What year Impala is the most sought after?
In collector circles, the most sought-after Impala years are typically the 1963–1965 models with the Super Sport (SS) trim, though early years such as 1958 and 1959 also command strong premiums in the right condition.
Why certain years stand out
The Chevrolet Impala has a long, storied history across multiple generations. Some years became aspirational targets for collectors due to rare production numbers, distinctive styling, and factory performance packages. The third-generation Impalas from the early-to-mid 1960s, especially the SS variants, are frequently cited as the most desirable because they combine design appeal with documented performance options. Iconic early-years—when the Impala was first positioned as a premium trim level—also attract premium bids in the right market, particularly for clean, documented examples.
Top year-by-year picks
The following list highlights years that consistently draw strong attention from enthusiasts and buyers. Each entry is noted for its combination of styling, rarity, and the availability of the SS or other desirable options.
- 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS — A watershed year for the SS trim in the third generation, prized for its factory performance credentials and early-’60s styling.
- 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS — An evolution of the same generation with refined details and continued desirability among SS-concerned collectors.
- 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS — The final year of that mid-’60s generation’s prime styling phase, sought after for its balance of design and performance options.
- 1958 Chevrolet Impala — The first-year Impala, widely collected for its historical significance and available premium features; early production runs are especially valued.
- 1959 Chevrolet Impala (Bubble Top) — Known for its distinctive roofline and convertible options, this year remains highly coveted among classic car fans.
- 1967–1968 Chevrolet Impala SS 427 — Late-’60s muscle-car era premium, with big-block power and limited production, attracting strong interest from performance-minded collectors.
In practice, value and desirability are driven not just by the year, but by originality, documentation, trim level (especially SS), body style, and the car’s provenance. Clean, numbers-matching examples with complete history tend to command the highest premiums.
Market reality: price ranges, provenance, and verification
What makes a year valuable?
Key factors include the presence of the SS package, engine options, original drivetrain, rare body styles (such as convertibles or two-doors with limited production), documented history, and whether the car has matching numbers. Rarity compounds value: fewer examples surviving in highly original condition or with known ownership histories tend to fetch top-dollar at auction and in private sales.
Other notable years and why they matter
Beyond the top-tier SS cars, several other Impalas have carved out reputations for collectibility, whether for design, engineering, or historical significance. These cars often serve as entry points for new collectors or as complementary pieces in a broader Impala collection.
- 1958 Impala hardtop and convertibles — Early technology and design choices establish it as a benchmark year for the model’s premium positioning.
- 1959 Impala — The distinctive bubble-top design and convertible variants make it one of the most photographed and desired postwar Chevrolets.
- 1967–1968 Impala SS (427 big-block variants) — Strong performance nostalgia; fewer examples in pristine condition keep values competitive.
Market values can shift with trends, restoration quality, and provenance. Always verify with multiple sources, including auction results, reputable registries, and appraisers who specialize in classic Chevrolets.
Summary
While opinions vary among enthusiasts, the consensus centers on the 1963–1965 Impala SS as the pinnacle of desirability for most collectors, thanks to a potent mix of styling, performance options, and relative rarity. Early-year Impalas from 1958 and 1959 also command strong premiums when in good original condition or with documented histories. For buyers, clarity of provenance, originality, and documentation often matters as much as the year itself, and market interest can shift with restoration trends and show/highway value considerations.
