1961 Chevrolet Impala

Nomad Wagon

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

11835S141897

Gasoline

In 2004 I dug this car out of a quonset hut in Oklahoma where it was stored since 1971. It has the original 283 c.i. V-8 engine and 2 speed Powerglide transmision. I've replaced the fuel sending unit, fuel pump, radiator, water pump, hoses, distributor, cap, rotor, wires, plugs, belt, valve covers, air cleaner, chrome alternator, master cylinder, brake shoes and cylinders, front upper and lower ball joints and control arm bushings, sway bar bushngs, shock absorbers, steering gear seal and Flowmaster muffler. I installed a later model GM intake and 2 bbl carbeurator that I had around (still have the originals). It has 17" American Racing Torque Thrust II wheels and Khumo tires. I hit a pothole and bent the rim of the passenger front wheel so it has dings/gouges in the rim where I straightened it. Which is why...This spring I installed front and rear lowering springs and a front power disc brake kit with 2" dropped spindles and had the car aligned. I have had the gas tank boiled and sealed and had all the transmission seals replaced and the modulator. I rebuilt the windshield wiper motor and it and the washer works. The paint is original except for the driver's rear quarter where I had some rust repaired in 2004. All things considered the car is rust free except for some at the bottoms of the front fenders and the worst at the tailgate (although as tailgates go it is pretty good and saveable). I have the original Nomad script and flags for the drivers side but haven't reinstalled them. I replaced the carpet, pad and kick panels in 2005 and the only floorboard rust was one small spot up high near the passenger front seat mount - could use a small patch but does not need any floorboard replacement (the picture showing it is a pretty extreme close-up). I've added seat belts all around. I had the white on the steering wheel repainted in 2005 also and it still looks great. I added a 3rd row seat out of a '61 Pontiac but it would have to be recovered to match (CARS Inc. sells a set - I put a "Mexican" blanket over it if I have it up). I have installed an AM/FM CD Radio and front and rear speakers but retained the original radio and it works great. The original dash clock does not work. I have put over 7,000 miles on this car in the six summers I've had it and it has been very dependable. Mechanically sound...needs minor body work and a paint job. I love driving this car as is but won't be able to finish this car the way it deserves.