Chevrolet Impala 3rd Gen
The 3rd generation Impala is an icon of early '60s American style, famous for its "bubble top" roofline and the introduction of the legendary 409 V8. Its market spans from affordable cruisers to six-figure, investment-grade Super Sport models.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Chevrolet Impala 3rd Gen ranges from $9,307 to $104,606, based on 3,418 sales tracked on Hypercars. 273 currently for sale.
The 3rd generation Impala, built from 1961 to 1964, represented a significant design shift for Chevrolet. It shed the fins of the '50s for cleaner, more modern styling. The 1961 2-door hardtop is famous for its thin-pillared "bubble top" roofline, a one-year-only feature that's highly prized by collectors. From 1962, the hardtop coupe adopted a more formal, convertible-inspired roofline. This generation also saw the birth of a legend: the Super Sport (SS) package, which, when paired with the new 409 cubic inch V8, created one of the first true muscle cars.
Collectibility is driven by body style and powertrain. The '61 "bubble top" and all convertibles command a premium. The most desirable models are factory-documented Super Sports with a 409 V8 and a 4-speed manual transmission. These cars defined early '60s drag racing and street performance, cementing their place in automotive history. Less common wagons and sedans offer a more accessible entry point into ownership of this classic full-size Chevrolet.
The market for 3rd gen Impalas is broad and mature. An average sale price sits near $38,000, but this figure masks a huge spread. At the bottom, you'll find 4-door sedans and project cars for under $10,000. At the top end, pristine, numbers-matching SS 409 convertibles and bubble tops can exceed $200,000. The majority of clean 2-door hardtops with small-block V8s trade consistently between $30,000 and $60,000.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest enemy. Carefully inspect the frame, floor pans, trunk floor, and the area around the front and rear windows where water can get trapped.
- For high-value SS and 409 models, documentation is everything. A build sheet or Protect-O-Plate that verifies the car's original options dramatically increases its value.
- Check for trim completeness. Unique SS trim pieces, emblems, and interior components like the grab bar and tachometer can be difficult and expensive to find.
- Not all 2-door hardtops are created equal. The 1961 "bubble top" is the most valuable hardtop, followed by the '62-'64 models. Convertibles are consistently the most expensive body style across all years.
- Drivetrains vary widely. A 409 V8 adds a significant premium over the more common 283 and 327 small-blocks, while the original inline-6 cars are the least valuable.
Prices for the 3rd generation Impala range from $3,200 for projects to $215,000 for concours-quality SS 409 examples.
3,418 Chevrolet Impala 3rd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 273 currently live. Sold prices range from $500 to $577,500.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chevrolet Impala 3rd Gen cost?
Based on 3,418 sales tracked on Hypercars, Chevrolet Impala 3rd Gen prices typically range from $9,307 to $104,606. There are 273 currently for sale.
How many Chevrolet Impala 3rd Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 273 Chevrolet Impala 3rd Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.