Incredible resto-mod build. 350 cubic inch crate motor dressed to look like an original 283. 4-speed manual. Power steering, power disc brakes, ice cold A/C. New interior with upgraded gauges and stereo. One of the very best driving cars we’ve ever experienced!

If you’re a purist, this probably isn’t the car for you. But if you like the look and feel of the 1960 Impala (who doesn’t?), then the way this one has been skillfully re-engineered should appeal to you. It still feels very much like a vintage Impala but all the primary systems have been augmented to improve the experience. Starting with a clean 6-cylinder car certainly helps, and this one was indeed Roman Red with Ermine White top from the factory. 6-cylinder cars were never raced or abused and didn’t have the power to do any damage, so this car feels tight, solid, and well-assembled, and thanks to a full repaint about 15 years ago, it looks fantastic. Up close you might find a few minor flaws, but even from five feet away this car looks like a movie star. The sheetmetal is laser-straight with excellent panel alignment and even gaps all around, and the doors swing closed with a mechanical THUNK that just sounds expensive. All the bright stainless and chrome trim is excellent, including the ribbed tail panels that are virtually impossible to replace, and aside from some wiper scratches on the windshield, the glass is nicely preserved. The only visible modification is that little peep mirror hanging from the vent window on the driver’s side, but that’s just smart.

The red and white vinyl interior is 100% new from Ciadella Interiors and it replicates the original look exactly. New carpets, fresh seat covers, and beautiful door panels give the inside of this lovely Imp a like-new look and feel. Even the headliner is quite nice, and we believe it’s original. The only visible modifications include Auto Meter gauges in place of the originals and an upgraded AM/FM/MP3 stereo system, but they blend in so well that many folks may never notice. Of note, the warning lights for voltage, brakes, and temperature, plus turn signal and high beam indicators have been cleverly relocated into the ashtray and all remain 100% operational. Too cool! There’s a powerful Vintage Air Gen IV A/C system neatly installed under the dash, and it uses the original heater controls to help with the illusion. That device on top of the dash is for the remote-controlled Excalibur security system, but that’s really the only thing that most folks may notice. The rest is factory Chevrolet and nothing changes the inherent goodness of the 1960s feel you get when you turn the key. The massive trunk has a new mat and side panels, and you’ll note that there’s even a pad under the mat designed to hide the body mount bolts—this car is full of such thoughtful details. There’s also a full-sized spare and jack assembly, just in case.

The engine is a fresh GM crate motor making 290 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. of torque, plenty to make the Impala feel quick and entertaining on the road, and certainly more than you could get in 1960. Everything you can see on the engine is new, including a 750 CFM QuadraJet carburetor rebuilt by Benchwick Carburetors, a new HEI distributor, Edelbrock intake manifold, aluminum water pump, and a giant radiator to keep things cool no matter what. It’s finished in Chevy Orange to give it a suitably vintage look with correct 1960-style valve covers to help with the illusion. The dual master cylinder and new power brake booster feed a set of front disc brakes to really improve stopping power, and there’s a fresh GM 605 power steering system that makes this car effortless to drive. The T10 4-speed manual transmission was rebuilt by Ed Hartnett 4-Speeds and features a fresh Ram clutch with light pedal action and crisp take-up. The front suspension is completely rebuilt with new springs, shocks, bushings, ball joints, and tie rods, while the original rear end was augmented with a set of 3.55 gears and heavy-duty Moser axles and bearings, all assembled by Henderson Driveline. The gas tank, sending unit, lines and hoses, and brake cables are all new, too. The exhaust system is a custom 2.5-inch system with Magnaflow stainless mufflers and 12-inch resonators, so it has a great V8 burble that is almost silent at cruising speeds. The stock wheels wear factory hubcaps and a fresh set of 215/75/14 wide whitewall radials.

Documentation includes original an owner’s manual, warranty booklet, brochures, and various manuals for parts like the radio and security system.

This is a beautifully engineered, thoughtfully built, and carefully assembled car—they’re rarely this good. We deal with hundreds of cars each year and have had thousands pass through our showroom, and this one rises to the top of the heap. If you’re shopping price alone, well, this isn’t your car. But if you care about quality, reliability, ease of use, and yes, the fun-to-drive factor, then this car scores big in every category. It isn’t for bargain shoppers, it’s a car for someone who wants an outstanding car that just works like it should. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.