1961 CHEVROLET IMPALA “BUBBLE­TOP” 2­DR HARDTOP
Designer: William “Bill” Mitchell

Estimate: $32,000 -­ $40,000

Chassis Number: 11737N163487
Decoded: 1=1961; 1=Chevrolet Division; 7=Impala 6­ cylinder series; 37=2­dr hardtop;
N=Norwood, OH assembly plant; 163487=63,487th 1961 Chevrolet scheduled for production at
Norwood
Engine: 350 cid OHV V8
4-­barrel Carburetor / 300 bhp (estimate)
3-­Speed Hyrdamatic Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes
Mileage: 50,685

● Stock Exterior Appearance
● Highly Sought After Streamline Roof Design
● Top­Shelf Workmanship Throughout

The Model: Even though Chevrolet retained its crown as King of Sales in the USA, many customers and executives of the division were not happy with the styling directions taken for the 1959 and 1960 model years. Both cars had been answers to the Forward Look from Chrysler’s Virgil Exner. Bill Mitchell and his crew were given clean slates and put pencil to paper in late 1958 coming up with an attractive design that was all Chevrolet. For 1961 the Chevrolet line­up was down­right handsome, with hard edges and loads of chrome replaced by elegant flowing lines, and the two-­door hardtop carried off the streamline theme without issue. Combine that with some beefy V8 power and it would prove Chevy to be a winner at the races and on the showroom floor. Almost from the day they were born, customizers and builders started adding their touches to these most attractive cars.

The Car: This Roman Red Impala hardtop looks much like it did the day it left the Norwood assembly plant. One the outside, the chrome and bright work presents themselves well, while the interior is pretty close to bone­stock with proper fabrics used on the seats and door panels and the dashboard is a work of art. Even the original wrapped steering wheel is inviting you to take a hold and guide this beauty down the road. What has been changed is not quite as evident. Under the hood the 350 V8 sits with Edelbrock intake and carburetor plus other decorative items. One major upgrade was the installation of disc brakes up front while retaining the drums to the rear. Glass all around looks new and fresh, perfect for viewing the passing scenery or catching the appreciative smiles and thumbs up from the admiring crowds that will gather around this Impala.