Car Collector Corner: The popular Chevy Impala SS
Q: Greg, I own a 1994 Impala SS, with the LT1 and finished in black. Where does this car rate in the history of the Impala SS? David L., Pennsylvania.
A: David, your Impala SS is a "keeper."
As for the Chevy's SS (Super Sport) history, I remember the day clearly when I caught a glance of the first ever Impala SS. It was a warm, late summer day in 1961, and there, at a stoplight, sat a band new, bright Roman Red Chevy Impala with no hubcaps on it. It was from a Yank Chevrolet in Vineland, N.J.
This Impala, however, was different. It didn't purr like the routine Impala - it rumbled. Matter of fact, it sounded harsher than Chevy's hot setup of the era, the 348 tri-power V8. More unique was a crossed flag badge with an "SS" emblem on the rear trunk lid and front grille. This distinctive insignia was different than other Chevy badges, each of which gave specific "giveaway" clues as to power under the hood. However, the crossed flags with the SS designation were new to me, and it meant something big.
Soon, to my liking, the light turned green and the Impala roared off. It was the fastest production car I'd ever seen in my 12 years on his earth! I wanted to know more.
Hurriedly, I jumped on my Sears J.C. Higgins Flightliner bicycle and sped to Yank Chevrolet (long since changing hands and names), which was about five blocks away from my home. To my astonishment, in pulled the red Impala SS, which had been out on a test ride. Before long, I was peering directly under the Impala's hood at Chevy's all new, 409-cubic inch, 360-horse engine that soon would be heralded by the Beach Boys in "She's Real Fine My 409" vinyl. As for production numbers, of the 453 SS models produced, only 142 were 409s while the rest are 348-inch versions. Thus, if anyone out there has a 1961 409, they are sitting on big money. In contrast, over 90,000 Impala SS models were sold in 1962, but not all were 409s.
From that day on, Impala SS went on to become one of Chevrolet's most historic and best-loved full size muscle cars, lasting until 1969 when GM ended its run with a 427 V8 under the hood. In retrospect, the full-sized Impala SS changed the way Americans looked at high performance.
- If you had to take the boss and his friends to lunch, the Impala SS did the job.
- If taking the kids to the little league game with the trunk loaded with bats and balls was on schedule, the Impala SS filled the bill.
- On the weekend, Impala SS transformed itself into a powerful racecar, capable of impressive quarter-mile runs and trophy winning performances with engines up to 425 horsepower available.
After laying dormant for 24 years, Chevy re-introduced the Impala SS in 1994 to 1996, doing so with true SS authority instead of insignias and paint. Under the hood of your 1994 model is a cast-iron head Corvette inspired 350-inch LT1 V8, pumping out 260 horses and capable of the same impressive acceleration that caught my attention back in '61. All of this generation SS came only in 4-door availability.
The year 1996 was the last year of "original front motor, rear drive" Impala SS availability. Additionally, I must emphasize that the 1994-1996 Impala SS is more than just a one-dimensional stoplight sensation. A special ride and handling package borrowed from the Chevy law enforcement package adds an impressive level of agility for such a big car, and you sure can't argue with EPA numbers of 17/26. To your advantage, Chevy only produced 6,300 SS Impala's in 1994 (all black in color).
Granted, to some the rear drive, 4-door, full-size 1994-1996 Impala SS is an outdated dinosaur, unable to go in snow and technologically way behind. Some may even point to Chevy's modern front drive SS Impala as worthy of note.
In summary, however, those that remember the 1961-1969 and 1994-1996 Impala SS models know that Chevy's heritage of Impala SS high performance shines on a bit brighter.
Matter of fact, way brighter. Thanks for your question.
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(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto writer who welcomes reader inquiries at 116 Main St., Towanda, Pa. 18848 or email him at extramile_2000@yahoo.com)
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