'67 Impala SS The Ultimate "Average Car"

Not all that long ago a motorist shopping for one of the "low priced three" knew that no matter which make and model he chose, he would drive home in a car instantly recognized as basic, no frills transportation. Neighbors would agree that here was a guy who put practicality ahead of ostentation; a man who demanded - and got- a means of transportation at a minimum cost. If his thinking was responsibly advanced, he probably included a heater and if he was really daring, a true luxury accessory - a radio!

For better or worse, that era in history is long gone and the fact that it's not coming back was forcefully brought home while taking this '67 Impala SS for a ride.

Here is a Chevrolet with the most advanced mobile creature comforts available combined with performance, at least for that era.

Tom Moreno is the fourth owner of this little beauty. He found it for sale in Hemmings Motor News. Since the owner lived in California, as does Tom, he called. That purchase was three years ago from a guy by the name of Dave Landau, who's probably regretting the sale as we speak.

Since purchasing the car, (only one of 2,124 built at the Southgate, CA plant with a 427, 4-speed option) Tom has changed the exhaust from a megaphone type, in front of the rear tires, to a straight exit from the rear of the car. Family members (bless them!) helped detail the engine compartment. The hood, door and trunk jams were repainted to match the existing paint - color, Bolero Red. A few electrical shorts in the instrument panel had to be fixed and the tranny and carburetor were rebuilt.

Logically, the SS 427's most impressive feature is the 427 engine. Coupled with a Turbo Hydra-matic, which was new for Chevy in '67, and Positraction differential, the engine stands at the head of a formidable power train.

The engine seems very willing to rev well past it's published limits. As Tom says, one of the thrills of driving it is because of the low end torque. "It's a rocket! Going from first to second gear, it pretty much slams you into the seat."

At "Hot August Nights" in '98, Tom's rookie year in Reno, he took it to the race track. Although he made the front page of the newspaper it wasn't due to a win. Problems arose that did not allow him to finish the race.

Our story ends with Tom's car being on our show. Producer, Mike Alvey, went looking to find such a car. In contacting the National Impala Association he found three. One was still, "under construction," another owner could not be contacted and then there's "our" Tom.

But our Tom's story really begins about fifteen years ago. As a high school kid, his best buddy's uncle owned one (Blue with white interior) who occasionally let Tom and his friend drive around the block or down to the grocery store.

The afore-mentioned "blue with white interior" was eventually totaled although not by Tom or his buddy. (We aren't mentioning names.) Back then, Tom always wanted to get over to the junkyard to bring her home and try to rebuild it. No hope there but ever since then he had been keeping his eyes open.

His # 1 joy in driving it is the power. Who would think? Number two reason is all of the compliments he receives. At a show, someone commented, "Now there goes a rare bird!" We agree. By owning it, Tom is a pretty rare bird himself.

Thanks, Tom. It was our pleasure! For information on the National Impala Association go to www.impala.blackhills.com