Q: Hello Greg and I want you to know I enjoy reading your knowledge on the older vehicles, as I’ve picked up much info on cars in general.
I would like to know about the 1995 Chevy Impala SS, and what motors, transmissions and suspensions they came with.
Also, how long were they produced, what the value is of one today and any other information you may have about the car like the number sold.
Also, the Impala SS popularity overall and let you know I don’t own a computer so if you don’t use my letter maybe you could send me the information? I see your column in several papers, including our Pennysaver.
Thank you very much, Kenneth Kot, Towanda, PA 18848
A: Kenneth, I would be glad to answer your question on the 1995 Impala SS, and more so the history of the Impala SS overall. To this day, Chevrolet keeps bringing back the rear-drive icon muscle car for everyone to enjoy most notable by the 2014 and 2015 Impala SS currently available.
We’ll start with the first generation Impala SS, which ran from 1961 to 1969.
The very first Impala SS arrived in 1961, when Chevy offered either a 348 V8 or, later that year, the very first 409 (the latter of which just 142 were built). I remember clearly seeing it with my own eyes as it sped away from a stop light. This two-door “bubble-top” started the Impala SS craze and some look at it as the first true muscle car. (I disagree of course, but that’s for another day).
In 1962, you could order an Impala SS with a 283, 327 or a 409. Over 100,000 were sold, although only 15,000 came with the 409. In 1963, the same engines were again offered, but at mid-year, a special option code Z-11 found a 427 W-head engine with 430 horses sitting under the hood. Overall, sales boomed to over 153,000.
In 1964, the SS offered the same engines sans the Z-11, which would soon be replaced by a 396. Sales continued upward, as 185,000 SS coupes and convertibles were sold. In 1965, things really changed as the 283 engine was dropped, a new body style was introduced and you could order a 327, 409 or the new, powerful 396 with up to 425 horses under the hood (Corvette engine L78 option). Sales crept up again, with 239,000 SS Impalas sold.
With the new mid-size Chevelle headlining Chevy muscle cars for 1966, the Impala SS became an afterthought as sales dropped to 119,000, even with an SS427 available. Ditto in 1967 through 1969, as sales dropped to 75,000, then 38,000 and a final 17,000 in 1969. It spelled the end of the line for the Impala SS…until of course, 1994!
Armed with models featuring Corvette LT1 engines and rear drive platforms, General Motors decided to revive the Impala SS in 1994, thanks to Chevy utilizing high performance engines and suspensions in its police option Caprice style four door.
Chevy lowered the body a few inches and installed the hot LT1 Corvette engine, detuned a bit and also used in Trans Am and Camaro models that year.
Although sales numbers were low overall, this popular Impala SS model lasted until 1996 and came with special suspension, wheels and the Caprice "9C1" police package as its main drawing point. Thanks to the performance of this Corvette designed LT1, which was rated at 260 in the SS and 275 in Trans Am and Camaro, and the special tuned suspension coupled to a 4L60 automatic, the end result was a very fast and great looking SS and the first ever four-door. The sales results were 6,303 in the shortened 1994 model year, then 21,434 in 1995 up to the final year 41,941 units sold.
Only a few colors were available (black, dark green or dark cherry) this Impala SS is a collectible vehicle and considering all factors should increase in value in the future. Current NADA lists the car at a low retail of $6,500 to a high retail of near $15,000.
Thanks for your question.