Chevrolet Impala Third generation

1961 to 1964
Overview
Production	1960–1964
Model years	1961–1964
Assembly	United States: Arlington, Texas, (Arlington Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	B-body
Related	Chevrolet Bel Air Chevrolet Biscayne
Powertrain
Engine	230 cu in (3.8 L) Turbo Thrift I6 283 cu in (4.6 L) Turbo Fire V8 327 cu in (5.4 L) Turbo Fire V8 409 cu in (6.7 L) W-series Turbo Thrust V8 427 (7.0 L)Z11 V8 '63 only
Transmission	3-speed manual 4-speed manual Powerglide
Dimensions
Wheelbase	119"
Length	209.3"

The 1962 model featured new "C" pillar styling for all models except the 4-door hardtop. Sport Coupe models now featured the "convertible roof" styling, shared with other GM "B" full-size hardtop coupes. This style proved extremely popular, and contributed to the desirability of the '62–'64 Impalas as collectibles. The "overhang" roof style of the sedans was replaced with a more attractive, wider "C" pillar with wraparound rear window. Engine choices for '62 settled down, the 348-cubic-inch (5.7 L) V8 discontinued and replaced by the 340 brake horsepower (250 kW) 409-cubic-inch (6.7 L), which could be ordered with any transmission. The small-block 283 was enlarged to 327 cubic inches (5.4 L), which added more engine choices for small-block fans. The Beach Boys produced a hit single, "409," referring to the Chevy, which became an iconic song for these cars.

PERFORMANCE: (409 cu in)
max power (SAE): 340 hp at 5000 rpm
max torque (SAE): 420 1b ft, 58 kgm at 3200 rpm
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 15.6 m/imp gal, 13 m US gal, 18.1 1 x 100 km;
MAX SPEED: 121.1 mph, 195 km h;
max speed in 1st gear: 42.2 mph, 68 km/h
max speed in 2nd gear: 75.2 mph, 121 km/h
max •speed in 3rd gear: 121.1 mph, 195 km h
power weight ratio: 10.8 lb/hp, 4.9 kg/hp
useful load: 1058 1b, 480 kg
speed in direct drive at 1000 rpm: 23.0 mph, 37.1 km/h.

Impalas again featured premium interior appointments, plusher seats, and more chrome trim outside, including a full-width aluminum-and-chrome panel to house the triple-unit taillight assembly. Super Sport (SS) models featured that panel in a special engine-turned aluminum, which was also used to fill the side moldings, making the SS more distinctive in appearance. Impala also gains the top station wagon after the Chevrolet Nomad is gone. Due to reliability problems, the optional Turboglide automatic transmission was discontinued, leaving Powerglide the only automatic transmission available until 1965. A new radio was optional.

PERFORMANCE: 1963 Impala Super Sport Coupé
max speed in 1st gear: 50.9 mph, 82 km/h
max speed in 2nd gear: 96.3 mph, 155 km/h
max speed in 3rd gear: 130.4 mph, 210 km/h
power- weight ratio: 8.4 lb/hp, 3.8 kg/hp
useful load: 1058 1b, 480 kg
acceleration standing 1/4 mile 14.6 sec, 0-50 mph (0-80 km/h) 4.4 sec; speed in direct drive at 1000 rpm: 23.0 mph, 37.1 km/h.
compression ratio: 11. 1
max power (SAE): 425 hp at 6000 rpm
max torque (SAE): 425 1b ft, 58.6 kgm at 4200 rpm
max number of engine rpm 6000
specific power: 63.5 hp/l

1963 Chevrolet Impala Third generation SS

Among collectors, the 1963 Impala is the most popular for its body style, though it was almost mechanically identical to the 1962 model. The 1963 Impala's distinctive body style has crisp lines with pointed front and rear fenders which emphasize the long, low style of car design popular in the early 1960s. The rear taillight panel was aluminum, and was surrounded by a chrome border with the engine-turned surface on SS models. Engine choice was similar to '62, with the small-block 283-cubic-inch (4.6 L) and 327-cubic-inch (5.4 L) V8s the most popular choices. The Sport Sedan featured a new, creased roof line that proved popular. A new "coved" instrument panel was good-looking, but replaced the temperature gauge with "idiot lights" for hot and cold engine conditions. An optional factory tachometer was built into the dash, just above the steering wheel. It was rarely ordered, but gave the Super Sport models an extra feel of sportiness.

1964 Chevrolet Impala Third generation

For 1964, the Impala was slightly restyled, reverting to a more rounded, softer look. The signature taillight assembly had an "upside-down U" shaped aluminum trim strip above the taillights, but the lights themselves were surrounded by a body-colored panel. The 409-cubic-inch (6.7 L) returned as the big-block option, as well as the 2X4 carburetor setup for the 425 horsepower motors. SS models continued to feature the engine-turned aluminum trim. Rooflines were carried over from '63 unchanged. Back-up lights were standard.

1964 Chevrolet Impala Third generation Rear view

Right hand drive cars were made at GM's Oshawa plant in Canada and often shipped overseas in kit form for assembly in South Africa and New Zealand. The RHD cars – Chevy or equivalent Pontiac (built on Chevrolet frames and using Chevy engines in Canada)– all used a RHD version of the LHD 1961 Pontiac dashboard.

1961 Chevrolet Impala Convertible in Goodfellas film 1990

1961 Chevrolet Impala in James Bondss Dr. No, From 1962