The 1964 Chevy Impala Super Sport 409 2-Door Hardtop is a true American icon that is still celebrated today. The legendary dual-quad 409 engine, immortalized in The Beach Boys’ hit song “409,” was a powerhouse that dominated the Detroit horsepower wars. With 425 horsepower under the hood, it was truly a beast in the beauty.
One such Impala SS 409, finished in rare Ember Red with a Red interior, underwent a meticulous frame-off restoration by Bill Bonner from Camby, IN in the late ‘80s, early ‘90s. The car was subsequently inspected, authenticated, and appraised in great detail, and its documentation includes photos of even the smallest nut and bolt, lists of suppliers and sub-contractors in a 1” thick binder. Since then, the car has changed hands several times and was featured in a display of ‘50s and ‘60s “muscle cars” at the prestigious Sloan Museum in Flint, MI.
The Impala SS 409 was a standout in 1964, a time when Detroit was transitioning from the fabulous finned fifties to more subdued styling. However, engines were anything but subdued, and the Impala SS with its 425 HP 409 cu in V8 was the ultimate powerhouse. With twin 4 barrel carburetors, solid lifters, and a special cam, the 409 produced an unheard of 425 horsepower, making it a dominant force on the drag strip.
While most 409 engines were installed in Impala Super Sports, not all of the 185,325 convertible and hardtop SS’s had the 425 HP 409. In fact, stripped-down Biscayne’s with souped-up 409’s were also popular on the drag strip, and 8,864 409 engines were produced in three horsepower versions in 1964. Although it’s not certain how many Impala SS 2-door hardtops were fitted with the 409 425 HP engine, it’s estimated to be around 1,600, give or take.
The Impala SS 409 in Ken’s collection is an exceptional, rare numbers-matching, and extensively documented example of this iconic car. Its Ember Red finish is flawless and perfectly complements the matching red interior. Rare factory options, such as the padded dash, window washers, SS hub caps, factory tach, and tilt steering wheel, make it even more collectible. The Muncie “Rock Crusher” 4-speed transmission with Hurst shifter and 4:11 positraction rear end ensure that all 425 horses get to where the rubber meets the road. The car’s precise handling and superior rear axle location with four links made it one of the best handling muscle cars of its day.
Whether you appreciate its cultural significance or its stylish and fast cruising capabilities, the Impala SS 409 is an exceptional car. Its distinctive body side moldings, engine-turned aluminum strip, quad headlights, and unique taillight assembly all contribute to its sporty yet elegant look. The interior is also a marvel of ‘60s elegance, with leather-grained vinyl upholstery, individual front bucket seats, and a swirl pattern dashboard.
In conclusion, the 1964 Chevy Impala Super Sport 409 2-Door Hardtop is a true American classic that deserves to be celebrated. Its unmatched power, exceptional styling, and superior handling make it a standout among muscle cars of its era.
