1967 Chevrolet Impala SS: A Classic Muscle
Car, Big and Beautiful
"The
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS is not just a car; it's a statement of power and
style."
The
Chevrolet Impala SS is an enduring symbol of American automotive culture,
particularly in the realm of muscle cars. Introduced in 1961, the Impala grew
in popularity throughout the 1960s, with the 1967 model standing out as a
paragon of design and performance. This era marked a high point for Chevrolet,
as the brand successfully combined elegance with brute force, encapsulating the
essence of what it meant to be a muscle car enthusiast.
The
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS featured a bold, sweeping body design that exuded
confidence and charisma. Its long hood and short rear deck created an iconic
silhouette, accentuated by gleaming chrome accents and aggressive stance. The
muscle car was powered by a range of robust engines, including the legendary
427 cubic inch V8, offering up to 425 horsepower, making it a beast on the
road.
The
popularity of the Impala SS was not merely due to its looks and power but also
its affordability, allowing a broader audience to experience its thrills.
As a
classic, the Impala SS is often the subject of nostalgia, drawing enthusiasts
to car shows and classic car auctions alike. One humorous quip often heard at
these gatherings is, “If
the Impala were a person, it would be that friend who shows up to the party in
a tuxedo but can still outpace you in a foot race.” This
perfectly sums up the duality of the Impala SS: sophisticated yet undeniably
fast.
Secrets and Success
Behind
the glamour of the 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS lies an interesting tidbit: it was
one of the last models to embrace the classic styling and powerful engine
configurations before the automotive world began shifting towards more
fuel-efficient designs in the late 1970s. In fact, 1967 is often celebrated as
one of the best years for Impala, with sales reaching approximately 800,000
units across all models, solidifying its place in automotive history.
|
Year |
Sales |
Starting
Price |
Current
Value |
|
1967 |
800,000 units |
$3,200 |
$30,000 - $75,000 |
The
initial price of $3,200 made the Impala SS accessible to a generation looking
for style and performance without breaking the bank. Today, depending on its
condition and provenance, the classic model can fetch prices ranging from
$30,000 to $75,000 at auctions, highlighting its lasting appeal.
Designer
and Production Insights
The
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS was designed by a talented team at Chevrolet, led by
the iconic designer Bill Mitchell. Known for his vision and attention to
detail, Mitchell’s influence can be seen throughout the car’s elegant design.
The manufacturing process was no less impressive, with the use of high-quality
materials and innovative engineering techniques that set the stage for the
muscle car's legendary status.
Available
in a variety of colors, the Impala SS was particularly famous for its rich,
deep shades. Among these, the most iconic color remains the "Marina
Blue," which has become synonymous with the car’s muscle classic
aesthetic.
Color
Options
|
Color |
Description |
|
Marina Blue |
Iconic deep blue |
|
Regal Red |
Bold, vibrant red |
|
Tuxedo Black |
Elegant black |
|
Ermine White |
Clean, classic white |
|
Golden Bronze |
Rich, warm bronze |
Performance
Specifications
The
powertrain options for the 1967 Impala SS varied widely, appealing to diverse
preferences among drivers. Here is a look at some key specifications:
|
Engine
Type |
Size |
Carburetor |
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
V8 |
327 ci |
4-barrel |
275 hp |
360 lb.-ft |
|
V8 |
396 ci |
4-barrel |
325 hp |
410 lb.-ft |
|
V8 |
427 ci |
3x2-barrel |
400 hp |
490 lb.-ft |
|
V8 |
427 ci |
4-barrel |
425 hp |
460 lb.-ft |
Performance
Stats
The
impressive performance capabilities of the 1967 Impala SS made it a favorite
among muscle car aficionados:
|
Stat |
Value |
|
0 to 60 mph |
6.5 seconds |
|
Quarter Mile |
14.6 seconds |
|
Engine |
427 V8 |
|
Engine Source |
Chevrolet |
Conclusion
The
1967 Chevrolet Impala SS is more than just a car; it is a symbol of freedom,
power, and the golden age of American muscle cars. It represents an era when
automobiles were not just modes of transport but also expressions of
individuality and passion. With its striking design and robust performance, the
Impala SS continues to inspire car enthusiasts and collectors, reminding us of
the joy of the open road. In the words of car lovers everywhere, “Drive it like you stole it!” The
legacy of the 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS endures, encapsulating the spirit of a
bygone era while remaining a powerful icon in the automotive world.
Production
Models Overview (1960-1970)
|
Model |
Year |
|
Impala SS |
1961 |
|
Impala SS |
1962 |
|
Impala SS |
1963 |
|
Impala SS |
1964 |
|
Impala SS |
1965 |
|
Impala SS |
1966 |
|
Impala SS |
1967 |
|
Impala SS |
1968 |
|
Impala SS |
1969 |
|
Impala SS |
1970 |
Final
Thoughts
As
we reminisce about the 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS, this muscle car remains a
beloved treasure among enthusiasts. Its blend of style, power, and nostalgia
resonates deeply, making it a timeless classic. Whether you are admiring it at
a car show or cruising down the highway, the Impala SS is a reminder of the
glorious past of American automotive ingenuity.
Here is a
geographic table based on approximations of the regions and cities where each
of these top 10 muscle cars might have been most popular or are currently
possessed, according to general knowledge and trends:
|
Car |
City/Region |
Sales (%) |
|
1969
Dodge Charger R/T |
Atlanta,
Georgia |
18% |
|
1967 Ford
Mustang Shelby GT500 |
Los
Angeles, California |
22% |
|
1964
Pontiac GTO |
Detroit,
Michigan |
16% |
|
1970
Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 |
Dallas,
Texas |
15% |
|
1970
Plymouth Hemi 'Cudas |
Miami,
Florida |
14% |
|
1968
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 |
Chicago,
Illinois |
20% |
|
1969 Ford
Mustang Boss 429 |
Houston,
Texas |
19% |
|
1970
Dodge Challenger R/T |
Phoenix,
Arizona |
17% |
|
1969
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am |
Nashville,
Tennessee |
12% |
|
1970
Buick GSX |
New York |
13% |
Conclusion: The Legacy of American Muscle
As
we reach the final pages of this journey through the golden era of American
muscle cars, it becomes evident that these machines were much more than just
modes of transportation. They were rolling embodiments of the American
spirit—bold, powerful, and unapologetically rebellious.
The
muscle car era, which peaked in the 1960s and early 1970s, remains a testament
to a time when the pursuit of raw power and high performance was king, where
speed and style intersected, and where the thrill of driving was an art form.
Each
vehicle chronicled in this collection represents more than the sum of its
parts. From the throaty growl of a Dodge Charger R/T’s V8 engine to the sleek,
aggressive lines of the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, these cars were designed to
evoke emotion and demand attention.
They were not simply built for utility—they were built for passion. And while performance specs like horsepower, top speed, and acceleration define the engineering marvels behind these cars, it is the human element—the connection between man and machine—that made them legendary.
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