The 1967 Chevy Impala SS stands as a high-water mark for full-sized American muscle, combining aggressive fastback styling with formidable big-block power. While smaller intermediates like the Chevelle often steal the spotlight, the Impala Super Sport defined the sweeping, muscular elegance of the late 1960s. You're looking at a machine that balanced everyday cruiser comfort with heavyweight dragstrip capability.
Underneath the sculpted sheet metal, Chevrolet engineered a complete redesign for the 1967 model year, introducing coke-bottle styling and enhanced safety features. Understanding this iconic cruiser means looking past the pop-culture fame to examine its actual engine options, production numbers, and real-world collectibility.
Evolution of the Super Sport Line
Chevrolet introduced the Super Sport package in 1961 as an upscale trim and performance upgrade, but by 1967, the SS badge occupied a distinct space in the lineup. For this model year, the Impala SS was available as either a sport coupe hardtop or a convertible.
The 1967 model year brought a major body overhaul across the entire Chevrolet full-size platform. Engineers incorporated sweeping fender contours and a blunt, aggressive front grille that gave the car a forward-leaning posture even when parked. Unlike earlier iterations that relied heavily on exterior chrome flash, the 1967 design let clean lines and muscular proportions do the talking.
Inside, the cabin featured bucket seats and a center console on most true SS models, paired with a distinct circular instrument cluster layout. Chevrolet also upgraded the interior door panels and offered an optional wood-grained steering wheel that elevated the cockpit feel.
Engine Options and Performance Specs
Performance defined the Super Sport identity, and buyers could choose from several powerplants ranging from modest small-blocks to terrifying big-block torque monsters.
- 327 cubic-inch Small-Block V8: Delivering 275 horsepower, this engine offered a balanced driving dynamic with less front-end weight.
- 396 cubic-inch Turbo-Jet Big-Block V8: Pushing out 325 horsepower, it provided classic big-block grunt without upsetting daily road manners.
- 427 cubic-inch Turbo-Jet V8 (RPO L36): Generating 385 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this powerhouse made the heavy Impala surprisingly fast in a straight line.
- 427 cubic-inch L72 V8: Pumping out a factory-rated 425 horsepower with solid lifters and an 11:1 compression ratio, reserved for serious enthusiasts.
Transmission choices included a standard three-speed manual, a four-speed manual, the two-speed Powerglide automatic, and the robust three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic. When paired with the 427 engine and a heavy-duty rear axle, the car could sprint from zero to sixty in roughly 8.4 seconds, covering the quarter-mile in about 15.8 seconds.
Production Numbers and Rarity
While Chevrolet manufactured hundreds of thousands of standard Impalas in 1967, true Super Sport production sat at specific, trackable levels. Total Impala SS hardtop production reached 66,510 units, while the convertible version saw just 9,545 examples leave the factory.
A common point of confusion among buyers involves the transition year for the SS badge. In 1967, the Super Sport was still its own distinct model series rather than just an appearance package, but the famous SS 427 performance package arrived later in the production run as a separate option package (RPO Z24). Only about 2,124 buyers checked the box for the dedicated SS 427 package that year, making those specific big-block survivors highly sought-after by collectors today.
Identifying a Real 1967 Impala SS
Cloning standard Impalas into fake Super Sports is common in the classic car market. Verifying an authentic vehicle requires checking specific data points on the vehicle identification number and trim tag.
- Check the VIN Prefix: A true 1967 V8 Impala SS hardtop built in a standard plant will feature a VIN starting with specific series digits, typically designating the V8 Super Sport body style (Series 168 for V8 hardtops).
- Inspect the Trim Tag: Look at the body Fisher tag on the firewall. Authentic 1967 SS models built in certain plants carry specific interior and body style codes.
- Examine the Floor Pan and Console: True SS models came with front bucket seats and a console layout. If a car has a bench seat and column shifter, verify whether it's an authentic clone or an original car that was modified.
Reviewing historical sales data through platforms like Hagerty Valuation Tools helps buyers understand current market trajectories for verified models.
Common Maintenance and Resto-Mod Challenges
Owning and driving a vintage full-size Chevrolet requires managing specific mechanical realities. Because these cars weigh close to 4,000 pounds, suspension components, bushings, and braking systems experience accelerated wear.
- Brake Upgrades: Most original cars left the factory with drum brakes on all four corners. Upgrading to front power disc brakes drastically improves stopping safety in modern traffic.
- Cooling Capacity: Big-block 396 and 427 engines generate immense heat. Installing an aluminum radiator and dual electric fans prevents overheating during summer cruise nights.
- Rust Areas: Inspect the rear wheel arches, trunk floors, and lower quarter panels closely, as moisture easily collects in these structural pockets.
For technical documentation and restoration blueprints, consulting resources like General Motors Heritage Center provides access to original specifications, brochures, and vehicle assembly manuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1967 Chevy Impala SS worth today?
Values vary drastically based on condition and engine choice. A standard small-block driver in fair condition might trade under $20,000, while numbers-matching 427 SS convertibles in pristine condition frequently command upwards of $60,000 to $100,000+ at major collector car auctions.
Did the 1967 Impala SS come with a six-cylinder engine?
Yes. Surprisingly, Chevrolet offered a 250 cubic-inch inline-six engine as the base powerplant for the Impala SS in 1967. However, very few buyers selected it, as most purchasers expected a V8 engine under the hood of a muscle car.
What is the difference between a standard Impala SS and the SS 427?
The standard Impala SS was an interior and exterior trim designation available with various small-block and big-block engines. The SS 427 (RPO Z24) was a specialized performance package that included the 427 cubic-inch engine, unique hood styling, special badging, and heavy-duty suspension tuning.
How heavy is a 1967 Chevy Impala SS?
Depending on the engine choice and body style, curb weight generally ranges from 3,500 pounds for six-cylinder hardtops up to roughly 3,850 pounds for big-block V8 variants.
