Is there a nicer Chevy from the 1960s than the ’61? Especially in two-door hardtop form—available as an Impala and Bel Air—the 1961 Chevrolet looked trim and light thanks to finless flanks and a large amount of glass. Plus, 1961 was the first year for the Super Sport package and the big-block 409. It’s like everything converged for the model year, no? For those reasons, it’s a pleasure to introduce the AutoHunter Spotlight for today, a Seafoam Green 1961 Chevrolet Impala “Bubbletop” Sport Coupe with a tri-carb 409 transplant, four-wheel disc brakes, and more.
The Seafoam Green hue is complemented by longitudinal white accents. Other exterior features include dual chrome side mirrors, twin exhaust pipes poking from underneath the rear valence, and 18-inch Ridler wheels wrapped in staggered-width Otani radials—235/40 (front) and 255/45 (rear).
The interior features green cloth and vinyl upholstery that nicely matches the exterior. The bench seat is split in the back to facilitate ingress and egress. Other features include column-mounted automatic shifter and factory AM radio.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, clock, and gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel. An aftermarket 8,000-rpm tachometer is mounted on the left side of the column, and auxiliary gauges for the oil pressure, coolant, and ammeter reside under the instrument panel. The odometer currently reads 36,683, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
The engine currently resting in this Chevy is a vintage 409, though this one features three two-barrel carburetors. That’s somewhat interesting because this induction system was never offered for the 409, but it was available for the 348. It’s backed by a three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic 400 transmission, something that an original 409 never had available. An aluminum radiator helps keep things cool on this hot engine.
The undercarriage features Wilwood four-wheel power disc brakes for stopping power that the factory was incapable of imagining. Additions to aid in handling include short coils and sway bars.
So how about it? A 1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe sporting a multi-carb 409 and several modern modifications to make driving a pleasure. Bid now because the auction for this AutoHunter Spotlight ends on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery