Wrecking yards are typically the final destination for abandoned cars, so you don’t normally expect them to stick around for too long.
However, this 1964 Chevrolet Impala survived nearly 50 years in a wrecking yard, with the owner claiming the vehicle was born in Oregon but somehow ended up in California abandoned and seemingly with no chance of surviving.
The vehicle is rough, with plenty of rust and body issues. The owner believes this Impala still deserves a complete restoration, though it goes without saying it’s not a project aimed at the faint of heart. Its condition is surprising, though, and despite the occasional dents, the body exhibits a unique patina that’s worth keeping should someone overhaul the Impala. The undersides are rough, but the car is otherwise solid (fairly unexpected, considering the car has been sitting in a wrecking yard).
The 1964 Impala didn’t introduce too many changes from its predecessor, and the reason was simple. Chevrolet was already working on a new-generation model due in 1965, so the 1964 model year introduced subtle refinements.
The biggest change was probably the return of the 409. The big-block engine made a comeback, providing customers with a choice of three power outputs, starting with 340 and ending with 425 horsepower. The top configuration was fitted with twin four-barrel carburetors and was the perfect choice for the Super Sport.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to tell you shouldn’t expect any good news under the hood. The car has been sitting for many years, so its small block is probably wrecked. It rolled off the assembly lines with a 327, one of the most common choices on the 1964 Impala. The 327 could be had with 250 or 300 horsepower.
However, seller American Steel Classics says the Impala is “complete with the majority of trim, interior, and drivetrain,” but their condition is challenging.
Surprisingly, it doesn’t look like this Impala served as a donor for another project, so it comes with most parts, including the door panels. They don’t look good, though, and the owner suggests using their 1964 Impala as a project for a rat rod, especially considering all the problems.
The interior is rough, and the seats look almost wrecked. Interestingly, most parts are still in place, so despite looking horrible, you get almost the complete package on an Impala that requires and deserves a complete transformation from the ground up.
Despite all the problems and the long tenure in a wrecking yard, this 1964 Impala doesn’t sell cheaply. The owner expects to get $11,500 for their project, though they also enabled the Make Offer button in case someone wants the car but isn’t willing to offer that much