Are 64 Impalas manual or automatic?
The 1964 Chevrolet Impala offered both manual and automatic transmissions. Automatic was the more common choice, but manual transmissions were available on select trims and engine combinations, and a rare high-performance variant could be ordered with a four-speed manual.
This feature article explains how transmission options varied across the 1964 Impala lineup, detailing which engines and trims typically paired with which gearboxes and what that means for collectors and enthusiasts today.
Transmission options in the 1964 Impala
Here are the main configurations you would encounter on a 1964 Impala. Availability depended on engine and trim.
- 3-speed manual transmission (floor shift or occasional column shift) typically paired with the base inline-six or small-block V8.
- 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, the most common automatic option on many 1964 Impalas.
- 4-speed manual transmission (Muncie) available with the high-performance 409 V8 in select SS configurations, though relatively rare.
In practice, most 1964 Impalas were equipped with an automatic transmission, especially the Powerglide, while manual options were limited to particular engines and trim levels. The four-speed manual was uncommon and mainly associated with the era’s performance-oriented models.
Summary
The 1964 Impala could be ordered with either manual or automatic transmissions, with automatic being the prevalent setup for most buyers. Manual gearboxes exist mainly on base-engine configurations, and the coveted four-speed manual appears primarily in rare high-performance variants.
What type of car is a 64 impala?
The 1964 Chevrolet Impala is a classic American full- size car known for its iconic design and powerful V8 engine.
What is so special about a 64 impala?
The interior features crushed velvet upholstery, chandeliers, and a cocktail bar. The car's immediate popularity, amplified by its bold aesthetic traits, helped solidify the 1964 Chevrolet Impala as the quintessential lowrider model in the popular imagination.
Are Chevy Impalas manual or auto?
The first generation of Impalas was powered by a variety of engines ranging from six-cylinder models to big block V8s. The base model featured a 3-speed manual transmission with optional 4 or 5 speeds available as well as powerglide automatic transmissions on higher trim levels.
Is a 64 impala manual or automatic?
It was available with either a 4-speed manual or 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, giving drivers the choice of a more hands-on or smooth driving experience. The 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS remains a highly sought-after classic, celebrated for its perfect mix of style, performance, and luxury.
