1964 Chevrolet Impala VIN Verification

INTRODUCTION

The 1964 Chevrolet Impala is one of the most iconic full-size American cars of its era, renowned for its timeless design, robust performance, and wide appeal. This model year solidified the Impala’s reputation as a symbol of the 1960s, often associated with style, comfort, and cultural significance.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

The Chevrolet Impala was introduced in 1958 as a top-of-the-line model in Chevrolet’s lineup. By 1964, it had evolved into its fourth generation, offering a blend of luxury and performance. The 1964 Impala marked the end of this generation, with updated styling and continued popularity as both a family car and a platform for customization in various automotive subcultures.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

The 1964 Chevrolet Impala offered a range of engines to cater to different preferences:

• 230 CID Inline-6: Producing 140 horsepower, the base engine for efficiency-focused buyers.
• 283 CID V8: Offered 195 horsepower, providing a balance of power and economy.
• 327 CID V8: Available in multiple power outputs, ranging from 250 to 300 horsepower.
• 409 CID V8: The high-performance option delivering 340 to 425 horsepower, ideal for enthusiasts and racers.

Transmission options included a 3-speed manual, a 4-speed manual, or the Powerglide 2-speed automatic. The Impala provided smooth handling and a comfortable ride, with the more powerful engines offering impressive acceleration.

DESIGN & FEATURES

The 1964 Impala features clean and elegant styling with subtle updates from previous years:

• Rectangular Body Shape: Distinguished by crisp lines and a wide stance.
• Triple Tail Lights: A signature Impala design feature that added a touch of flair to the rear.
• Upscale Interior: Offered premium materials, chrome accents, and options like bucket seats and a center console in Super Sport models.

The car was available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, convertible, or station wagon, catering to a variety of buyers.

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

• Base Impala: Featured essential amenities and stylish design for everyday use.
• Impala Super Sport (SS): A sportier variant with unique badging, upgraded interior, and optional high-performance engines.
• Impala Station Wagon: Combined utility with the Impala’s signature style.

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

Safety features on the 1964 Impala were standard for the time, including:

• Seat belts (optional).
• Padded dashboard.
• Sturdy body-on-frame construction.

Advanced safety systems were minimal, but the car’s design prioritized structural durability.

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

The Impala’s fuel efficiency varied depending on the engine and configuration:

• Inline-6 engines averaged around 14-18 mpg.
• V8 models, particularly the 409, achieved lower figures, typically in the range of 10-12 mpg.

Fuel efficiency was not a primary consideration for the Impala’s audience, as performance and comfort took precedence.

MARKET COMPARISON

In 1964, the Chevrolet Impala competed with other full-size cars like the Ford Galaxie, Plymouth Fury, and Pontiac Bonneville. The Impala stood out for its elegant styling, strong performance options, and widespread popularity, becoming a favorite among families, performance enthusiasts, and custom car builders alike.

PRICING

The starting price for the 1964 Chevrolet Impala was approximately $2,500, with the Super Sport and high-performance variants costing more. Today, well-maintained or restored Impalas can range from $30,000 to over $100,000, especially for highly sought-after SS models with the 409 engine.

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• Cultural Icon: Frequently featured in music, movies, and automotive culture, particularly within the lowrider community.
• Enduring Popularity: Continues to be one of the most collectible classic cars from the 1960s.
• Styling Recognition: Lauded for its timeless design and elegant proportions, often considered a high point in Chevrolet’s history.