1961 Impala

?? By 1961 tail fins were gone on Chevrolet models chrome trim was subdued and the outspoken designs of the '50s gave way to cleaner crisper faster-looking edges. The Impalas were finless for 1961 and the Impalas retained the three-lamp motif at the rear. 1961 would be the year that the first true muscle car was introduced the Chevrolet Impala SS. A mid-year option on the 1961 Impala was the Super Sport which was available on all body styles. In subsequent years the SS is limited to only sport coupes and convertibles. The SS package in 1961 was truly a performance package. Nothing less than the high-performance 348 engines or the new 409 could be ordered. The 348 options were 305 340 and 350 horsepower engines. It consisted of upgraded tires on station wagon wheels springs shocks and special sintered metallic brake linings. Power brakes and steering were also included. This would also be the year that Chevrolet introduced its 409 cubic inch V8 the engine that would launch the Big Three auto manufacturers into the horsepower race that would last well into the 1970s. The 409 was a bored and stroked version of the 348 rated at 360 hp on a single 4 barrel and was known as the Turbo-Fire 409. A true performance engine the 409 came with an aluminum intake manifold a Carter four-barrel carburetor a solid lifter camshaft and an 11.25:1 compression ratio. A total of 142 cars got this engine in 1961.? In the interior the SS package consisted of a passenger?s-side grab bar with the Impala SS script a 7000 rpm steering wheel mounted tachometer a shifter plate for four-speed-manual equipped Impalas and a dash panel pad. The Impala SS could be identified by SS emblems on the rear fenders and trunk lid. Wheel covers were unique featuring three-blade knock-off type spinners. The 409 was actually a response to Ford's new 390 cid engine which was outperforming Chevy's on the drag strip. Although it put out "only" 360 bhp compared to Ford's top 375 bhp those extra 19 cid gave it respect on the street and immortalized in song ("She's really fine my 409") by the Beach Boys. Chevrolet introduced the Super Sport (SS) option package which was optional on the 348 and standard with the 409 which would define Chevrolet performance for many years to come. The Super Sport package a bargain at just $53.80 consisted of special body and interior trim power steering power brakes with sintered metallic linings full wheel covers with a three blade spinner a passenger grab bar a console for the floor shift and a tachometer on the steering column. The 409 engine came only with the four-speed manual transmission and only one factory axle ratio. Lower axle ratios were available from the dealer and owners could see 1/4 mile times in the high 15s which was pretty impressive in 1961. Prices ranged from $3445-$3605. Weights were approximately 3445-3600 lbs.