The 409 sure has a special spot in the annals of hot rodding and muscle car history. Everything about the motor, right down to the shape of the cylinder heads, is indicative of the era when Detroit was obsessed about making horsepower and the had the green light to do whatever it took to out muscle the competition.

This car, a 1963 Impala, is prime fodder for a resto job. With only minor rust happening, a 340hp 409 (admittedly not running) under the hood, and plastic covers on the interior parts, this car could be taken in one of several different directions and be in usable condition lickety split.

We can forgive the fact that this car is not a bubble top because it is a four-speed machine and frankly, that erases any number of short comings. Always wanted a 409 project? Here’s a killer way to start.

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