West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional and extremely rare and recently frame off restored example of this highly desirable original southern California 1964 Chevrolet Impala factory SS 2 Door Hardtop (41447) with a date correct 327 V8 matched to a 'Powerglide' 2 speed automatic transmission and professionally finished in the most striking 'Tuxedo Black' color paint matched to it's original 'Black' SS bucket seats vinyl interior (trim code 815) with center console & floor shifter and loaded with factory options including air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, dual exhausts, AM/FM radio, electric clock, cruise control & tinted glass!
The SS model was the top of the line and most luxurious and sporty model and only available as a two door convertible or coupe and came equipped with superior rear axle location with four, rather than three, links, making it one of the best handling muscle cars of its day and available only on the top of the line Impala. In 1964 the SS became a separate line up from the rest with a separate designated VIN number. The list of standard equipment on the '64 SS included leather grained vinyl upholstery with individual front bucket seats and swirl pattern dashboard and body molding inserts. There was also a locking center console, a built-in rear seat radio speaker grille, dual dome and floor courtesy lamps with automatic door switches, full wheel covers of specific Super Sport design and red SS emblems all over the car. Additional standard equipment included thick foam cushion seats, bright aluminum front seat end panels and a bright instrument panel insert with nameplate molding. It also included an electric clock, parking brake warning light and Impala center emblem on the steering wheel. Special padded arm rests were included for front and rear seats.
This particular 'Black Plate' original California example has had a complete frame off restoration in 2009 when the car had reportedly only 76,296 original miles on a reportedly original rust free and completely straight all steel body. It is ready to show and in its striking 'Tuxedo Black' color paint with original 'Black' SS interior trim and seats with a factory padded dash and rear seat speaker. It is an original SS 2 Door hardtop car (1447) with a date correct 327 V8 engine matched with its original factory 'Powerglide' automatic transmission and an Eaton built LSD 'ED' 3.70 posi-traction rear end. Please note that as typically happens, during the restoration, the engine was also removed and rebuilt and during the rebuild the block was obviously decked by the machine shop and the engine assembly date and suffix codes were therefore unfortunately removed by the machining process and we are therefore unable to confirm whether or not the engine is original to the car although it does have the date correct 3858180 casting number (1964-67 327 small block)
The car's factory options boast power steering, factory tach, factory AM/FM radio, power disc brakes, cruise control, bucket seats, center locking console and air conditioning. The black SS interior is also restored and the car has its original Super Sport spinner Rally wheels and factory correct 'BF Goodrich' radial tires to complete the package. The car will be sold with it's original 1964 owners handbook.
The Impala was restyled on the existing GM B platform for 1961. The new body styling was more trim and boxy than the 1958-60 models. Sport Coupe models featured a "bubbleback" roof line style for '61 and a unique model, the 2-door pillared sedan, was available for 1961 only. It was rarely ordered and a scarce collectible today. The rare Super Sport (SS) option debuted for 1961 and was retired in 1968. The 1962 model featured new "C" pillar styling for all models except the 4-door hardtop "Sport Sedan." Sport Coupe models now featured the "convertible roof" styling, shared with other GM "B" full size hardtop coupes. This style proved extremely popular, and contributed to the desirability of the '62-'64 Impalas as collectibles.
'62-'64 Impalas again featured premium interior appointments, plusher seats, and more chrome trim outside, including a full-width aluminum-and-chrome panel to house the triple-unit taillight assembly. Super Sport (SS) models featured that panel in a special engine-turned aluminum, which was also used to fill the side moldings, making the SS more distinctive in appearance. The 1963 Impala's distinctive body style has crisp lines with pointed front and rear fenders which emphasize the long, low style of car design popular in the early 1960s. The rear taillight panel was aluminum, and was surrounded by a chrome border with the engine-turned surface on SS models. Engine choice was similar to '62, with the small-block 283-cubic-inch (4.6 L) and 327-cubic-inch (5.4 L) V8s the most popular choices. The Sport Sedan featured a new, creased roof line that proved popular. A new "coved" instrument panel was good-looking and replaced the temperature gauge with "idiot lights" for hot and cold engine conditions. An optional factory tachometer was built into the dash, just above the steering wheel. It was rarely ordered, but gave the Super Sport models an extra feel of sportiness.
For 1964, the Impala was slightly restyled, reverting to a more rounded, softer look. Out back, the signature taillight assembly had an "upside-down U" shaped aluminum trim strip above the taillights, but the lights themselves were surrounded by a body-colored panel. SS models continued to feature the engine-turned aluminum trim. Rooflines were carried over from '63 unchanged. The 1964 model has been highly praised and desired by West Coast rap groups since the early 1990s, with enthusiastic endorsers such as Easy E & Dr Dre amongst many others.
In summary, this is one rare and wonderful opportunity to a own an incredibly collectible and very striking all Black and virtually fully loaded 1964 Impala SS 2 Door Hardtop all American muscle car in turn-key and show ready condition!
