What is the rarest 1962 Impala?
The rarest 1962 Impala is widely regarded by collectors as the factory Super Sport (SS) model equipped with a 409 cubic-inch V8, especially when paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Very few examples are known to survive in that exact configuration.
Context: the 1962 Impala lineup
In 1962 Chevrolet offered Impala through a full range of body styles, with the Super Sport package adding performance-oriented trim and, in many cases, powerful V8 engines. The year marked the transition toward higher-performance options, including the legendary 409 engine. The combination of SS and 409 was produced in relatively small numbers and can be hard to verify in the wild today, which contributes to its rarity status.
Rarity by configuration
There are several configurations that enthusiasts consider among the rarest due to limited production and surviving examples. The following configurations are commonly cited in collector circles.
- 1962 Impala SS with a 409 cubic-inch V8, especially when mated to a four-speed manual transmission.
- 1962 Impala SS with a four-speed manual transmission (any engine) — exceptionally rare due to the limited availability of the manual option within the SS lineup.
- 1962 Impala SS Convertible — convertibles carrying the SS trim were produced in small numbers and remain highly sought after by collectors.
Note: Exact production numbers for each variant are not consistently published, and surviving examples are often identified through build sheets, VIN data, and restoration histories. Rarity is thus a blend of documented production and current survivorship.
What makes these cars valuable to collectors?
Rarity is only part of the story. The value and appeal of these 1962 Impalas hinge on provenance, originality, matching-numbers engines, factory documentation, and the condition of both drivetrain and body. The SS badge, the 409 engine, and the manual transmission all signal a high-performance lineage that appeals to enthusiasts who prize authenticity and era-correct configurations.
Verifying rarity and provenance
To assess whether a specific 1962 Impala is among the rarest variants, collectors typically look for:
- Factory build sheets and VIN decodes confirming SS equipment, engine, and transmission.
- Photographs or documentation showing the original color scheme and interior that match factory options.
- Judging reports or restoration notes that cite period-correct components and numbers matching.
Professional appraisers and credible registries can help, and the rarity of a given car may be influenced by factors such as its color combination, original drivetrain, and whether it remains in its factory-installed configuration or has undergone non-period-correct modifications.
How to approach buying or researching a rare 1962 Impala
If you’re in the market or researching for a project, consider these steps to build a credible case for rarity and value.
- Verify the VIN and build sheet details, ensuring the car is indeed an SS and that the engine and transmission match the claimed configuration.
- Check for factory documentation like the "protect-o-plate," window sticker, and dealer order forms that corroborate the options.
- Consult trusted registries and known experts who specialize in early-1960s GM full-size models.
- Assess originality and condition; rare cars benefit from meticulous, period-correct restorations that retain original parts rather than modern substitutions.
These steps help confirm rarity while also guiding potential buyers or builders on the feasibility and value of a project car.
Summary
The 1962 Impala lineup offers several configurations that attract collectors as the rarest, but the SS 409 with a four-speed manual is widely cited as the ultimate example of scarcity. Beyond engine choice, rarity is shaped by the rarity of the body style, whether the car is a convertible, and the availability of factory documentation. For enthusiasts, identifying a genuine SS 409 4-speed example requires careful verification of build sheets, VINs, and provenance.
