Did a 1962 Impala come with a 409?
Yes. A 1962 Chevrolet Impala could be ordered with the 409-cubic-inch V8, making it one of the high-performance options for that year.
In 1962, Chevrolet offered a range of V8 engines for the full-size lineup, including the 409 as a premium option. The 409 was not standard on base Impalas, but it was available on higher-trim and performance-oriented configurations, notably in the Impala SS line and select hardtops. Availability depended on the specific option codes and production year. The 409 engine family had been introduced a year earlier and continued into the early 1960s, serving as Chevrolet’s big-block flagship for performance-oriented models.
Engine options for the 1962 Impala
Here's a snapshot of the big-block and small-block choices that could appear in 1962 Impalas, with the 409 as the standout high-performance option.
- 283-ci V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor (common base option on several models)
- 327-ci V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor (popular performance upgrade)
- 409-ci V8 offered as an available high-performance option (not standard on base models)
The 409 was typically paired with higher-trim equipment and was more likely to appear on performance-oriented configurations, such as special-edition or SS-graced models.
Models and packages that could equip a 409 in 1962
Chevrolet reserved the 409 for the sportier, higher-specifications in the 1962 Impala lineup. The path to a 409-equipped car generally ran through specific trim levels and option packages.
- Impala SS models (often designated with performance-oriented options) frequently carried the 409 engine
- Two-door hardtops and convertibles were common candidates for the 409 when equipped with the SS or other performance packages
- Non-SS Impalas could be ordered with the 409 in some cases, but this was less common and depended on regional availability and dealer orders
Because option availability varied by production year and region, verify the build sheet or option codes to confirm a specific car’s drivetrain configuration.
Notes for researchers and restorers
For those researching a particular vehicle, check the build sheet, cowl tag, or final stampings for RPO codes such as those associated with the 409 and SS equipment. Identifying the exact 409 variant (carburetion setup, block code, and suffix) helps confirm the engine specification and restoration details.
In summary, yes—the 1962 Impala could come with a 409, offered as a high-performance option primarily on SS and other well-equipped variants. It was not the standard engine, but it was a documented and collectible powertrain choice for that year.
Summary: The 1962 Impala did offer the iconic 409 V8 as a high-performance option, most commonly in SS-configured models, making it a sought-after configuration for enthusiasts of early-1960s Chevrolets.
What engine came in a 1962 Impala?
Engine choices for 1962 included the 348-cubic-inch V8 discontinued and replaced by the 380 HP 409-cubic-inch or 409 HP 409-cubic-inch engine. These engines could only be ordered with a manual shift transmission. The small-block 283 was offered with a two barrel carburetor.
Which cars had a 409 engine?
The Chevrolet 409 V8 engine was an option in many full-size Chevrolet models from 1961 to 1965, most notably the Impala, Bel Air, and Biscayne. It was a popular choice for the Super Sport (SS) performance package, but could also be found in less sporty versions of these cars.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 409 engine and its impact: 58sRickDeBruhlYouTube · Aug 22, 2025
- 1961-1965 Impala: The 409 was available in the Impala, especially as part of the SS package. It was featured in the convertible and the coupe.
- 1961-1965 Bel Air: The Bel Air also offered the 409 engine option, including models like the "Bubble Top".
- 1961-1965 Biscayne: The Biscayne was another full-size Chevrolet model that offered the 409 engine.
- Other models: The 409 was a factory option for these models and is also sometimes found in other full-size Chevrolets from those years, particularly in specific performance-oriented configurations.
This video shows a 1963 Chevrolet Impala with the 409 engine: 1mMotorWeekYouTube · Jun 12, 2025
How much horsepower does a 1962 Chevy 409 have?
In 1962, the Chevrolet 409 engine came in two versions: a single four-barrel carburetor version with 380 horsepower and a dual-quad (two four-barrel carburetors) version with 409 horsepower. The 409 horsepower engine featured a revised camshaft and a higher-performance dual-carburetor setup.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1962 Chevrolet Impala 409 SS Lightweight: 1mMcCandless CollectionYouTube · Sep 15, 2025
- 380 horsepower: This was the single four-barrel version, which also came with solid lifters.
- 409 horsepower: This was the more powerful dual-quad version, producing 409409409 horsepower at 6,0006 comma 0006,000 rpm and 420420420 lb-ft of torque at 4,0004 comma 0004,000 rpm. This version required a manual transmission.
What year did Chevrolet introduce the 409?
1961
409. A 409 cu in (6.7 L) version was Chevrolet's top regular production engine from 1961 to 1965, with a choice of single or 2X4-barrel Rochester carburetors.
