1962 Chevrolet® Impala™

"Chevrolet geared up to go"

During the early 1960s novelty songs were immensely popular. The Jaguar XK-E, Corvette Stingray™, Thunderbird, Cobra, Hemi-Dodge, and the Deuce coupe were all immortalized, but only one engine rated a top-ten hit of its own, the “real fine 409”. Chevrolet was the proud owner of the big block409-cid V-8, and in 1962 the Impala SS™ showcased the power plant in impressive style. The Impala name first appeared on a mid-50’s Chevrolet show car in 1958, it made its production debut as a unique luxury sport model option in the Bel Air™ line. Offered initially hardtop coupe and convertible, The Impala topped the Chevrolet hierarchy for years. During the’61 model year two options were introduced that would endear the Impala even further to shoppers who wanted a bit more speed to their luxury. One was the Super Sport™ package; and the other was the 409 engine.

The Super Sport was largely an appearance option. “SS” badgings, special wheel covers, a passenger assist bar, series specific tires, and other goodies gave the Impala SS a decidedly racy look, all for a mere $54 for ’62. Also that year, all-vinyl bucket seats and a floor console were added for $102. Special side and spear and rear cove material joined knock-off style wheel covers in distinguishing the SS from other Impala models.

All full sized offerings from Chevrolet wore extensively freshened sheet metal for 1962. The look was sleek tailored, and smart. Topping the Impala Sport Coupe was a new more formal roof featuring wide C-pillars and rearward creases that suggested a convertible top, especially when vinyl covered. Both Sport Coupe (starting at $2669) and the convertible (starting at $2919) were available with SS options; about 100,000 of the SS models were sold for ’62. Chevrolet took particular pride in offering a wide variety of engines throughout it’s full-size line, and 1962 was certainly no exception. The stuff songs, however, was the Impala SS equipped with either one of two 409 engines. The 409 had started out as a 348 big block in 1958. The power plant, which featured “W”-shaped cylinder heads, was bored out to 409 cid during the ’61 model year. For ’62, the single four-barrels carb version was rated 380bhp. If you wanted the ultimate hairy-chested cruiser, you could double the four-barrels for an astonishing 409 bhp, the magic one horse power per cubic inch ratio!!

Coupled to an optional fully synchronized four-speed manual tranny, well, no wonder the beach boys were singing. Other features such as power steering and heavy-duty brakes, and heavy-duty suspension components helped tame the Impala SS 409 for the road. That word “tame”, however, is relative the more potent 409 was capable of 115 mph in the quarter mile and nearly 150 mph top speed. Even the 380 bhp version could do 0-60 in 7.3 seconds. The 409 Chevrolet proved to be quite a potent performer on the drag-strip and racetrack.

Because of the option ability that 1962 Chevrolet offered, one could order a 409-equipped Biscayne “Stealth Bomber” Conversely an Impala SS might be rolling down the road with a frugal six-cylinder. But the synergy of that anodized side spear, that SS badging, those 409 numerals coupled with crossed flags proclaiming you could move as good as you looked made ’62 a very fine year.