1961 - Bubble

[RCE1962]

Driving along a well-travelled road in the Niagara area today..I see a two-door, 1961 Impala - Bubble top with a FOR SALE sign on it parked in a driveway. Exterior is red with white roof. Interior is black and white with bench seat and column automatic. Big tires and "centre-lines". No one was home, and called the number on the sign attached to the car. Called a few times but no answer yet. I did not think popping the hood would be appropriate, but looking underneath the car revealed a blue oil pan and block??? The car's paint finish is substandard. Not an SS car. But very good regular Impala stuff. I've seen some of the member's 61's. Very Nice. What could this car fetch $$ ? I have a nice 348 with 4 barrel but also have the 3 X 2 intake and carb set up. The 61's are a definately a classy unit.

RCE1962

[johnnyrod]

I bet 12k to 15k

[Tom Kochtanek]

The true value of the car would depend on the condition of the vehicle and the completeness of the car. Sounds like it's a fairly complete car, so that might not be the issue. Corrosion would be something to check out. The underneath tells the story, and inside the trunk would tell you more. Look for rust in the common locations on this vehicle, especially the lower sections such as rockers and rear quarters. Openning the trunk reveals the next-to-rear body mount areas (left and right corners below the trunk hinges), and these are often bodged to cover up corrosion.

Start there, and work your way towards the major components. Get any history of ownership, if known. Value is in the eye of the beholder, and many owners are now thinking their vehicle is super valuable becasue they saw one "like it" on Speedvision or an auction, going for Big Bucks. There's a huge difference between "driver cars" and these "auction babies" :).

The price of the 1961 two door Sport Coupe, at least according to Ebay sales (if accurate and representative) and Hemmings ads, seems to be going higher each year, especially the past 2-3 years. I agree, this 1961 year is a fine design, a Harley Earl creation, blending some interesting fashions from the late 50s with newer lines and great appeal. Plus that thin "C" pillar in the rear just drives me crazy!

One never knows what owners think there vehicles are worth. But if you don't ask, you'll never know!

Good luck!

TomK

P.S. Blue oil pan and block might be the 6 cylinder for that year.

[RCE1962]

The car is in rougher shape than I thought. Finally contacted the owner. Some floor and trunk work done and needed...and yes...Tom...the owner confirmed a six cylinder engine. He has the original wheels and hubcaps and is asking $8,500 CDN. We don't see too many of these here in Southern Ontario. The 61 bubbletop is such a good looking car. This could be the start of a fine project...but sadly I will have to pass.

Thanks for the input.

Ron

[johnnyrod]

Yes sir we are at the time when a project car costs $8k oh for the good old days. I wish I had of grabed a whole lot of them. There sure was alot around then. John