10 Reasons The 1964 Chevy Impala Is A Sought-After Collector's Car

The rich history of American cars has gifted generations with long-lasting, classic works of art recognizable to both enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. The imprint of certain vehicles on American culture is hard to ignore. The Chevrolet Impala is one of those cars. The Impala first made its debut as the Bel Air Impala in 1958. It premiered as the top-tier model in the full-sized Chevrolet line-up, and it held tight to that spot until 1966, when the Chevy Caprice was released.

From 1958 to its final year of production in 2020, the Impala remained a memorable and luxurious car with enough room for the whole family. However, one model year reigns supreme over all the rest in regard to being the most treasured and sought-after Impala — 1964. So why is it that the 1964 Chevy Impala is such a beloved collectors' car? The model's magnetic charm stretches into multiple categories of collectors and boasts many reasons to fall in love with its sleek and luxurious features.

For those passionate about cars, putting personality into your ride is a must. The 1964 Chevrolet Impala makes that part easy. The vehicle's large trunk is ideal for many things – groceries, luggage, or in many instances, hydraulic systems. These hydraulic systems allow the car to become its own show for onlookers as it rises upward and lowers back down. Adding a hydraulic system to a vehicle isn't a small or simple task, so having a car that makes the job easier is ideal for those looking to add their own flare.

The sleek, luxurious look of the Impala and its ample trunk space just waiting to be utilized for impressive sound systems or hydraulics make it a clean slate for the creativity of the owner. Many restored or well-kept '64 Impalas can be seen donning vibrant paint jobs with interiors to match. This opportunity to make the car unique to the owner makes the '64 a year that many enthusiasts want to add to their collection, whether they're looking to go into extreme customization or just want a spruced-up classic to call their own.

One reason the '64 Impala has remained a functional classic for decades is that when Chevrolet introduced it, the company kept every type of car owner in mind. Instead of releasing one or two versions of the model, the car company came out with a whopping six varieties of body styles for buyers to choose from. The different styles include a convertible, a sedan, a hardtop sport sedan, a hardtop sport coupe, along with two station wagons. These were all available styles of the base-model Impala, so everyone in the market for a new vehicle could find precisely what they were looking for.

There was also a Super Sport edition released that was available in both convertible and hardtop. This edition was the higher model and came equipped with different interior features and materials, including vinyl upholstery. The body style was also slightly different, with a wider upper-body molding. The aesthetic of the Super Sport model is enough for car lovers to tell it apart from its counterparts. Still, for those unfamiliar enough, there's also an "SS" emblem on each Super Sport model.

The 1964 Chevy Impala already appealed to a versatile group of car enthusiasts, but one major fanbase was in stock car racing. In the 1964 Chevy Impala Super Sport, the 409 V8 engine was an available add-on. This engine appealed to those wanting a more powerful vehicle with more horsepower. For stock car racing, the 425 horsepower that came with the 409 engine was the sort of power that could generate the speeds race car drivers craved.

Chevy directed the sales of the 409 engine toward stock car races and drag races. Popular drivers, including NASCAR's Rex White and Ned Jarrett. White won multiple races while driving the 409 after switching over to it in 1961. The speed and power achieved by the 409 engine in the racing world was a rare glimpse into its capabilities since it was primarily used in cars driving on roads with strict speed limits. Nevertheless, the 409 V8 engine option remains a favorite amongst Impala lovers.

With so many collectors of the '64 Chevy Impala, there are plenty of restored, beautiful pieces of art-on-wheels out there for people to admire. From custom paint jobs to hydraulics that raise and lower the vehicle with ease, there's a lot to show off in a well-done classic car like the Impala. There's also plenty of opportunity to do so.

Impalas and their flashy finishes are often appealing for various events, including parades, weddings, music videos, and whatever else might call for a fancy, vibrant ride. The ability to rent out your car for an event means the ability to take pride in your work as others enjoy the fruits of your labor. It also means there's a possibility for some financial gain as an Impala owner. Those who aren't able to buy or restore the coveted '64 Impala can still enjoy its pleasures by renting one out for their biggest life events. This can make the investment worth the money.

Chevrolet is already an important piece of American history, but the 1964 Impala, in particular, had an impact on society. In 1964, General Motors wanted Impalas stocked and sold at dealerships in every major city for Independence Day weekend. The first Impala sold at that time was sold in a Southern Los Angeles car dealership on the same day that the Civil Rights Act was signed. The proud new owner of that '64 Chevy Impala was a Black business owner.

The sale of that car on that day had a profound impact on the Impala's place in history and culture. The Impala sold that day was red with a cream-colored interior and has since been sold to several different musicians and remains one of the most popular '64 Impalas in existence. The Impala is engraved in the history of many cultures and in the hearts of many collectors and creatives. This timeless car will most likely remain highly sought-after for years to come.