1964 Impala SS For Sale: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

A 1964 Impala SS for sale represents a quintessential piece of American automotive history, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike for its iconic style and powerful performance. Finding the right one involves understanding its unique features, market value, and potential pitfalls. This guide provides an in-depth look at what to expect when searching for and purchasing a 1964 Impala SS, ensuring you make an informed decision. Our analysis focuses on key aspects from initial inspection to final price negotiation, helping you navigate this exciting but complex market.

Understanding the Allure of the 1964 Impala SS

Iconic Design and Styling Cues

The 1964 Impala SS stands out with its distinctive triple-taillight design and crisp body lines. It's often considered a peak year for its aesthetic balance, bridging the classic fin era with a more modern, performance-oriented look. We've found that the clean, uncluttered profile is a major draw for buyers, offering timeless appeal.

Exterior features of the SS trim package included specific badging, fender emblems, and often distinct wheel covers. These subtle details contribute significantly to its collectibility and value, making genuine SS models highly desirable. — Decoding Bearish Candle With Bullish Volume A Comprehensive Guide

Performance Heritage: Engine and Transmission Options

Under the hood, the 1964 Impala SS offered a range of robust engines. Common options included the 283 cubic inch V8, 327 V8 (available in various horsepower ratings), and the highly coveted 409 V8. These powertrains delivered impressive performance for the era.

For serious performance enthusiasts, the 409 cubic inch engine, especially the dual-quad carburetor setup, is often considered the holy grail. Motor Trend reviews from the era frequently highlighted the raw power of these big-block options, cementing their legendary status.

Transmission choices typically included 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual (Muncie M20/M21), and the Powerglide automatic. The 4-speed manual paired with a 409 is a highly desirable combination for its engaging driving experience.

Interior Appointments and SS Exclusives

The Super Sport (SS) trim elevated the Impala's interior, featuring bucket seats and a center console as standard. This setup provided a sportier, more luxurious feel compared to the base Impala, enhancing driver and passenger comfort.

Dash layout, specific SS instrumentation, and unique trim pieces further differentiate the SS models. Our experience shows that well-preserved original interiors significantly boost a car's value and appeal to collectors.

Navigating the Market for a 1964 Impala SS

Current Market Value and Pricing Trends

The value of a 1964 Impala SS can vary widely based on condition, engine originality, and documentation. According to classic car valuation guides like Hagerty and NADAguides, a well-restored 1964 Impala SS with a desirable engine can command prices ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000 for concours-level examples with rare options.

We've observed a steady appreciation for high-quality examples over the past decade, especially for cars equipped with the iconic 409 engine. ClassicCars.com often lists various examples, showcasing the breadth of the market from drivers to show cars.

Factors influencing price include the specific engine type, transmission, overall originality, the completeness of documentation, the quality of any restoration work, and regional demand. Understanding these factors is key to assessing a fair price when you find a 1964 Impala SS for sale.

Where to Find a 1964 Impala SS for Sale

Reputable classic car dealerships specialize in these types of vehicles, often offering thoroughly vetted cars. They can provide expertise and sometimes warranties on their sales.

Online marketplaces like Hemmings, ClassicCars.com, and Bring a Trailer are excellent resources. These platforms often provide extensive photo galleries, detailed descriptions, and buyer protection services, which we recommend utilizing.

Classic car auctions, such as Barrett-Jackson or Mecum Auctions, are great places for high-end or unique examples, but can also be highly competitive. Local car clubs and enthusiast forums can also yield leads, sometimes uncovering private sales before they hit the broader market. — Key West Florida Zip Codes: Your Complete Guide

The Importance of Documentation and Provenance

For a classic car like the 1964 Impala SS, comprehensive documentation is crucial. This includes ownership history, restoration records, build sheets, and any original sales paperwork. Such records provide critical insights into the car's past.

Matching numbers (engine, transmission, and rear axle serial numbers aligning with the car's VIN) significantly add to its authenticity and value. Our team always advises prioritizing cars with clear, verifiable history and matching numbers if originality is a key concern.

Essential Inspection Points Before Buying

Common Rust Areas and Body Integrity

Rust is the arch-nemesis of classic cars. For the 1964 Impala SS, pay close attention to rocker panels, floorboards, trunk pan, lower fenders, door bottoms, and around the front and rear glass seals. These are typical areas where moisture collects and corrosion begins. — NFL Week 2 Picks: Expert Predictions & Analysis

Inspect frame rails thoroughly for signs of rust, previous damage, or shoddy repairs. A magnet can help identify areas of extensive body filler, which might be masking underlying issues. Rust can be incredibly expensive to remediate correctly.

Drivetrain Assessment: Engine, Transmission, and Rear End

• Engine: Look for leaks (oil, coolant), listen for unusual noises (knocks, taps, excessive smoke from the exhaust). A compression test is highly recommended to assess engine health and consistency across cylinders. Verify the engine code matches the VIN if