Chevrolet Impala SS Coupe 1961

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Model number: 2101

Chevrolet Impala was a very famous car in the fifties, and is even today. Mine favorite have always been from the year 1959, with the "bat eyes" tail lights. So when I discovered that Sun Star produced the 61 model, my first thoughts was: why not the 59 model! And I didn't know much about the Impala 61. But one thing for sure it had to be the Coupe with hardtop. One of the things I like with the Impala from that era is; the very fine lines of small pillars, that make the hardtop. It gives the car a feel of speed and airiness. No wonder they often called "Bubbletops" This particular model comes in various colors and I was lucky to get the black with red interior. It signals at once masculinity and power, but also gracefulness and exclusiveness. This model from Sun Star is from the U.S.A. Collectibles series and therefore is a mid price model of 75 Euros or sometimes on sale at even lower price!

So is this model car worth a purchase? It was with a thrill that I got mine from Germany, easy to unpack, and time for a nearer study in details. The color black is a "no forgiven color" every flaw and fault in paint is notable a once - this is the rule both in the model world as in real car paint!.......But Sun Star made it with best results! This model is a true masterpiece regarding the paint, chrome, window and light glass. Absolute a well made model car. The inside of the trunk has missing the carpet and the driver pedals could have been more detailed. But now we are going to be a bit hard on the model. At last: The car had a pair of backlights loose, they where in the box and was easy corrected.  Yes I think this model car is worth any Euros or Dollars. I will in the future buy more Impalas from Sun Star. Especially the red is really addictive.  

I will give this model 5 out of 6 stars  ******

Below here are pictures of the model, historical description, old brochures, technical data and a little movie clip for the real car. So please enjoy!

Chevrolet Impala SS 1961 is a beautiful car

This car signals the new time in muscle car design

History, origin and sales

 The Impala name was first used for the full-sized 1956 General Motors Motorama show car that bore Corvette-like design cues, especially the grille. Painted emerald green metallic, with a white interior, the Impala featured hardtop styling. Clare MacKichan's design team, along with designers from Pontiac, started to establish basic packaging and dimensions for their shared 1958 General Motors "A" body in June. The first styling sketch that would directly influence the finished Chevrolet automobile was seen by General Motors Styling vice president Harley Earl in October. Seven months later, the basic design was developed.

The Impala was restyled on the GM B platform for the first time for 1961. The new body styling was more trim and boxy than the 1958–1960 models. Sport Coupe models featured a "bubbletop" roof line style for 1961, 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 have the Nomad name. Power brakes were $43.

 Impala SS (1961)

In 1961, the Impala SS (Super Sport) was introduced to the market. The SS badge was to become Chevrolet's signature of performance on many models, though it often has been an appearance package only. The Impala's factory SS package in 1961 was truly a performance package when so equipped from the factory with both the trim and "mandatory" suspension and engine upgrades, beginning with the 348 cu in (5.7 L) V8 engines available with 305 hp (227 kW; 309 PS), 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS), and 350 hp (261 kW; 355 PS) or the new 409 cu in (6.7 L) V8, which was available with up to 425 hp (317 kW; 431 PS). Unlike all other years, the 1961 Super Sport package was available on any Impala, including sedans and station wagons (the sales brochure shows a 4-door hardtop Sport Sedan with the SS package). The package also included upgraded tires on station wagon wheels, springs, shocks and special sintered metallic brake linings. Only 142 1961 Impala Super Sports came from the factory with the 409. In addition to the factory-installed SS package, Chevrolet dealers could add SS trim to any standard Impala without the "mandatory" performance upgrades, and a number of '61s were so equipped. Chevy built 491,000 Impalas for '61. Only 453 had the SS package.

Only 142 Chevys of all models produced with 409 power in 1961.

                                                                                                                                                  Technical specification:

Old brochures of the Chevrolet 1961

Video of the real car from Youtube

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