1962 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS 409 LIGHTWEIGHT

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This 1962 Chevrolet SS 409 (actually 420ci) is one of only handful of cars referred to as 'aluminum lightweights' for racing and one of only three of these '62s currently known to exist. In 1963, this program went on to become the Chevrolet Z11 program. Chevrolet released this special race package on June 26, 1962, with plans to build a total of 50 cars as required by NHRA to compete in A/Stock with the aluminum 426 Max Wedge Mopars and 421 Pontiacs. However, due to problems with stamping the

aluminum components, only 16-18 cars were built at the assembly plant. Another 10-12 sets of parts were shipped to the racers that already had their '62 Chevy 409s. In all cases, the engine components were shipped to the race teams separately. These cars were then put into the B/FX or factory experimental class. The Impala offered here was built at the Chevrolet Kansas City assembly plant as an Impala SS. With the dual 4-barrel 409 engine, close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission and 4.56:1 posi-traction axle. Additionally, it was produced without seam sealer or sound-deadening, radio and heater delete, strictly for racing. A complete set of all the aluminum body panels and special engine components were later shipped and added to this car in time to compete in and win the 1963 Winter Nationals. In 2016, it underwent a comprehensive restoration back to its as-raced condition. When found by the current owner, the car just looked like another Impala SS with the 409 engine- hardly a factory race car. However, on closer inspection, it was discovered that all the aluminum body panels and special engine components were still attached. Research revealed the car’s true history and ownership background. A copy of the June 26, 1962, Chevrolet Engineering paperwork for the release of this special engine package were found and are included with the sale. A no-expense-spared restoration back to the as-raced condition was given by Scott Tiemann and Dan Jensen of Supercar Specialties and completed in late 2016. Sent to the prestigious Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) in November 2016, it scored 987 of 1,000 and received the top Concours Gold Award. This is a great car.