*THIS VEHICLE IS GOING TO BE SELLING WITH NO RESERVE AT THE UPCOMING BARRETT JACKSON AUCTION BEING HELD IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ OCTOBER 10-13. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER TO BID DIRECTLY WITH BARRETT JACKSON. IT'S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. YOU CAN BID IN PERSON, OVER THE PHONE OR ONLINE. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.*
Dubbed, “White Suede”, this 1961 Chevrolet Impala Bubbletop Custom is equipped with a fuel-injected Merlin 711 V8, 4L80E automatic transmission and Ford 9” POSI rear end. As the original VIN number indicates, this example was originally built at the Los Angeles, CA factory with a V8. The car spent its entire life in California until 2024 and CA black plates are included. It was built by artist Derek McCowan over a six year period. It was featured at SEMA in 2023 and was the recipient of two Goodguys “Award of Excellence” awards which are included. Everything on the car was restored or replaced to high show quality standards. The body retains most of its original factory sheet metal which is laser straight with extremely precise gap lines. The factory hood ornaments, door handles, gas cap lid, antenna and miscellaneous emblems were shaved. The rear quarters were slightly fabricated to accommodate the 4” side exhaust pipes. It was refinished in the color of Ford White Suede and the paint quality is magnificent. The new glass throughout is crystal clear and the bright work is brilliant. The impressive front bumper was decorated with a grille guard and black rubber bullets. The two inside headlights were removed and now function as part of the air intake system. It has a killer stance on Budnik Tungsten Titanium 18” and 20” wheels with knockoffs and Falken Azenis redline tires. The fully custom red interior was completed by Upholstery by Brent. It was outfitted with a customized red 1959 Impala dash that houses custom Classic Instruments red gauges including a 200-mph speedometer and 8,000- rpm tachometer. The dash is also home to the Vintage Air Conditioning controls and machined vents. The lower center dash flows into a customized center console with Cadillac CTS components. The console features a Lokar LED shift indicator, Accuair E-Level control pad, billet shifter, cup holders, leather padded armrest, storage compartment, concealed controls including the ignition, power windows and power outlet. The sides of center console, kick panels, door panels and rear package shelf were wrapped with embossed red leather. The Chevelle styled bucket seats and rear seats were upholstered with red leather and black accents. Some additional features include a polished tilt steering column, Budnik steering wheel, electric door poppers, custom front seat bases with lighting, emergency brake handle and gray weaved carpeting. The trunk compartment was outfitted with custom panels that match the interior coachwork. The fuel filler was relocated in the trunk and battery cut off knob was added. The engine compartment is extremely detailed throughout. The painted firewall, inner fenders and support panel were fabricated including vents and the air intake system. The car is powered by a fuel-injected Merlin Super Block 711 V8 that has an estimated 950hp. Some of the engine parts include a Callies crank, Cunningham Rods, CE pistons, Dart Pro 1 aluminum heads, painted machined valve covers with custom breathers, Hogan Intake with FAST fuel injection, Billet Specialties Tru-Trac serpentine system, and Moroso aluminum oil pan. The engine is cooled by a Fluidyne aluminum radiator with dual electric fans. The engine breathes through custom Lemons headers and 4” side exhaust system with Spin Tech mufflers. The engine is coupled to a 4L80E automatic transmission with billet torque converter. The power is transferred to a Ford 9” POSI rear end with Pro Center Section, 35-spline axles and 3.55 gears. The undercarriage is also extremely detailed throughout. The original X-frame was boxed for strength and powder coated black. It's equipped with a CPP power steering box, Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes, Accuair suspension with tubular control arms and rear 4-link. This car has been completely serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that's included. This is the best overall custom vehicle ever offered from the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.
