Car of the Month – May, 2019
1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Convertible
1961 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Convertible
Engine – 409 CID, pushrod 16-valve V8, iron block and heads
Horsepower – 360 hp @ 5800 rpm, 409 ft-lbs @ 3600 rpm
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Curb weight – 3700 lbs
0-60 time – 6.7 seconds
¼ mile time – 15.2 seconds @94 mph
Number built – 142
MSRP price – $3986.00
“The First Muscle Car” – In 1961 Chevrolet decided to fine tune the company’s performance image and boost sales further by offering a “Super Sport” package on its full-sized Chevrolet Impala. The “SS” package was introduced late in the model year with an “all new” 409 engine option.
The 409 engine was basically a bored out Chevrolet 348 CID V8, but it quickly became known as “the truck engine designed for drag and stock car racing.” After only 142 engines were issued, production problems halted the 409 option until 1962. Most of the 1961 Super Sports were not equipped as 409s. Only 142 of the 1961 Super Sports were equipped with a 409, and only a handful of those were convertibles.
The dealer-ordered SS kit was a $53.80 option and could be factory or dealer installed, but it required at least a 348 CID motor as well as SS badging, heavy duty springs, shocks, power steering, black (instead of body color) wheels and sintered metallic brakes.
It is estimated that of the 142 Impala 409 Super Sports built, no more than five or ten remain, and even fewer convertibles exist. In 1962, the Beach Boys sang in their now-famous 409 song, “She’s real fine, my 409,” and a legend was born.