Timeless Endurance: The Unyielding Spirit of Detroit Metal and the Immortality of the American V8, Showcased by the 1964 Impala Sitting for Years

 Impala was already on its way to total domination in the United States in 1964, but Chevrolet still wanted its new superstar to feel fresh and modern with every new release.

As a result, the 1964 model year introduced subtle refinements, including an aluminum trim strip above the taillights. The carmaker shipped just minor styling touches, especially as a new-generation Impala was around the corner.

The engine lineup included the same units as in 1963. Customers who only wanted to use the Impala for occasional drives to the supermarket could get the 203 ci configuration with 140 horsepower and an increased focus on fuel saving.

The V8 family started with the famous 283 Turbo-Fire and continued with the 327 small-block and the 409 big-block. The 409 was the almighty engine that fitted the Impala SS like a glove, especially when ordered with 425 horsepower.

A 1964 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop that's been sitting for years is fighting for survival with a 283 whose condition is as mysterious as it gets. The engine turns over by hand, but the owner says they don't have the keys, so they can't tell yet if it starts. Considering it still turns over, the V8 certainly isn't locked up, so a good mechanic should be able to bring it back to life with the proper fixes.

The metal managed to pass the test of time with flying colors. We have the typical rust suspects, but the owner says you won't see any "huge holes." The Impala doesn't require panel replacements, as regular patches should be enough. The interior looks good and pretty clean for such an old car.

The vehicle is still complete, and this is quite a surprise. Impalas sitting for years typically serve as donors for other projects, but this 1964 hardtop has everything you need to jumpstart a restoration job. If you manage to get the engine up and running, the most concerning mechanical problem should be gone, though you still shouldn't consider the car roadworthy.

The odometer indicates 67,000 miles (107,000 km), but the owner says the actual mileage is probably 167,000 miles (268,000 km).

1964 Impala projects are very common, but at the same time, they're also highly desirable for complete restorations and parts. This hardtop's first option is a full restoration, mainly because it's complete and doesn't require too much work. The engine still turning over is a big plus, especially because it's likely the original unit that came with the car.

The price makes perfect sense, and depending on the engine's condition, it could make this Impala a bargain. The owner wants to let it go for $4,000, revealing on Craigslist that the title transfer paperwork is already prepared. You can find the car in Renton, close to Seattle.