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The Ultimate Price Guide: 5 Levels Of 1962 Chevy Impala For Sale, From $5,000 Project To $220,000 Legend

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The 1962 Chevrolet Impala stands as one of the most iconic and desirable classic cars in the world, a true symbol of early 1960s American automotive style and performance. As of late 2025, the market for this classic is vibrant, with prices spanning an enormous range, making it accessible to both first-time restorers and high-end collectors. The price you pay is almost entirely dependent on the car’s pedigree, engine, and condition, with listings currently starting as low as $5,000 for a bare-bones project car and soaring well over $200,000 for rare, factory-spec Super Sport models.

To navigate this complex classic car market, prospective buyers must understand the critical differences between the various body styles, engine configurations—especially the legendary 409 V8—and the highly sought-after Super Sport (SS) package. This guide breaks down the current market, revealing what you can expect to pay for the five distinct tiers of a 1962 Impala, ensuring you know exactly how to value your dream machine.

Decoding the 1962 Impala Market: Price Tiers by Engine and Condition

The value of a 1962 Impala is fundamentally tied to its original equipment and its current state of restoration. The two most popular body styles are the Hardtop Coupe and the Convertible, with the latter consistently commanding a higher price. However, the biggest factor is what’s under the hood.

Tier 1: The Project Car (The $5,000 to $15,000 Range)

This is where you will find the most affordable entry point. These cars are typically four-door sedans, or two-door coupes and convertibles that require extensive, frame-off restoration. They may have the base 235 Hi-Thrift six-cylinder engine or a non-original, small-block V8. Buyers in this range should expect rust, incomplete interiors, and a non-running or barely running engine. Listings for a 1962 Impala can start as low as $5,000 to $5,900.

  • Typical Engine: 235 Hi-Thrift (135 hp) or a non-numbers-matching 283 V8.
  • Condition: Significant rust, major bodywork needed, incomplete interior, project status.
  • Best For: Experienced mechanics, full custom builds, or lowrider conversions where the original drivetrain is irrelevant.

Tier 2: The Driver/Cruiser (The $18,000 to $35,000 Range)

This tier represents a solid, running, and driving car—often referred to as a "driver." These Impalas are usually equipped with the more common 283 V8 Turbo (170 hp) or a 327 V8, which was a popular upgrade. They have been restored to a decent standard, or are well-maintained originals, perfect for weekend cruising. The median sale price for a 6-cylinder Hardtop Sport Coupe is around $21,000, placing many solid V8 cruisers in this bracket.

  • Typical Engine: 283 V8 Turbo or a mild 327 V8.
  • Condition: Roadworthy, good paint, clean interior, but may have minor mechanical or cosmetic flaws.
  • Best For: Enthusiasts who want to enjoy the car immediately without a full restoration.

Tier 3: The Super Sport (SS) Convertible (The $35,000 to $60,000+ Range)

The Super Sport (SS) package, designated Regular Production Option (RPO) Z03, is a major value multiplier. This option, which cost only $53.80 in 1962, transformed the Impala with special trim, simulated knock-off spinner wheel covers, and engine-turned aluminum trim on the dashboard and side panels. A genuine SS Convertible, especially one with a 327 V8, is highly sought after and will easily surpass the $50,000 mark depending on the level of restoration. The median sale price for a 6-cylinder Convertible is already $32,025, showing the premium for the drop-top body style.

  • Key Features: RPO Z03 SS package, optional bucket seats, high-quality paint, and a strong-running 327 V8.
  • Condition: Excellent, show-quality paint and chrome, fully sorted mechanics.
  • Best For: Collectors seeking a top-tier cruiser or a local show car.

The Lowrider Legend: Why the ’62 Impala Dominates Custom Culture

Beyond the classic car collector market, the 1962 Impala holds a unique and powerful position in the world of custom vehicles, specifically as the undisputed king of lowrider culture. Models from 1958 to 1964 are popular, but the ’62 and ’63 models are extremely popular among the lowrider crowd.

The Impala’s unique body design, featuring a clean, sleek roofline and a flat, squared-off profile, made it an instant classic for customization. More importantly, its robust, perimeter-style X-Frame chassis was ideal for the heavy modifications required to install hydraulic systems. This X-frame is strong enough to handle the stress of lifting and "hopping" the car without significant reinforcement, unlike many other period vehicles. Iconic lowriders, such as the "Twilight Zone" and the "Medusa" convertible, showcase the '62 Impala's role as a canvas for ultra-custom builds, often featuring multi-pump hydraulic setups and elaborate paintwork.

A lowrider-spec 1962 Impala for sale can vary wildly in price. A basic lowrider conversion on a driver-quality car might be in the $25,000 to $40,000 range. However, a fully custom, championship-level "show car" with custom paint, chrome undercarriage, and a fully reinforced frame can easily exceed $100,000, sometimes even more than a factory-spec SS.

Tier 4 & 5: The Holy Grails (The $80,000 to $220,000+ Range)

The top two tiers are reserved for the rarest and most powerful versions of the 1962 Impala, cars that represent the peak of Chevrolet performance from that era. These are the models that set auction records and are considered true investment-grade classics.

Tier 4: The Legendary 409 V8

The 409 cubic inch V8 is the engine that cemented the 1962 Impala’s place in muscle car history, immortalized by the Beach Boys' song "409." The most powerful version produced a massive 409 horsepower, achieved with a double four-barrel carburetor setup. Any authentic 1962 Impala SS equipped with a numbers-matching 409 V8 is immediately catapulted into the six-figure price range. These cars were built for speed and are highly valued for their historical significance and raw power.

Tier 5: The Factory Lightweight (The $220,000+ Auction King)

The absolute pinnacle of the 1962 Impala market is the ultra-rare Factory Lightweight, often associated with the Z11 package, though the specific '62 race cars were unique. These cars were stripped-down, purpose-built drag racers, and very few were ever made. In a recent high-profile sale, a 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 Factory Lightweight sold at a Richmond Auctions event for an astounding $220,000. This price point is reserved for impeccable, historically documented, and extremely rare race-bred models that are almost never seen on the open market.

What to Check Before Buying a 1962 Impala

Before committing to a purchase, regardless of the price tier, a thorough inspection is crucial. The Impala’s unique X-frame chassis, while excellent for lowriders, is prone to rust, especially where the body mounts meet the frame. Always check the trunk floor, rear quarters, and door bottoms. For high-end SS models, verifying the RPO Z03 option with documentation and checking for the correct engine-turned trim is essential to ensure authenticity. Finally, confirm the engine’s numbers match the vehicle’s VIN (a "numbers-matching" car) if you are paying a premium for a specific engine like the 409 V8.

The Ultimate Price Guide: 5 Levels of 1962 Chevy Impala for Sale, From $5,000 Project to $220,000 Legend
1962 chevy impala for sale
1962 chevy impala for sale

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