The 1961 Chevrolet Impala is an icon, instantly recognizable and deeply cherished by automotive enthusiasts. Among the various body styles offered that year, one stands out not for its fame, but for its sheer scarcity: the 2-door sedan. For reasons that remain somewhat enigmatic, Chevrolet decided to grace its top-tier Impala with the more understated 2-door sedan body, typically found on the more basic Bel Air and Biscayne models. This resulted in a production run of a mere 11,719 units, a tiny fraction – less than 1% – of the total full-size Chevrolets manufactured in 1961.
1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door sedan in a light blue color, showcasing its rare body style and classic design.
Adding another layer of intrigue, the coveted Super Sport (SS) package debuted in the spring of 1961, and theoretically, it could have been ordered on this rare 2-door sedan. Unlike later iterations, the 1961 SS package was remarkably versatile, available on any Impala excluding wagons – encompassing 4-door sedans and hardtops, and even the elusive 2-door sedan. Whether any 1961 Impala SS 2-door sedans were actually produced remains a question shrouded in automotive mystery, though some have surfaced claiming to be such, prompting closer examination.
For those captivated by General Motors’ “flying roof” design, the 1961 Impala 2-door sedan holds a special allure, amplified by its rarity. The question of a potential SS version only deepens the fascination. Let’s delve into the details of this overlooked classic.
Chevrolet proudly advertised the “Choice of 3 new Roof Lines” available for the 1961 Impala, emphasizing the design innovation of the year.
Side profile of a white 1961 Chevrolet Impala, highlighting the sleek lines and the distinctive roof design options.
The “bubbletop” 2-door hardtop rightly stole the spotlight then and continues to do so today. Its popularity translates to a significant price premium, often commanding double the value of other ’61 Impala body styles in the classic car market.
Conceptual drawing of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala coupe roof design, showcasing an alternative style considered by GM.
GM’s bubbletop design had its roots in 1959. Concept drawings reveal that designers considered moving away from it for the ’61 Impala coupe, although they ultimately retained it for that year before evolving the design in 1962.
The new 4-door hardtop for 1961 was arguably the most forward-thinking design, foreshadowing the direction GM roofs would take. It adopted more conventional rooflines and broader C-pillars, paving the way for the convertible-style coupe roofs that would emerge in 1962. The flamboyant fins and expansive glass areas of the late fifties were gradually giving way to a more streamlined aesthetic.
Rear view of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door sedan, emphasizing the “flying wing” roofline and taillight design.
However, the allure of the “flying wing” roof, which debuted in 1959, was not quite ready to fade, especially for enthusiasts of this distinctive style.
Side and rear quarter view of a 1963 Corvair Monza 4-door sedan, demonstrating the continuation of the flying wing roof design.
This design found continued life in models like the Corvair sedan, extending until 1964. Even today, the “flying wing” roof retains a timeless appeal.
Front three-quarter view of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door sedan in red, showing the front grille and headlight design.
While the 4-door versions of the big Chevy might have appeared somewhat conventional, the 2-door sedan possessed a unique charm. Especially in Impala trim, it received additional embellishments like faux exhaust outlets and the signature Impala brightwork.
Interior view of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door sedan, highlighting the spacious cabin and expansive visibility.
The expansive glass area of the 2-door sedan provided exceptional visibility, a stark contrast to the potential for sunburned necks experienced by rear passengers in bubbletop models.
Close-up detail of the roof and side window of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door sedan, emphasizing the “flying wing” roofline.
The 1961 Chevys, as a whole, were slightly trimmer in size, a reflection of Detroit’s response to a recession that coincided with the era of ever-larger cars that began in 1957. Interestingly, while trimmer, the ’61 models were also taller, resulting in improved interior space utilization. Perhaps the lingering recessionary mindset contributed to the decision to offer the more economical 2-door sedan within the premium Impala lineup.
Front view of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door sedan in white, parked on a street, showcasing its overall design.
To truly grasp the rarity of the ’61 Impala 2-door sedan, consider the production figures. Out of approximately 1,194,000 full-size Chevrolets built in 1961, only 11,719 were the 2-door Impala sedans. This represents less than 1% of all full-size ’61 Chevys and slightly over 2% of all 1961 Impalas. Despite their scarcity, a few survivors still exist.
Side view of a well-preserved 1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door sedan in a light color, highlighting its original condition.
Many surviving examples are equipped with the common 170 hp two-barrel 283 V8 engine and Powerglide automatic transmission, often with power steering. However, some enthusiasts might dream of a more performance-oriented configuration, perhaps with the 230 hp 4-barrel 283 and a 4-speed manual transmission. While the larger 348 and the rare 409 engines were options, the lighter 283 offered a compelling balance of performance and handling. The 409, introduced later in the year, was exceptionally rare, with only 142 units produced, primarily destined for racing applications.
Rear three-quarter view of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door sedan, showing the taillights, rear fender, and Impala badging.
Before moving on, let’s shift our focus to the intriguing, albeit debated, topic of the 1961 Impala SS.
Front grille and headlight detail of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS, showcasing the distinctive SS badging.
It’s crucial to understand that the 1961 SS package was fundamentally different from the trim-focused packages that followed in later years. The ’61 SS was a genuine attempt to create a high-performance sport sedan/coupe. Zora Arkus-Duntov’s influence is evident in its engineering. He had previously allowed journalists to test a specially equipped ’59 sedan, which was reportedly a formidable performer. Chevrolet even advertised a similar performance-oriented version.
Montage of images showcasing Dan Gurney and his 1961 Chevrolet Impala race car, highlighting its racing heritage.
In 1961, racing legend Dan Gurney believed he could challenge Jaguar MkIIs and others in the British Saloon Championship with a 1961 Impala. He ordered a 409 coupe equipped with heavy-duty police suspension and brakes. In its debut race at Silverstone, Gurney stunned the competition by placing the Impala on pole position, outperforming even Graham Hill in a 3.8-liter Jaguar. Gurney led for most of the race and set a saloon-car lap record. Tragically, a wheel failure forced his retirement just laps from victory, handing the win to Hill.
Despite fitting heavier-duty NASCAR wheels for the next race at Silverstone, Gurney and his Impala were controversially banned, likely due to pressure from Jaguar, who were being outpaced on their home turf by the powerful Chevy.
Dan Gurney standing next to his restored 1961 Chevrolet Impala race car, after its return to the United States.
Gurney’s impressive Impala race car was stored for many years before being brought back to the US and fully restored, preserving a significant piece of racing history.
Side view of a restored 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS, showing the sporty styling and SS trim elements.
Intriguingly, the SS package was offered across nearly all Impala body styles in 1961, excluding only the station wagon. Brochures even featured the 4-door hardtop SS, further suggesting a focus on sport sedans rather than solely drag racers, where lighter Bel Airs and Biscaynes were typically favored. The SS package included a choice of powerful 348 V8 engines (305, 340, or 350 hp) and a 4-speed floor-shift manual transmission as standard (the 305 hp version was also available with Powerglide). Distinctive SS badges and interior trim, a passenger grab bar, an electric tachometer, full wheel covers with faux knock-off hubs, large 8.00 x 14 narrow-band whitewall tires, power steering, power brakes, sintered-metallic brake linings, and heavy-duty suspension were all part of the comprehensive package, aimed at delivering “true sports car handling.” Surprisingly, bucket seats, which would later become synonymous with the SS, were not included or even available in 1961.
Front view of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible, highlighting the SS grille and front styling.
This ambitious and comprehensive SS package proved to be relatively exclusive; only 453 1961 Impalas were built with the SS designation.
Rear view of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS coupe, showing the rear styling, SS badging, and dual exhaust outlets.
The majority of these SS models were the 2-door sport coupe, with some convertibles also produced. Reliable production figures for the breakdown of body styles within the ’61 SS are elusive, but consensus suggests that no 4-door SS models were ever officially built or documented. Regarding the 2-door sedan SS, concrete evidence of its existence remains lacking, despite occasional claims.
It seems improbable that many 1961 Impala SS 2-door sedans, if any, were ordered. Racers seeking the lightest and most affordable platform for powerful engines like the 348 or 409 typically gravitated towards the Biscayne 2-door sedan. All the performance components of the 1961 SS package were available as individual options across the ’61 Chevrolet range. The SS package itself was essentially a bundle of mandatory options with a nominal additional charge of $53.
Close-up of the “SS” rear fender badge on a 1961 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport.
This additional charge likely covered the distinctive SS badging and trim elements.
Interior detail of a 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS, showcasing the tachometer, floor shifter, and silver trim accents.
The tachometer, though an aftermarket unit sold through Chevrolet, was significantly more practical than the often-awkwardly placed console-mounted tachometers of the era. A small console-like element surrounded the 4-speed floor shifter, and exclusive silver trim adorned the doors and interior.
Front three-quarter view of a purported 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 2-door sedan, later revealed to be potentially misrepresented.
Regarding the purported 1961 Impala SS 2-door sedan mentioned earlier, it was sold on Bring-A-Trailer in 2023 for a substantial $44,409. However, concerning details about the car’s authenticity emerged late in the bidding process, some even after the sale concluded.
The seller presented “documentation” suggesting the car was ordered and raced at Pikes Peak by a mechanic from a Colorado Springs Chevrolet dealership. However, no verifiable evidence supported these claims, and the narrative itself raised doubts.
Close-up of the questionable documentation provided for the alleged 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 2-door sedan.
Numerous inconsistencies were pointed out regarding the seller’s claims. For instance, the assertion that 22 2-door sedan SS models were built is highly suspect, given the known availability of the SS package (not on wagons). Furthermore, the claim that “all ‘Supersport’ Impalas had the 409cid W-block engines” is demonstrably false. Of the exceedingly rare 142 409-powered ’61 Chevrolets, documented examples are primarily found in standard Impalas, Bel Airs, or Biscaynes. The vast majority of 1961 SS cars were equipped with the 348 engine. Such inaccurate “fact sheets” are unfortunately common in the classic car world.
Engine bay of the misrepresented 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 2-door sedan, showing the 409 engine.
The build plate on the car was mounted upside down, indicating it had been removed and potentially replaced. Even original build plates lacked sufficient information for definitive verification. Crucially, the build date was determined to be November 1960, while the SS package was not available until April 1961, further discrediting the SS claim.
Close-up of the fabricated “sticker” presented as supposed documentation for the 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 2-door sedan.
A presented “sticker” was also identified as fraudulent by experts, exhibiting several discrepancies from authentic examples. It appeared to be a blank sticker filled in with a typewriter. Furthermore, the 409 engine was not offered with the Powerglide automatic transmission due to its high-performance mechanical lifters and camshaft. Powerglide was not available with any 409 engine until the milder 340 hp version arrived in 1963.
The willingness of buyers to spend significant sums on vehicles with questionable provenance is concerning. It seems the allure of “1961 Impala SS 409” can sometimes overshadow thorough due diligence.
Rear view of the misrepresented 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 2-door sedan, highlighting the rear styling and SS badging.
Other inconsistencies, such as the rear seat originating from a coupe or convertible (evident by the speaker grille not found in sedans), further suggest that the car might not even have started life as an Impala. It’s more likely a creation built from a more common Bel Air or Biscayne 2-door sedan, incorporating parts from a salvaged Impala.
Interior of the misrepresented 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 2-door sedan, showing the aftermarket bucket seats and modifications.
The front bucket seats are clearly not original, likely sourced from a later Chevy model (1966 or newer). The original Powerglide transmission has been replaced with a 700R4 four-speed automatic, and numerous chassis and brake upgrades have been implemented.
Side profile of the modified and misrepresented 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 2-door sedan.
Given the overwhelming evidence of modifications and inauthenticity, the likelihood of the 409 engine being original is virtually nonexistent. The car likely began as a Bel Air or Biscayne, and the builder may have shared an appreciation for the ’61 Chevy 2-door sedan, albeit taking a very different customization path.
A stylized illustration representing a dream version of a 1961 Chevrolet 2-door sedan.
A dream ’61 2-door sedan build might incorporate the new 315 hp fuel-injected Corvette 283 engine. While slightly less powerful than the top 348, the lighter 283 would enhance handling. Fuel-injected 283s were offered in full-size Chevys in the late 1950s but were expensive and rare. The 348 was a more cost-effective alternative.
In a modern reimagining, a 250 hp fuel-injected 283 might be ideal. Unlike the high-output versions with lumpy mechanical-lifter cams, the 250 hp variant featured a hydraulic cam, producing more torque (305 ft.lbs) at lower engine speeds – better suited for everyday driving.
Repetition of the initial image: 1961 Chevrolet Impala 2-door sedan in light blue, reiterating the focus on this rare model.
Even without discovering a genuine ’61 SS 2-door sedan, knowing that original Impala 2-door sedans still exist allows us to revisit and appreciate the unique charm of this rare and often-overlooked classic.
Related Reading:
- Bring A Trailer: 1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 2-Door Sedan
- Vintage Car Life Road Test: 1961 Chevrolet Impala 348 V8 With Turboglide – “A Triumph Of Contemporary American Car Design”
- Curbside Classic: 1961 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Sedan – The Last Bel Air Four Door Hardtop
- Curbside Classic: 1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe – Wherein The Author Meets His Nemesis And Finds Love by JPCavanaugh
- Curbside Classic: 1961 Chevrolet Impala 4-Door Hardtop–Staying Close to Home by S. Pellegrino
- Automotive History: The Two Door Sedan (1920-2010) – Its Origins and the Last 2-Door Sedan For Each American Brand and Model
- Vintage Ad: I ‘Built’ My Chevy To Handle Like A Sports Car…For Five! Another Not-Niedermeyer-Mobile
- Concept Classic: The 1961 Chevy Impala Coupe That Wasn’t
