Mecum Auctions’ Chicago auction just wrapped up this Saturday, and prices reflect a crowd that was ready to buy. A 1986 Monte Carlo SS went for $10,500. A stock 1984 Trans Am went for $14,000. A Shelby Charger went for $10,000. While searching it became apparent that there was plenty of money to be had, so when this 1996 Impala SS crossed the block at $5,000 my eyebrows raised.
This Impala SS isn’t a cocooned hideaway with zero miles and the window sticker still on it. Instead someone decided that this big barge of a Chevy needed some more power to go with the looks, so the 260hp LT1 was retired and a 460hp 383ci LT1 GM crate engine was stuffed in. Even the crate engine was tweaked, with a different GM Performance Parts cam, a BBK intake and Hooker headers added to make sure this Impala could get it’s bulk going. The car now sports four-wheel disc brakes and out back is a 4.10 Posi-equipped rear, just to make things that much more fun. The Black Cherry paint got treated to a ghost flame paint job, which looks pretty good for it’s age, and tasteful 20″ wheels round out the look. The inside has some typical wear, but being a 1996 it’s got the analog gauges and the floor shifter. There’s three gauges in the A-pillar and an aftermarket radio installed.
For $5,000 this is a fun driver with plenty of potential left in it. While the flame job and the wheels may not be for everyone they are small incidentals compared to the overall package of a powerful Chevy that can seat five adults in comfort while hauling ass around town.
That car on Craigs List would have brought more than $5000. I formed my opinion of Auctions back in the early days of Barret Jackson in the late 80’s. Normal cars only make money for the auction house and the buyer can get a good car for a good price. Somebody will make a little money flipping that car. Just get a set of either the OEM wheels or the AR aftermarkets.
UNLESS the bidders found the completely rusted frame and body.
I was the winning bidder on this car. Underside is very clean, no rust anywhere on the body. It’s certainly a little ghetto though, haha.
From looking at the pictures and the description sounds like you got a pretty good deal for a cool car.
Here in Texas, Impala SS’s seem to bottom out at $4000 in pretty much any condition.
What are your plans? Make it yours and just cruise it?
Was this car originally out of Decatur, IL?
All I know is the seller is from Missouri and it’s been there at least since 2012 because that was the year on the safety inspection sticker.
Nice! It looks fine for the price. Plans?
I bought it with intentions to flip, I will probably drive it for a while before doing so. I actually hadn’t inspected this car before it rolled up onto the block, but judging by the description and the low price at no reserve I couldn’t pass it up. It definitely sounds healthy and is very quick but I’m starting to doubt if it’s a real ‘crate motor’ since the heads look to be iron and at that power level I would imagine the heads would be aluminum. I’m going to look up the casting number on the block and head to find out for sure what this thing is. I found a note in the car from the previous owner stating he ran a 12.80 with it in the quarter mile.
You lucky bastard.
Chris, you are one lucky dude! Congrats on the purchase!
Bryan, all 94-96 Impala SS’s came with 4 wheel disc, even all 94-96 9C1’s came with them too.