Get the full story on America’s most iconic car: the Chevrolet Impala. We’re cruising from the stunning 1958 fins to the raw power of the 1960s SS and the surprise 1990s return. Plus, we’ll clear up the “Classic” vs. classic confusion. This is your ultimate guide.
Have you ever seen a car that just stops you in your tracks? Or a car that looks like rolling art? For many people, that car is a Chevrolet Impala. These are truly special vehicles.
In fact, Chevrolet Impala classic cars are loved by people all over the world. Moreover, they have a very long history. Therefore, they have changed a lot over the years.
This post is your guide to this amazing car. First, we will look at its bright beginning. We will also see how it changed. And, we will help you understand what makes these cars a true “classic.” So, let’s dive in and explore the story of the Impala.
What Makes Chevrolet Impala Classic Cars So Special?
What does “classic car” mean? A classic car is an older car. Usually, it is special because of its style. People love to collect them. And, the Impala is a perfect example. The first Impalas were long, low, and wide. They had fins and lots of shiny chrome.
But it was not just about looks. The Impala was also important to American life. You could see it in movies. You could also hear it in songs. Most importantly, it was a car for everyone.
A family could use it for a trip. A teenager could also take it to a drive-in. It was both useful and beautiful. As a result, it won a place in people’s hearts.
The Very Beginning: The 1958 Chevrolet Impala Classic Car
The Impala story starts in 1958. In the beginning, the Impala was not its own car. Instead, it was the top model of another car, the Bel Air. But, this 1958 Chevrolet Impala classic car was a big hit. It was so popular that Chevrolet made it its own model the very next year.
The 1958 Impala had a look all its own. For example, it had three taillights on each side. That’s six lights in total! This was very unique. It also had a lower roof and a special design. People loved it right away.
Under the hood, you could get a big V8 engine. This engine was new and powerful. In other words, the Impala was not just stylish. It was also fast. This car showed the world that Chevrolet was serious about style and power.
The Sixties: The Golden Age of Classic Cars Chevrolet Impala
The 1960s were the best time for the Impala. In fact, during this decade, the Impala became the best-selling car in America. The style changed, but the heart of the car stayed the same. For example, it was big, comfortable, and full of options.
The Famous 1961 “Bubble Top”
The 1961 Impala had a big style change. For instance, the big fins from the 1950s were gone. In their place was a clean, sharp new look. Some models had a “bubble top” roof. This roof was thin and airy. As a result, it looked very modern.
But the biggest news was the “SS” model. “SS” stands for Super Sport. In fact, this was the first Impala SS. It came with a powerful engine. And, it had special seats and trim.
Most importantly, it introduced the famous 409 engine. This V8 engine was a legend. Subsequently, the Beach Boys even wrote a famous song about it!
The Best-Seller: The Classic Chevrolet Impala 1966
By the middle of the 1960s, the Impala was king. For example, the Classic Chevrolet Impala 1966 is a great example. This car had a new “Coke bottle” shape. In other words, it curved in the middle. Then, it curved back out over the wheels. This look was very popular.
In fact, the 1965 and 1966 Impalas sold over one million cars each year. This was a record that no other car model has ever beaten. People just loved them.
Above all, they were great family cars. They were also great-looking cars. You could get a simple one or a fancy one. Truly, there was an Impala for everyone.
The 1969 Chevrolet Impala Curbside Classic
Near the end of the 1960s, styles changed again. The 1969 Chevrolet Impala curbside classic shows this new look. For instance, the cars became bigger and more formal. They had a “loop” front bumper. That is to say, this bumper went all the way around the grill.
The Impala was still a best-seller. However, things were starting to change. Soon, new, smaller muscle cars were getting popular. The Impala was now seen as a big, comfortable family car. But it was still a beautiful and classic design.
The Impala Changes: The 1970s and 1980s
The 1970s brought big changes to all cars. Above all, there was a gas crisis. Gas became very expensive. As a result, people wanted smaller cars. Chevrolet had to change the Impala.
The 1974 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Impala coupe was one of the last truly big Impalas. These cars were huge. They were very comfortable for long trips. But they also used a lot of gas. Subsequently, in 1977, Chevrolet made the Impala smaller.
The new, smaller Impala was a big success. It was shorter and lighter. But, it still had plenty of room inside. This generation of Impala was very tough.
In fact, police departments and taxi companies loved them. The Chevrolet Impala 1985 curbside classic is a great example. These cars were simple, strong, and reliable.
The SS Returns and a New “Classic” Name
After 1985, the Impala name went away for a while. Instead, it was replaced by the Caprice. But, the story was not over.
The 1990s Surprise: 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Impala SS
In 1994, the Impala came back. And it came back in a big way! The 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Impala SS was a shock. Specifically, it was based on the big Caprice police car.
Chevrolet painted it black. Additionally, they gave it a powerful V8 engine from a Corvette. And, they put on cool wheels.
This new Impala SS was a “modern muscle car.” In other words, it was big, fast, and mean-looking. People loved it.
Sadly, Chevrolet only made it for three years (1994-1996). Today, these cars are very popular. In fact, they are modern Chevrolet Impala classic cars.
What Is a “Chevrolet Impala Classic”?
This is where things get a little confusing. In the 2000s, the Impala was a front-wheel-drive car. It was a good car, but very different. Sometimes, Chevrolet would keep building the old model for one extra year. They sold these old models to rental companies and police. To avoid confusion, they added a new name. They called it the “Impala Classic.”
So, a 2004 Chevrolet Impala Classic or a 2014 Chevrolet Impala Classic is not a classic car in the same way. In other words, it is a fleet version of the previous year’s Impala. This is very different from a 1958 Chevrolet Impala classic car.
Buying Chevrolet Impala Classic Cars for Sale
Are you dreaming of owning one of these cars? In 2025, it is still possible. In fact, many Chevrolet Impala classic cars are available for sale. But, you need to know what to look for.
First, decide which year you love. Do you want the 1950s fins? Or, do you want the 1960s muscle? The prices can be very different. For example, a rare 1958 Impala will cost more than a 1974 model.
Second, look for rust. Rust is the number one enemy of old cars. Therefore, look under the car. Also, check the trunk. And check the floors. A little rust is okay. But, a lot of rust is a big problem.
Where can you look? Well, you can find cars in many places. You might find a 1961 Chevrolet Impala classic car on Craigslist. You can also look at special classic car websites. Auctions are another good place.
Here is a simple table of popular Impalas and what to know in 2025.
| Classic Impala Year | Nickname / Key Feature | Why It’s a Classic | 2025 Price Guide (Good Condition) |
| 1958 | “The First” | One-year-only design; six taillights. | $40,000 – $90,000 |
| 1961 | “Bubble Top” | First SS model; famous 409 engine. | $35,000 – $80,000 |
| 1964 | “The Lowrider” | Iconic clean style; very popular. | $30,000 – $75,000 |
| 1966 | “The Best-Seller” | “Coke bottle” shape; sold 1 million. | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| 1996 | “The Modern SS” | Last V8, rear-wheel-drive model. | $15,000 – $35,000 |
Finally, get help. Join a car club. For instance, talk to owners. Most classic car fans are very friendly. As a result, they will be happy to share what they know. This can help you make a smart choice.
The Legend Lives On
To sum up, the Impala is more than just a car. It is a piece of history. For decades, it was the car of American families. It was also the car of racers. And, it was the car of dreamers.
The story of Chevrolet Impala classic cars is long and rich. It starts with the beautiful 1958 model. It peaks with the record-breaking cars of the 1960s. And, it has a cool comeback with the 1990s SS.
These cars are still loved today. People find them. They fix them. They drive them. Because of this, the Chevrolet Impala will never be forgotten. It is, and always will be, a true American classic.
It was the very first Impala, known for its one-year-only design and unique six taillights.
“SS” means Super Sport. This was the high-performance Impala, starting in 1961 with the famous 409 engine.
It was a record-breaking best-seller. People loved its new “Coke bottle” shape, and over one million were sold.
No. “Impala Classic” was the name for fleet versions of older models, not a collectible classic like the 1960s cars.
It was a modern muscle car. It was the last Impala with a powerful V8 and rear-wheel-drive.
Jake Harlan is a seasoned automotive journalist with over 10 years of experience. From family SUVs to high-performance sports cars, he delivers accurate, unbiased reviews and practical insights trusted by enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
