Classic Cars and Trucks / Photos Specs Model History, Production Numbers

1967 Chevy Impala SS / Photos, Specifications, Styling Details

Featured here is a great looking 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS. The full size Impala is an American icon that first came on the scene in 1958. After introduction it didn’t take long for the Impala to become a huge success for GM.

The Chevrolet Impala is a beloved American icon, a full size sedan that has had the attention of buyers for generations. The Impala featured a combination of sleek styling, powerful performance, and a lasting legacy. The Chevrolet Impala first came out in 1958 and in very short order became one of Chevrolet’s most popular and successful models.

1967 Chevy Impala Styling

All Chevrolet models received restyling in 1965. This was the fourth generation of the Chevy Impala and there were a great many models offered. The fourth generation had a very impressive six year run through 1970 and with excellent sales numbers. As a side note, the 1965 model year Chevrolet Impala achieved the best sales for a single year for any automobile in history.

The 1967 Chevrolet Impala design showed a sleek, sophisticated style that set it apart from many competitors. The 67 Impala has a long, low slung profile and distinctive chrome trim. The front end carried Chevrolet’s signature twin headlight setup. This was framed by a bold, chrome accented grille. The roof line had a sweeping appearance that tapered down to the rear deck which gave the model a silhouette that was aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing. Chrome side moldings and tail light bezels added a degree of sophistication.

Adding to the sleek design were subtly sculpted fenders that conveyed the models muscular underpinnings. Chrome side moldings and taillight bezels added a look of elegant sophistication.

All 1967 Impala’s featured upgraded door panels with carpeting on the lower panel section. Vinyl and cloth seating is standard with all vinyl seating being available as an option.

To comply with federal safety regulations, the 1967 Chevy Impala featured a fully collapsible energy absorbing steering column along with side marker lights, and shoulder belts.

1967 Impala SS

Among the differences with the Impala SS package was that front disc brakes were standard with the 427 engine. The SS models also offered the Turbo Hydra-Matic with the higher powered V-8’s. The higher powered V-8’s Also made available a fourth speed manual trans. Also available with SS models were all-vinyl Strato-bucket seats and a center console.

1967 Chevy Impala Specifications

The standard engine for the 1967 Impala is a 283 cubic-inch V-8 putting out 195 HP. Also available as an option is a 327 cubic-inch V-8 pumping out 275 HP. Even more power was offered with a 396 cubic-inch “big-block” V-8 with 325 HP. For those Impala buyers wanting the ultimate engine they could choose the legendary 427 cubic-inch V-8 achieving a staggering 385 HP.

The Chevrolet 427 cubic inch V8 engine is a true powerhouse that has cemented its place in automotive history as one of the most iconic and sought-after American muscle car engines ever produced.

Standard is a three speed manual transmission. Also available is a two speed Powerglide automatic. There is a three speed Turbo Hydra-Matic that was available with the 327 V-8 as well as with the big-block 396 and 427 V-8’s

Front brakes are heavy-duty discs. Hydraulic drums are on the rear wheels..

1967 Chevy Impala dimensions include a 119.0 inch wheelbase, overall length 215.0 inches, width 79.5 inches which gave the model a broad stance, and height 54.7 inches. Curb weight about 3,710 lbs.

Total Impala production estimates for the 1967 model year were 575,600 vehicles. Impala hardtop production totaled 66,000 vehicles. This was from a total 1967 Chevrolet production of 1.9 million vehicles.

See these related Auto Museum Online articles..

The 1963 Chevy Impala SS Convertible

1960 Chevy Impala Hardtop

Reference material for this article included..Chevrolet: The Complete History by the editors of Consumer Guide…100 Years of Chevrolet by Ralph Kramer and Jerry Burton…The Complete History of the Chevrolet Impala by Tony Markovich.

When we look at the 1967 Chevrolet Impala as a classic collector car, an example in original condition is very rare. One of these with original equipment, restored and carefully maintained over the decades will command a good asking price. Average prices for a 1967 Impala in very good to excellent condition might be in a range of $35,000 to $55,000. Those rare original equipment higher powered SS examples with lower miles that may be available could be in the $60,000 plus range.

(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)

1962 Ford F-100 / Photos, Specifications, Model History

Featured is a fine looking 1962 Ford F-100 Styleside Half Ton Pickup. The F Series for the Ford Motor Company has been a big success offering durability, performance and innovation along with plenty of options.

Ford made pickups long before the first F-Series debuted in 1948, but it was that first F-1 model that began a long tradition that has seen trucks go from farm working machines to family daily drivers. First introduced in 1953, the F-100 represented the peak of Ford’s light truck lineup.

The F-100 was a 1/2-ton pickup that was offered in a single cab body style with short or long truck beds. These truck beds were available with the sleek Styleside bed sides, or the fendered Flareside bed sides. Over the years of production, the F Series trucks were offered with a standard inline six engine, or an optional V8. Depending on the year, displacement for these engines ranged from 223ci to 300ci for the inline six, and 292ci to 352ci for the V8. Plenty of power options.

1962 F-100 Styling

1962 was virtually a carbon-copy year for Ford trucks, though minor changes were made in styling – both up front and at the back.

A keen eye will notice a slightly different grille for 1962 that replaced the Ford lettering in the grille with a single horizontal trim piece. The Ford letters were moved just above the grille where they would stay for almost 20 years.

The same two cab offering from 1961 carried over to 1962. These were the Standard Cab and Custom Cab. The Custom Cab had all the items found in the Standard Cab plus a few more such as an insulated headliner, arm rest on left door, sun shade on passenger side, chrome trimmed dashboard instruments, foam rubber in the seats, a white steering wheel with a chrome horn ring. The spacious cab, with its simple but functional dashboard layout and comfortable bench seating, offered a comfortable environment for long drives.

Although the overall styling didn’t change to any significance, the fourth generation introduced several innovations for the truck market. The two-wheel drive Styleside trucks featured a Unibody chassis with a single piece cab and body, but this design was only offered from 1961 to 1963.

The Ford “Wrongbeds”

What would be called the Wrongbeds were introduced in 1961. This is where Ford went ahead with a change from conventional American pickup truck construction. Ford body engineers built the cab and bed as a single welded assembly piece. The name they gave it was “Integrated.” as there is no gap between the cab and the cargo box. Ford’s reasoning was that this would provide a sleek and more modern look. This also reduced cost since there were less body panels and welds required. This one piece construction was also referred to as “Unibody” which actually not a Ford but a Chrysler trade name. The F-100 Wrongbed was another name for the F-100 Unibody.

Problems reported appeared to have a lot to do with the single wall between the cab and cargo box. The biggest problem reported with the one piece build included some body twisting especially with a very heavy cargo load. The Unibody couldn’t flex like a traditional pickup with a heavy load. If the body twisted even slightly you could have issues with the cab doors opening and closing properly or even opening and closing at all. In essence, the Unibody was never intended to be a heavy duty work truck.

1962 Ford F-100 Specifications

Standard engine is a 223 cubic inch inline six. The F-100 also packed as an option a more powerful engine, a 292 cubic inch Y-block V-8. Horsepower is 135 and 160 respectively.

Transmissions include a three speed manual with overdrive and a three speed Heavy-Duty Cruise-O-Matic automatic.

Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.

Suspension includes I Beam front suspension, leaf springs and double acting front and rear shock absorbers.

Three wheelbases were offered with the 1962 F 100. The Shortbed 114.0 inches..the Longbed 122.0 inches..the Wrongbed 120.0 inches.

See these related Auto Museum Online articles..

1964 Ford F 100

1962 Chevy C 10

Reference material for this article includes..Ford F-Series : America’s Pickup Truck by William Scheller…Ford Tough : 100 Years of Ford Trucks by Patrick R. Foster.

The 1962 Ford F-100 pickup truck was a classic American workhorse that epitomized the rugged, utilitarian charm of mid-20th century automobiles.

There’s no denying Americans’ love affair with pickup trucks, both brand new and vintage. In the classic and collector vehicle world, just about anything with a cargo bed has seen skyrocketing prices in recent years on anything from early pre-war trucks to contemporary pickups.

Even today, well-preserved examples of this classic truck are highly sought after by collectors and restorers.

Current asking price range for the 1962 Ford F 100’s in excellent condition are typically in the $30,000 to $60,000 range. Good condition examples may be found in the $24,000 to $30,000 range.

(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)

1976 Ford Elite Coupe / Photos, Specifications, Styling, Model History

Here is a very good looking 1976 Ford Elite. At the time some referred to the Ford Elite as a Baby Thunderbird because the 1976 Thunderbird was about the same size as Ford’s full-size Galaxie/LTD. Ford introduced the Ford Elite as a distinctive coupe that fit in to the luxury car spirit of the era while offering the buyer both eye catching styling and performance.

The Ford Elite Introduction

Ford found a gap in it’s model lineup. To fill this gap in 1974 the Ford Motor Company designed a dressed up and highly equipped Gran Torino and they could set the price thousands less than the “Big Bird” (Ford’s now larger Thunderbird). Additionally, this new Gran Torino could compete head-to-head with for example Chevy’s Monte Carlo. At first, Ford decided to call this new model the Gran Torino XL Plans changed and when this new model came out in Fevruary 1974 it was badged as the Gran Torino Elite. For the 1975 and 1976 model years this personal luxury coupe became a stand alone model and was known as the Ford Elite.

The Ford Elite was produced with the typical personal luxury items. These included an elegant interior with a range of seating and fabric arrangements. A two door coupe was the only body style offered. The transmission offered was simply a three speed automatic that was mated to a standard 351 cubic-inch V8. In addition, a list of extra cost luxury and convenience options were available.

Ford Elite Styling

One of the standout features of the 1976 Ford Elite is its roofline. The coupe’s semi-fastback design not only enhances its sporty appearance but also contributes to improved aerodynamics. Customers could opt for a vinyl roof, adding an extra layer of elegance and customization. The side profile showcases prominent character lines that run from the front fender to the rear, adding depth and dynamism to the vehicle’s stance.

The rear of the car features a distinctive taillight design, integrating a broad, horizontal light bar that visually widens the back end. The combination of this design with the dual exhaust outlets gives the vehicle an assertive presence on the road. For the 1976 model year, Ford offered a palette of vibrant colors, including deep blues, rich greens, and bold reds, allowing buyers to select a finish that best suited their personal style.

1976 Ford Elite Specifications

The 1976 Ford Elite offered buyers the choice of a couple of powerful engines that catered to different preferences for performance and efficiency. Buyers could choose between a 351 cubic inch Windsor V-8 or a more powerful 400 cubic inch V-8. The Elite combines elegance with muscle car type performance.

Transmission is a three speed automatic which offered smooth shifting and ease of operation.

The 1976 Ford Elite was produced with power front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Dimensions include a 114.0 inch wheelbase, 216.4 inch overall outside length, 78.5 inch width, 53.0 inch height. Curb weight 4,320 lbs.

Total Ford Elite production for the 1976 model year were 11,856 vehicles. Total 1976 Ford production including trucks came in at 4.9 million units.

See these related Auto Museum Online articles..

1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

1974 Chevy Monte Carlo Coupe

Reference materials include..Ford Motor Company Archives…..Edmunds Ford Thunderbird History…Complete Book of Collector Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide…Ford Mid-Size Muscle Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero : V-8 Dynamite 1955-1979 by author Marc Cranswick.

The 1976 Ford Elite Coupe represents the styling, innovation and performance of the 1970’s. The long hood and short rear deck illustrate a classic coupe profile which is representative of Ford’s earlier designs.

As noted, the Ford Elite was in production for a relatively short time with only 11,856 units built for the 1976 model year. Asking proces for 1976 examples vary widely depending on mileage, condition and originality. You might find an example in excellent condition with low mileage in the $25,000 range. Several with more mileage but in good condition might be in a $17,000 to $23,000 range.