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  • Chevrolet Impala 3rd gen (1961–1964)
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History

Chevrolet Impala Third generation

  1961 to 1964
Chevrolet Impala Third generation (1961–1964)
Overview
Production1960–1964
Model years1961–1964
AssemblyUnited 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
LayoutFR layout
PlatformB-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
Transmission3-speed manual 4-speed manual Powerglide
Dimensions
Wheelbase119"
Length209.3"
 
 
 The Impala was restyled on the GM B platform for the first time in 1961. The new body styling was more trim and boxy than the 1958–60 models. Sport Coupe models featured a "bubbleback" roof line style for '61, and a unique model, the 2-door pillared sedan, was available for 1961 only. It was rarely ordered and a scarce collectible today. The rare Super Sport (SS) option debuted for 1961. This was also the last year the top station wagon model would bear the Nomad name. Power brakes were $43.
1962 Chevrolet Impala Third generation convertible
1962 Chevrolet Impala Third generation convertible

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

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

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 Convertible in Goodfellas film 1990
1961 Chevrolet Impala in James Bondss Dr. No, From 19621961 Chevrolet Impala in Dr. No,1962
Related items
American Automotive 1960s | Vehicles launched in 1961 | 60s Film Cars | Turbo Fire V8 | Chevrolet Impala | Turbo-Thrust engine | James Bond | Film Cars

Technical

  • Chevrolet Impala Third generation Technical details and specifications

    ENGINE: (409 cu in)
    ENGINE CAPACITY: 409 cu in, 6687.15 cu cm;
    front, 4 stroke
    cylinders: 8, Vee-slanted at 900
    bore and stroke; 4.31 x 3.50 in. 109.5 x 88.9 mm
    engine capacity: 409 cu in, 6687.15 cu cm
    compression ratio: 10 : 1
    max number of engine rpm: 5000
    specific power: 50.8 hp/l
    cylinder cast iron
    cylinder head: cast iron
    crankshaft bearings: 5
    valves. 2 per cylinder, overhead, in line, with push rods and rockers, hydraulic tappets
    camshaft: 1, at centre of Vee
    lubrication: gear pump, full flow filter
    carburation: 1 Rochester 7020023 downdraft 4-barrel carburettor;
    fuel feed mechanical pump
    cooling system: water

    TRANSMISSION:
    driving wheels: rear
    clutch: single dry plate
    gear box. mechanical; gears: 3 + reverse
    synchromesh gears: 2, 3
    gear box ratios: (1) 2.47, (2) 1.53, (3) 1, (Rev) 2.80
    gear lever location: steering column
    final driven hypoid bevel; ratio: 3.36 : 1.

    CHASSIS:
    box-type, X cross members
    front suspension: independent, wish-bones, coil springs, anti-roll bar, telescopic dampers
    rear suspension: rigid axle, trailing arms, coil springs. transverse linkage bar, telescopic dampers.
    STEERING: recirculating ball; turns of steering wheel lock to lock: 5.8.

    BRAKES: drum, servo; braking surface: total 200.40 sq in, 1292.58 sq cm.

    ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: voltage: 12 V; battery: 44 Ah; ignition distributor:
    Delco-Remy

    DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT: (1963 convertible 2 door)
    wheel base: 119.00 in, 3023 mm
    front track: 60.30 in, 1532 mm
    rear track: 59.30 in, 1506 mm
    overall length: 210.40 in, 5344 mm
    overall width: 79.00 in, 2007 mm
    overall height: 55.00 in, 1397 mm
    ground clearance: 6.00 in, 152 mm
    dry weight: 3695 1b, 1676 kg
    distribution of weight: 54 0/0 front axle, 460/0 rear axle
    turning radius (between walls): 22 ft, 6.72 m

    © motorcar history

Service

  • SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS: Chevrolet Impala Third generation

    fuel: petrol, 100-105 Oct
    Tyre pressure (medium load) front 24 psi, rear 28 psi
    width of rims: 5";
    tyres 8.00 – 14
    fuel tank capacity: 16.72 imp gal, 20.00 US gal, 76 1.
    gearbox oil: 0.8 imp qt, 0.9 US qt, 0.9 1; imp qt, 1.9 US qt, 1.8 1: greasing: every 6000 miles, 9600 km, 9 points
    cooling system capacity: 18.3 imp qt, 22.0 US qt, 20.8 1.

    Engine (409 cu in)
    lubricating system capaciy: 5.0 imp qt, 6.0 US qt, 5.7 1:
    engine sump oil: 4.1 imp qt, 5.0 US qt, 4.7 1, SAE 5W-20 (winter) IOW-30 (summer), change every 6000 miles, 9600 km
    valve timing:
    (inlet) opens 38 ° 30' before tdc and closes 93 ° 30' after bdc,
    (exhaust) opens 88 ° 30' before bdc and closes 51 ° 30' after tdc

    © motorcar history

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