THE CAR AND ITS OWNER
1961 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport convertible owned by Owen Fuchs
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
Even though it already had the Corvette, Chevrolet added a dash of excitement to its full-sized Impala lineup with the mid-year 1961 Super Sport. This $53.80 option, available on all models but the Nomad wagon, required buyers to install various heavy-duty mechanical bits and choose an engine of at least 305 horsepower. There were just a few exterior and interior trim pieces, such as SS emblems, spinner wheel covers and a dash-mounted “assist bar,” to tell it apart from regular models. Today, this SS is something of an automotive unicorn. Just 453 two-door-only versions were built, including a handful of convertibles, with one Chevy enthusiast magazine estimating that 22 to 45 are still on the road. “My 1961 Chevrolet Super Sport convertible, with factory air conditioning, may be one of one left,” says Fuchs of his ride.”This particular automobile is extremely rare.”
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 2017
WHERE HE FOUND IT
It was advertised online by the original Midwest owner.
CONDITION
Fuchs bought the convertible with only 53,000 original miles. “It spent most of its life in the Midwest and was pampered and garaged for 57 years, and then sold to me,” he says. “My Impala had a body-off restoration and it is truly pristine, both on the inside as well as the outside. It’s powered by a 348-cubic-inch engine, which puts out 305 horsepower. The same engine block was used to produce the very famous 409, which the Beach Boys sang about.”
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“Enjoy your classic car,” he advises, “and encourage others to get into this wonderful hobby.”
VALUE
Fuchs estimates his SS is worth $80,000 to $105,000.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“After 57 years,” he says, “I believe mine is the only one left.”
1961 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport convertible owned by Owen Fuchs
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
Even though it already had the Corvette, Chevrolet added a dash of excitement to its full-sized Impala lineup with the mid-year 1961 Super Sport. This $53.80 option, available on all models but the Nomad wagon, required buyers to install various heavy-duty mechanical bits and choose an engine of at least 305 horsepower. There were just a few exterior and interior trim pieces, such as SS emblems, spinner wheel covers and a dash-mounted “assist bar,” to tell it apart from regular models. Today, this SS is something of an automotive unicorn. Just 453 two-door-only versions were built, including a handful of convertibles, with one Chevy enthusiast magazine estimating that 22 to 45 are still on the road. “My 1961 Chevrolet Super Sport convertible, with factory air conditioning, may be one of one left,” says Fuchs of his ride.”This particular automobile is extremely rare.”
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 2017
WHERE HE FOUND IT
It was advertised online by the original Midwest owner.
CONDITION
Fuchs bought the convertible with only 53,000 original miles. “It spent most of its life in the Midwest and was pampered and garaged for 57 years, and then sold to me,” he says. “My Impala had a body-off restoration and it is truly pristine, both on the inside as well as the outside. It’s powered by a 348-cubic-inch engine, which puts out 305 horsepower. The same engine block was used to produce the very famous 409, which the Beach Boys sang about.”
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“Enjoy your classic car,” he advises, “and encourage others to get into this wonderful hobby.”
VALUE
Fuchs estimates his SS is worth $80,000 to $105,000.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“After 57 years,” he says, “I believe mine is the only one left.”
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