135233 / 1961 Chevrolet Impala

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Wrapping a smooth Gen III LS6 in silky aesthetics and custom mechanicals, this magazine-featured Impala possesses the kind of performance and style that literally defines 'one-of-a-kind'!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Sealed in a sophisticated combination of basic black and Prowler Orange Metallic, this slick Chevrolet is the beneficiary of an extensive, ground-up restoration that was completed over the course of six years. After being stripped to bare metal, the car's solid body was patched, worked and sanded until it displayed better-than-factory alignment. That body's combination of form, fit and flash is reinforced by high-gloss DuPont clear, which was blocked three times and buffed to a mirror-like shine. And that world-class look is completed by custom-airbrushed side stripes, which earned the car the nickname 'Crocodile Rock'.

ENGINE

This sweet looking Chevy is powered by a smooth, Gen III LS6 that provides plenty of solid, reliable motivation. Straight from the factory, the racy mill utilizes 346 cubic inches to twist buff 10.5 to 1 compression into 405 horsepower and 400 lb./ft. of Oak-shaking torque. And despite consistently delivering track-blistering, low-end performance, it can rev to 6,500 RPM and idles like a commuter car! At the front of the aluminum block, a chrome Street & Performance serpentine drive spins a chrome alternator and chrome AC compressor at the sides of a custom-shrouded Street & Performance air cleaner. Once air enters that cleaner, it flows through a factory throttle body to a painted factory intake that's bolted down over completely stock internals. High-octane fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced through reliable AC Delco plug wires. Spent gases swirl through ceramic-coated Street & Performance headers. And cooling comes courtesy of a beefy radiator that's centered on corrugated hoses and a large electric puller fan.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The car's spry small block is, first and foremost, augmented by a fully refinished X-frame that mixes subdued looks with proven brawn. At the center of that chassis, a tough 4L60E 4-speed makes good use of a shortened driveshaft. That driveshaft twists a proven 10-bolt rear end, which seats 3.73 gears and a posi-traction differential between RideTech CoolRides and KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. Turns come courtesy of modern power steering, which floats a 605 gearbox between RideTech ShockWaves and Fatman 2-inch drop spindles. Smooth and solid stops are provided by dual-piston Aerospace Engineering calipers, which squeeze 12-inch drilled and slotted rotors. Spent gases flow through large-diameter pipes and throaty turbo mufflers. Power meets the pavement through custom, 3-piece Asantis, which spin 245/35ZR20 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx in front of 265/35ZR22 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx. And everything, from this Chevy's color-keyed fenders to its beefy sway bar, tucks nicely under a 6-inch total drop.

INTERIOR

Behind the car's lightweight doors, you'll find a luxurious mix of alligator, suede and Kamali-supplied leather. Comfy bench seats stretch stylish alligator accents over polished trim and Prowler Orange frames. From the driver's perch, a hand-fabricated dash hangs Auto Meter Carbon Fiber Ultra-Lite telemetry above custom ornamentation and billet foot pedals. Beneath that dash, orange carpet frames a custom, Impala-branded console, which anchors Chevrolet-branded cupholders beneath Vintage Air climate control and Panasonic touchscreen audio. And in front of the driver, a stylish Budnik steering wheel laps a billet gear selector and convenient, tilting column.

This incredible Impala is the kind of car that runs hard and wins trophies. If you've been searching for an awesome custom to enjoy for years to come, call, click or visit http://RKMotorsCharlotte.com today!