Chevrolet Impala 327

Built in California in March 1967, this Impala left the factory finished in Nantucket Blue with a black vinyl interior.

It’s a fabulous specification on the Sport Coupe, with that long, sweeping roofline and acres of chrome. But what makes this car special to me is how it drives. I can put my hand on my heart and say it is the best American car I’ve ever driven.

It starts on the first turn of the key in the morning. The 327 V8 is whisper quiet, the carburettor pulls beautifully and it cruises comfortably all day long. Everything works. There isn’t huge wind noise or a chorus of rattles, and you don’t have to make excuses for it because it’s an old American car. It just feels right.

The bodywork is lovely and straight, and the car is extremely good underneath. It has been fully repainted at some stage before our ownership, and we’re happy to be upfront about that. It also has a stainless steel exhaust and an upgraded electronic ignition system. We imported the Impala from our friends at Duke London a couple of years ago, sold it to a customer and have since taken it back in part exchange. We know the car well, and it comes with a useful file of service history.

Before delivery, we’re carrying out a full service, replacing the rocker cover gaskets and front crankshaft oil seal, and renewing the rear brake shoes and wheel cylinders. There are plenty of Impalas that look the part parked up.

This one backs it up every time you turn the key. For condition and driving quality, it is by far the best we’ve had.