1970 Chevrolet Impala Convertible
1970 would be the last year for the fourth generation Impala and the only year that would not get an SS version. Only 9,562 Impala convertibles were produced for 1970 and they were one of three convertibles available from Chevrolet including the Chevelle SS and the Corvette. Full sized convertibles were desirable at the time and the list of available models in 1970 included the Cadillac DeVille, Buick Electra, Chrysler Newport, Oldsmobile 98, Plymouth Fury, and the Mercury Monterey.
For consignment, a 1970 Chevrolet Impala convertible with a numbers matching drivetrain, a great looking interior, and enough trunk space for a hockey team's equipment. It's big, bold, and gold and is a surviving remnant of a time when large convertibles were as common as small ones are today.
Exterior
Drinking in the Champagne Gold we realize it must have taken quite a few quarts to cover this car, especially the rear quarter panels which go on for miles. A black pinstripe starts on the front fender and follows the top edge all the way to the back which raises slightly just behind the rear window, then continues straight to the sloping edge. Door molding to prevent dings from other long doored cars parking adjacent also runs the length of the car accentuating the dimensions of the car. Chrome headlight bezels, the front bumper, and grille are in glimmering condition and so is the rear bumper which embeds the wonderfully distinct three lens tail lights. Three creases not only strengthen the hood but add a design element in line with the sculpted edges, leading back to the vented cowl so common in the era. 17-inch polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels bump up this cruiser's street cred and its black canvas top shows some wear with several tears and separations, but its glass window is intact. Other imperfections include some touched up scratches in the paint.
Interior
Stitch patterned black vinyl doors are enhanced with upholstery buttons and a vertical faux wood panel with an Impala logo, while the split bench seat retains the buttons in rows of vertical black vinyl. The rear bench does not divert from the design and both seats and door panels are in good shape although some cracking and tears can be found. An Impala in full stride can be found on the faux wood steering wheel as well which shares the column with the shifter and turn signal stalk. A horizontal gauge cluster includes the 120 mph speedometer, the fuel gauge, and a clock, all situated above a row of idiot lights that create a line above the next section, the climate control panel and AM radio in a richly grained faux wood plate. With no center console, the floor space is quite generous, impeded only by the transmission hump and all of it covered in black loop carpet in good condition. The trunk is very clean and contains a spare tire and a ton of empty space.
Drivetrain
Sitting cleanly in the large engine bay is the numbers matching 350ci V8, rated at 250 horsepower and supplied fuel by a single 2-barrel carburetor. The numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission is in place as well and sends power to the 10 bolt rear and 2.56 gears. Power brakes are a welcome feature with discs up front and drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath reveals surface rust in the usual place, a single exhaust that is intersected by a Spintech muffler and exits out the rear with a chrome downward turned tip, and residual oil on the pan and rear differential. Coil spring suspension is supplied in the front while a 3 link with coil springs and a panhard bar are out back.
Drive-Ability
The seating dynamic is all about cruising, one arm on the window sill, the other draped over the steering wheel, gently guiding this big Impala onto our flat test loop and daydreaming about the next cruise night in an arbitrary small town. The original 350 runs great, not blistering fast but with more than adequate power to roll this land yacht with confidence and power brakes make slowing and stopping easy. We're hearing a bit of extra noise that we detect as exhaust leaks. Beyond that, everything except the clock and wipers work just fine.
Here's an uncommon opportunity to own an original, numbers matching Impala and one that's been taken care of as it's in great shape. It needs very little and is ready to take on the summer to provide miles of open air fun. Picture yourself with the family heading out for ice cream on a hot summer night or attending the next car show or cruise night. Opportunities like that are worth their weight in gold!
164670U133842
1-Chevrolet
64-Impala V8
67-Convertible
0-1970
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
133842-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 70 16467-1970 Impala Convertible
BDY LOA045264-Lordstown Body #
TR 806-Black Vinyl Bench
PNT 55B-Champagne Gold, Black Top
10B-2nd Week October
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