Is a 1967 Chevy Impala a manual?
No. A 1967 Impala isn't inherently a manual; it could be ordered with a manual transmission, but many cars were equipped with automatic transmissions by factory default.
To understand what that means, it helps to know the transmission options Chevrolet offered that year on the Impala, how common each option was, and how to tell from a specific car what it has. Below is a breakdown of the manual and automatic choices, followed by tips to identify the transmission in a particular vehicle.
Transmission options in the 1967 Impala
Before listing the options, note that the exact transmission installed on a given 1967 Impala depended on the engine, trim level, and option codes. The same model could come with a manual or an automatic, depending on the buyer’s order.
Manual transmissions offered
- 3-speed manual (three-on-the-tree) column-shift, commonly paired with base engines and inline-six options.
- 4-speed manual (Muncie) floor-shift, available with select V8 configurations (including some 327- and big-block engine combinations) and in performance-oriented models such as certain Impala SS configurations.
- Close-ratio and wide-ratio 4-speed variants (M21/M20) used for specific engine packages, typically linked to higher-performance or special-ordered builds.
Manual transmissions were a minority choice for many buyers of the era, especially on the top-line Impalas. The majority of 1967 Impalas rolled off the lot with an automatic transmission, but a factory manual option was indeed available for the right combination of engine and trim.
Automatic transmissions offered
- Powerglide — a two-speed automatic that was common on many Chevrolet models with smaller engines or as an economy/entry option.
- Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 (TH700/TH400 variants used in GM products in that era) — a three-speed automatic widely paired with V8 engines in full-size Chevrolets, including Impala.
Automatic transmissions were the default choice for most Impalas, especially with higher-displacement V8s and in popular trims. The TH400, in particular, became a staple in GM full-size cars during the late 1960s due to its robustness and performance compatibility with large engines.
How to tell if a specific 1967 Impala is manual
If you’re evaluating a particular 1967 Impala and want to confirm the transmission, these indicators can help determine whether it’s manual or automatic.
- Clutch pedal check — A manual transmission will have a third pedal (the clutch) on the floor or, in some early column-shift setups, a column-mounted clutch mechanism. An automatic will have only two pedals (gas and brake).
- Shifter position and type — A three-on-the-tree column shifter indicates a 3-speed manual, while a floor-mounted shifter with an H-pattern typically indicates a 4-speed manual. A column shifter or a column-mounted selector on a three-speed automatic would indicate an automatic.
- Gear pattern on the knob or indicator — Manual transmissions display a specific gear pattern (1st through 4th, with reverse), whereas automatics show Park/Reverse/Neutral/Drive or similar sequences.
- RPO/build-sheet codes — Look for the car’s build sheet, cowl tag, or the Window Sticker for manual-transmission codes (often something like M20 or M21 for 4-speed manuals) or automatic-transmission codes (such as TH400 or Powerglide).
- VIN and option documentation — Documentation from the dealer or prior owners may reveal the original transmission as part of the car’s option list.
If you’re unsure from photos or a used-car listing, consult the car’s data plate, build sheet, or a qualified classic-chevrolet specialist to verify the exact transmission installed.
Summary
In short, a 1967 Chevrolet Impala can be either manual or automatic, depending on how the car was ordered and built. Manual transmissions were available (3-speed on the tree or 4-speed Muncie options) but were less common compared with the widespread automatic transmissions (Powerglide or TH400) that came standard with many engine/trim configurations. To determine a specific car’s transmission, check the shifter type, pedal count, gear selector pattern, and the car’s option/build documentation.
For anyone restoring or buying a 1967 Impala, understanding these options helps uncover how the car was originally configured and preserves its historical authenticity.
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 1967 Chevy Impala an automatic?
325hp V8 and backed up by a two-speed automatic transmission, this '67 Chevrolet Impala SS really moves.
What's so special about the 1967 Chevy Impala?
This era saw the Impala evolve from a standard family car into something with a little more muscle under the hood. In 1967, the Impala got a pretty significant redesign, with a longer, more sculpted body, a wider grille, and the option for a range of powerful engines.
Is a 1967 Chevy Impala stick?
1967 Chevrolet Impala equipped with a 3-speed manual transmission.
