1962 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport Convertible SS

Chevrolet Impala 1962 Description

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR DOCUMENTATION AND RESTORATION PHOTOS.
HISTORYOn October 6, 1961, Virginia K. Garrison walked in to Mission Chevrolet located at 100 S. San Gabriel Boulevard in San Gabriel, California. On this day, Mrs. Garrison traded in her 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible and ordered the all new1962 Chevrolet Impala convertible Super Sport. Mrs. Garrison was given a $910.18 trade in credit on the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible.
Having ordered the car in October of 1961, Mrs. Garrison wanted to be the first to own the newly redesigned 1962 Chevrolet Impala convertible, complete with the super sport package. Mrs. Garrison ordered the car in Adobe Beige exterior paint, fawn interior, powerglide automatic transmission, bucket seats, Super Sport package, 327 V8 engine, white wall tires, power steering and one side mirror (reference the attached order form).
On November 25, 1961, Mrs. Garrison took possession of her all new 1962 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport Convertible (reference the attached sales receipt). Mrs. Garrison drove the car from 1961 to 1991. In 1991, she stopped driving the car. The car was always garaged and meticulously maintained (stacks of service records available).The car went unused from 1991-2016 and sat in her garage in Alta Dena, CA (Pasadena).
In 2016, Mrs. Garrison's adult nephew decided to air up the tires, replace the battery and get her back on the road. Shortly thereafter, I was fortunate enough purchase the vehicle.
In early 2016, I purchased the car in 2016 and struggled with the idea of keeping her original/unrestored (patina) or doing a full blown frame off restoration. After several weeks, I compromised with a restoration, however keeping it original.
Between February 2016 and May 2017, the car was completely disassembled and restored. I have provided just a few photos documenting the restoration below. The following modifications were made, the original white top was changed to a top that matches the paint, added a passenger side mirror, added dual rear antenna, added front/rear bumper guards, added fender skirts, added power brakes (for safety), swapped out the powerglide for a three speed automatic (drives much better). The power brakes and upgraded transmission were done to make the car more driveable due to modern road conditions.
Nearly every item on this car was restored to better than new. The only things that were not restored were, the dashboard and convertible rack. This was done because they were in excellent shape and did not need repair. Also, I wanted to leave just a few things original, the way it came from the factory. Also, sitting behind that untouched dash reminds you, you are still driving an old car.
VIN DECODE21867L128051
2= 1962, Production Year18= Impala67= ConvertibleL= Los Angeles Built (Build Plant)128051= Vehicle number that came off the assembly line
TRIM TAG11CSTYLE- 62-1867 = 1962 Production Year, Impala, CovertibleTRIM- 856 = Fawn Interior, SS Bucket Seats21 SS IVY = 21 unknown, SS= Super Sport, IVY= unknownBODY- VN 1227 = VN, Van Nuys (Los Angeles Build Plant)PAINT-938 = Adobe Beige
OpinionsThis car was thoroughly inspected and restored by a reputable Impala builder located in southern California. He agreed, this car was 100% original prior to restoration. This car was never involved in an accident, all body panels original, original body gaps, never hit, never rusted, never repainted, never reupholstered, engine never removed, all part numbers original, original grease markings of firewall (SS) and frame, original red oxide primer under carpet, no pin holes, no patch panels, original trim, just an honest to goodness original unmolested, unrestored car. This car still has its original license plates, original license plate frames. I know this car was built in Van Nuys (Los Angeles build plant), Sold new in San Gabriel, California and owned by Virginia Garrison from 1961-2016. This car has never left the Los Angeles area its entire life.
Today the car looks and drives great. All lights and turn signals work, it has a new top motor, cylinders and hoses. In summary it is a restored car that is ready to drive now. I have driven the car less than 40 miles since completion. What I feel makes this car so unique is that unlike 99% of Impalas, this car was a highly optioned Super Sport convertible which was documented since the day it was ordered in 1961 (docs attached). The car was delivered nearly six weeks later (sales docs attached). The car was adult female owned until 2016. It was always garaged and extremely well maintained. I got it with the original (California sun bleached paint) and original interior (which was excellent). This car has never been in any accidents, never had any patch panels and maintains zero bondo. The car still has its original California license plates and dealer frames. The car has been restored with the intention of keeping it as original as possible. The restoration was completed less than three months ago and has not more than 40 test miles. I have a lot of photos documenting the restoration that will go with the car.
Terms of SaleThis auction will run the full seven days. It is not listed for sale locally. If the reserve is met, I will require a $1000 non-refundable deposit within 48 hours. The balance is due within four business days. Please ask all questions and/or inspect the vehicle prior to bidding. Remember, you are bidding to own, NOT inspect. Also, please have your finances in order prior to bidding. This vehicle is being sold "as is, where is." There are no warranties expressed or implied and shipping is to be paid for by the buyer. You are welcome to message me questions and or call/text (714) 234-6095. Please do not call or message me just to ask the reserve. Out of fairness to all bidders and the auction process, simply bid to what you are comfortable with. I thank you for taking the time to view my listing. This listing will end on July 30, 2017 at 7:00 PM (PST).