The 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS (Super Sport) is one of the most celebrated American muscle cars of the 1960s—a symbol of power, style, and cultural significance. Though technically a full-size car, the Impala SS bridged the gap between luxurious cruising and high-performance driving, making it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts, collectors, and custom builders alike.
By 1964, the Impala had firmly established itself as Chevrolet’s top-of-the-line full-size offering. The SS package, first introduced in 1961, had evolved into more than just a trim level—it became a performance icon. The 1964 model year marked the final edition of the third-generation Impala, and many consider it the most refined and best-looking version of the early Super Sports.
Design and Styling
The 1964 Impala SS featured a sleeker, more squared-off body than earlier models, with crisp lines, muscular shoulders, and just the right amount of chrome detailing. Its defining features included triple tail lights, a full-width aluminum grille, and unique SS badging on the quarter panels and interior. The SS package added specific trim, special wheel covers, and sometimes racing-inspired touches like simulated engine-turned aluminum panels on the dashboard and console.
Inside, the SS came standard with bucket seats and a center console, along with a floor-mounted shifter if equipped with a manual or console-style automatic transmission. Instrumentation was sporty and clean, with optional tachometer and auxiliary gauges. The attention to interior detail made it feel upscale and performance-focused at the same time.
Power and Performance
What truly made the 1964 Impala SS a muscle car contender was its engine lineup. Buyers could choose from a wide range of V8s, but the most famous and desirable was the 409 cubic inch V8—an engine that had already achieved legendary status thanks to drag racing success and pop culture, particularly The Beach Boys’ 1962 song “409.” Available in several configurations, the most powerful version produced 425 horsepower, making it one of the most potent cars you could buy in the early ’60s.
Transmission options included 3- and 4-speed manuals, as well as the Powerglide and Turbo-Hydramatic automatics. With a 4-speed manual and dual-quad carbureted 409, the Impala SS could run the quarter mile in the low 14-second range—a serious number for the time, especially in a car that weighed over 3,500 pounds.
The car also featured heavy-duty suspension components, especially in SS trims equipped with the 409 or the optional Z11 drag package. Though handling wasn’t as sharp as smaller muscle cars that would emerge later, the ’64 Impala SS could hold its own thanks to well-balanced weight distribution and ample torque.
Cultural Impact
The 1964 Impala SS wasn’t just a high-performance machine—it became a cultural icon. Its presence extended far beyond racetracks and showrooms. It was—and still is—a favorite in the lowrider community, particularly among Chicano and Latino car enthusiasts in the Southwest U.S., who embraced its long, sleek body for intricate custom paint jobs, hydraulic suspension systems, and elaborate interiors.
In pop culture, the ’64 Impala has been featured in music videos, movies, and songs across generations. From the early days of rock ‘n’ roll to 1990s West Coast hip-hop, the Impala SS symbolized cool, status, and individuality.
Legacy
Today, the 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS is a sought-after classic. Restored originals with 409 engines are especially valuable, but even small-block versions and six-cylinder models enjoy strong demand among collectors and customizers. The availability of reproduction parts and aftermarket support makes it a popular choice for restorations and resto-mod builds.
In every sense, the 1964 Impala SS captured the spirit of its time—a blend of raw power, style, and cultural resonance that few cars can match. Whether thundering down a drag strip or cruising low and slow through city streets, it remains a true American icon.
