1995 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan 

In the vein of the Buick Grand National in which GM took a rather pedestrian Regal favored by a more seasoned customer, coated it in black and gave it a high performance engine, Chevrolet introduced the Impala SS in 1994.  Essentially taking a Caprice, painting it black, (and eventually two other colors), and dropping in a slightly detuned Corvette LT-1 engine and based on the 9C1 police package.  The results were predictable, some were used as daily drivers and enjoyed as normal cars.  Others were treated like the collectibles they would become and used as a weekend cruiser or show cars and as a result, mileage was kept low. 

Gracing our Hallowed Halls and ready to cruise into your collection, a 31,234 title verified actual mile 1995 Impala SS in black.  This one has been owned by the same family since 1999 when they became just the second owner of the car.  While Dark Cherry Metallic and Dark Grey Green were introduced in this second year of production, black remains the top pick for enthusiasts. 

Exterior
The inky black paint is complemented by the black mesh grille, black bumpers, and the lack of any chrome on the body with the exception of the Impala logo on the C-pillar and window trim.  Even the Impala SS insignia on the rear quarter panels is blacked out and subtle.  The car is big, menacing, and looks fast even when parked.  A small wing on the back is an understated nod to performance and the original 17-inch 5-spoke wheels were specific to the SS and fit the car well.  Overall, the paint looks great, shiny and bright but note GM is not known for depth.  We note a few touched up scratches low on the body and some scratches on the clear coat of one wheel.  

Interior
Regardless of exterior color, all SS's received a gray interior with some subtle upgrades from the Caprice but retaining the comfort and features of that luxury cruiser.  Our door panels contain a myriad of electric switches for the windows, seat, mirror, and lock controls.  We note some discoloration on the switch bezel noticeable on both front doors; a bit of yellow that some interior plastic paint could remedy.  However, the panels overall are in excellent shape.  Whereas most Caprices had bench or split bench configuration, the Impala SS gets leather covered bucket seats.  Big and soft, they feature the SS emblem embroidered on the adjustable headrests.  The rear bench gets an embossed Impala logo just above the pull down armrest in the center.  Three seat belts are supplied in the back and it's wide enough to fit three average humans comfortably.  The steering wheel and dash are fairly standard and stock with a digital dash surrounded by analog gauges and the factory AM/FM/CD radio in the center stack topped by an Impala SS badge.  The shifter is on the column for the final time as it would be moved to the center console in '96.  For now, the '95 has an armrest and storage bin along with two cupholders and open storage.  The gray low pile carpet and fleece like headliner are in great condition.  The trunk is lined in gray flannel and covers the spare as well, all in like-new condition.  

Drivetrain
The stock 5.7 liter LT-1 engine is in the bay and the venerable V8 is rated at 260 horsepower.  Electronic fuel injection supplies the vaporized fuel.  A 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission is attached and sends power to the rear 10 bolt with 3.08 gears and Positraction.  Power disc brakes reside at each corner.  Visually, the engine bay is very clean and stock.  The plastic cover on top hints at a future trend that is now found in most cars where entire engines are covered with full plastic shrouds.  

Undercarriage
It's very nice and clean underneath with no sign of road grime or dirt.  Typical surface rust uniformly covers untreated steel and iron pieces including the rear axle, driveshaft, and suspension parts.  We note slight oil residue on the pan and flywheel cover but does not appear to be actively leaking.  The ride is dampened by coil springs front and rear with four-link suspension in the back.  255/55R17 tires occupy all four corners and are considerably wider than your grandfather's Caprice tires.  

Drive-Ability
There's something special about a big, luxury car turned pseudo sportscar.  Sure, it's a big four door, but it's also been called the “family Corvette”.  You won't beat a Grand National in a race, but this car has respectable power and acceleration, and the ride is butter smooth.  The suspension gives way to some roll in turns and the lack of bolstering must be minded, but this is a fantastic cruiser that's about as comfortable as any GM car in 1995.  

After the initial short run of 6,303 cars in 1994, the positive reception prompted Chevy to produce 18,365 SS's in 1995 and 40,269 in '96.  Even with those numbers, it's rare to see one on the street today and they have been thankfully relegated to car shows and museums.  There's still an enthusiast following and clubs across the country.  This is a very fine preserved example, low mileage and low owner numbers, and the ideal addition to your collection, even if it's a collection of one. 

1G1BL52P8SR118537

1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
BL-Impala SS
5-4 Door Sedan
2-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
P-350ci V8 LT1 260hp
8-Check Digit
S-1995
R-Arlington, TX Assy Plant
118537-Sequential Unit Number

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