The 1967 Chevy Impala SS stands as a defining milestone of the American full-size performance era. While smaller mid-size muscle cars like the Chevelle stole headlines, Chevrolet's factory hot rod packed massive big-block power inside an unmistakable Coke-bottle silhouette. It combined luxury-car proportions with straight-line dominance, creating a road presence that few contemporaries could match.
If you're tracking down specs, production figures, or market values for this iconic coupe, you'll find that many online histories blur the lines between standard Impalas and true Super Sport models. This guide breaks down exact engine options, styling hallmarks, production rarities, and the mechanical realities you need to know if you're buying or restoring one today.
Evolution of the Super Sport: The 1967 Redesign
Chevrolet completely overhauled its full-size lineup for the 1967 model year, introducing sweeping fastback styling and flowing body lines. For the Impala SS, this redesign marked a major structural and marketing shift.
Unlike previous years when the Super Sport was available as a standalone series, 1967 turned the SS into an optional trim package (Regular Production Option Z03) available on the Impala Sport Coupe and Convertible. Chevrolet built 76,055 Impala SS models for 1967, which included both bucket-seat and bench-seat variants.
Exterior Styling Hallmarks
- Coke-Bottle Profile: The fenders flared sharply over the rear wheels, giving the car an aggressive, coiled stance even while parked.
- Distinct Grille and Trim: SS models featured blacked-out grille inserts, special bright rocker moldings, and unique rear fender badges.
- Fastback Roofline: The sloping rear glass merged seamlessly into a shortened rear deck, improving aerodynamic styling over the boxier 1966 models.
Engine Options and Factory Performance
The heart of any muscle car is what lives under the hood. For 1967, Chevrolet offered a tiered lineup of small-block and big-block V8 engines that transformed the heavy Impala from a comfortable cruiser into a formidable quarter-mile runner.
The Small-Block and Base V8s
While most enthusiasts focus on the big blocks, standard factory offerings started with reliable workhorse engines designed for everyday drivability:
- 327 cubic inch small-block: Rated at 275 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor, offering a lighter front end and nimble handling.
The Legendary Big-Block Powerplants
Drivers craving true muscle car acceleration looked straight to the 396 and 427 cubic inch Mark IV big-block engines:
- Turbo-Jet 396 (L35): Pumped out 325 horsepower with a single 4-barrel carburetor, serving as the most popular performance choice.
- Turbo-Jet 396 (L78): Produced a stout 375 horsepower using an aluminum intake manifold and a Holley 4-barrel carburetor.
- Turbo-Jet 427 (L36): Displaced massive cubic inches to churn out 385 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
- Turbo-Jet 427 (L72): The absolute peak of 1967 Chevrolet performance. Featuring solid lifters, a high-rise aluminum intake, and an 11:1 compression ratio, it officially output 425 horsepower (though true output was often higher).
Power was routed through either a 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic, a standard 3-speed manual, or the rugged Muncie 4-speed manual transmission. You can learn more about Chevrolet's heritage vehicles directly from the Chevrolet Official Website.
Interior Layout and Driver Amenities
Sliding behind the wheel of a 1967 Impala SS revealed an interior tailored for grand touring. Early production models featured a front bench seat with a folding armrest as standard equipment, while bucket seats paired with a center console became a popular extra-cost option.
The dashboard abandoned the boxy styling of earlier decades, opting for a wraparound instrument cluster housed directly in front of the driver. Standard gauges included a horizontal sweep speedometer, fuel level readout, and warning lights for oil pressure and generator status. Many owners upgraded to include an in-dash tachometer and auxiliary gauges to monitor engine temperature and electrical draw.
Interior Highlights
- Strato-Bucket Seats: Deeply contoured front buckets designed to keep driver and passenger planted during sharp cornering.
- Walnut Wood-Grained Accents: Applied across the dashboard and steering wheel center pad to impart a premium, upscale feel.
- Deep-Twist Carpeting: Heavy-loop floor mats spanning the entire footwell, insulated with thick sound-deadening padding.
Collectibility, Market Values, and Common Mistakes
Today, the 1967 Chevy Impala SS enjoys a dedicated following among classic car collectors. Values vary wildly based on original equipment, particularly engine choice. A base 327 or mild 396 car commands a modest entry point into classic ownership, while numbers-matching L72 427 four-speed cars fetch premium six-figure sums at major auction houses like Hemmings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying
- Assuming All SS Models Have Big Blocks: Because the SS was an appearance and trim package in 1967 (Z03), thousands left the factory with small-block 327 engines. Always verify the VIN and engine stampings to avoid paying big-block prices for a small-block car.
- Overlooking Rust Areas: Full-size GM cars of this era are notorious rust collectors. Check the rear wheel arches, trunk floors, lower quarter panels, and frame rails just ahead of the rear wheels.
- Ignoring Frame Integrity: The perimeter frame on these full-size sedans and coupes can trap moisture. A rusty frame will cost thousands to repair properly, far outweighing cosmetic flaws.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a 1967 Impala SS is real?
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and trim tag. For 1967, an Impala V8 coupe VIN starts with 16487 (for standard Impala Sport Coupe) or 16467 (for convertible). Because the SS was an option code (Z03) rather than a separate model prefix in 1967, genuine documentation like original factory build sheets, dealer invoices, or protect-o-plates are essential for verifying authenticity.
What was the top speed of a 1967 Impala SS 427?
Equipped with the high-output 425-horsepower 427 engine and performance rear axle ratios, the 1967 Impala SS could easily exceed 130 mph, though its heavy curb weight of over 3,800 pounds meant it excelled most as a high-speed highway cruiser rather than a road course racer.
How many 1967 Impala SS models were built?
Chevrolet produced approximately 76,055 Impala SS vehicles for the 1967 model year. Out of that total, only a small fraction were ordered with the top-tier L72 427 engine, making those specific big-block variants exceptionally rare today.
What fuel octane do these vintage V8 engines require?
Because high-performance 1967 engines like the 396 and 427 were built with high compression ratios (often 10.25:1 to 11.0:1), they require high-octane gasoline or lead substitutes to prevent harmful engine knocking and pre-ignition.
