disguised in a full-size package.
#3: The 1969 Chevrolet Impala – The Last of the True Classics
Why it’s iconic: The 1969 model marks the end of an era. It was the last year for the beloved third generation and the last of the Impalas with true, unabashed ’60s flair. After this, emissions and insurance costs would change the game. The '69 went out with a bang, offering a perfect mix of sport and luxury.
Design & Style: Chevy gave the '69 a sharp restyle with a new, more aggressive front end featuring a dual-port grille and hidden headlights on the SS model. The rear end got new, wider taillights that stretched across the trunk lid. It looked lower, wider, and more muscular than its predecessors, signaling the changing tastes of the coming decade.
Performance: The big news was the introduction of the Turbo-Jet 427 as a more regular option, now with a hydraulic cam for smoother street manners (though the 425 hp rating remained). You could also get the mighty 396 V8 and a host of smaller engines. It was the last chance to get a true, high-horsepower big block in a full-size Chevy.
The Collector's Verdict: The 1969 Impala is a fantastic "day two" car. It’s slightly more accessible than the '67 but carries all the same classic credentials. It represents the final, glorious chapter of the 1960s Impala.
The Final Lap
So, which one takes the checkered flag? It’s an impossible choice. The 1964 is the elegant pioneer, the 1967 is the perfect storm of style and power, and the 1969 is the bold, proud finale.
At Classic Gazelle, we think the real winner is anyone lucky enough to have one of these legends in their garage. Each one represents a unique moment in time when Chevrolet wasn't just building cars—they were building icons.
What do you think? Did we get it right, or is your favorite year missing? Do you own one of these beauties? Sound off in the comments below and show us your pics! Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow Impala lovers.
Keep on cruisin',
The Classic Gazelle Team
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