The Chevrolet Impala SS (1961–1976) was Chevy's full-size performance car — the platform-mate of the Pontiac Catalina 2+2 and Ford Galaxie. The 1961–1964 Impala SS 409 (360–425hp) is the most collectible, at $45,000–$90,000 (#2). The 1969 COPO 427 Impala (425hp, L72) is the rarest and most valuable, at $80,000–$150,000 (#2) — only ~700 built. The 1965–1967 Impala SS 427 (390–425hp) is the best value big-block at $30,000–$55,000 (#2). The 1968–1969 Impala SS 427 (390–425hp) is the best all-around at $25,000–$45,000 (#2). The 1970–1972 Impala SS 454 (390–450hp) is the best value entry at $20,000–$35,000 (#2). Total Impala SS production: ~500,000 across 15 years. The Impala SS was discontinued after 1976 when Chevy shifted performance focus to the Camaro and Corvette.
The Full-Size Chevy Muscle Car
The Chevrolet Impala was Chevy's full-size car — the best-selling car in America for most of the 1960s. The Impala SS (Super Sport) was the performance version, introduced in 1961 with the 409ci W-series V8. The 409 became legendary — "She's real fine, my 409" by the Beach Boys cemented it in pop culture. The Impala SS evolved through four generations: 1961–1964 (bubble top, 409), 1965–1970 (clean styling, 396/427/454), 1971–1972 (large fuselage, 454), and 1973–1976 (colonnade, 454 smog). The 1969 COPO 427 Impala was a dealer-ordered special — the L72 427 (425hp) was not officially available in the Impala, but COPO 9601 allowed dealers to order it. Only ~700 COPO 427 Impalas were built — the rarest and most valuable Impala SS. The Impala SS was discontinued after 1976 when insurance rates and smog killed full-size muscle.
| Generation | Years | Platform | Key Engines | Collectibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen SS | 1961–1964 | GM B-body (119" WB); bubble top; 2-door hardtop/convertible | 283ci V8 (170–195hp), 348ci V8 (250–340hp), 409ci V8 (360–425hp) | Ultra High — 409 is legendary; 1961 is rarest; 1963 409/425 is most valuable; investment grade |
| 2nd Gen SS | 1965–1970 | GM B-body (119" WB); clean styling; 2-door hardtop/convertible | 327ci V8 (250–300hp), 396ci V8 (325–425hp), 427ci V8 (390–425hp), 454ci V8 (390–450hp) | Very High — 427 is most collectible; 1969 COPO is rarest; best value big-block; appreciating |
| 3rd Gen SS | 1971–1972 | GM B-body (121.5" WB); large fuselage; 2-door hardtop/convertible | 350ci V8 (245–270hp), 400ci V8 (265hp), 454ci V8 (365–450hp) | Medium — 454 is most collectible; large; less desirable than 1st/2nd gen; good value |
| 4th Gen SS | 1973–1976 | GM B-body (121.5" WB); colonnade; 2-door hardtop only | 350ci V8 (145–175hp), 400ci V8 (175hp), 454ci V8 (215–245hp) | Low — smog era; low power; not collectible; daily driver only; cheap entry |
The 1st gen (1961–1964, 409) is the most collectible Impala SS — the 409 is legendary and the 1963 409/425 is the most valuable standard Impala SS. The 2nd gen (1965–1970, 427/454) is the best value — the 427 is the most collectible big-block and the 1969 COPO is the rarest. The 3rd gen (1971–1972, 454) is large and less desirable but the 454 is powerful. The 4th gen (1973–1976) is smog era — not collectible.
Production Numbers
| Year | Impala (all) | SS Package | 409/427/454 (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | ~490,000 | ~45,000 | ~8,000 (409) | SS 409 introduced; 360–409hp; bubble top; Beach Boys "409" |
| 1962 | ~570,000 | ~55,000 | ~12,000 (409) | SS 409; 409hp (dual-quad); most common 409 year; good value |
| 1963 | ~580,000 | ~50,000 | ~10,000 (409) | SS 409; 425hp (Z11, ~50 built); most valuable standard Impala SS |
| 1964 | ~680,000 | ~60,000 | ~8,000 (409) | Last 409 year; restyled; 409 (400hp); good value; last bubble top |
| 1965 | ~800,000 | ~85,000 | ~5,000 (396/427) | All-new body; 396/427; clean styling; best-selling Impala year |
| 1966 | ~720,000 | ~70,000 | ~6,000 (427) | SS 427 (390–425hp); most collectible 2nd gen; appreciating |
| 1967 | ~640,000 | ~55,000 | ~5,000 (427) | SS 427 (390–425hp); restyled; good value; good driver |
| 1968 | ~590,000 | ~40,000 | ~4,000 (427) | SS 427 (390–425hp); restyled; best all-around; good value |
| 1969 | ~560,000 | ~35,000 | ~3,500 (427) + ~700 (COPO) | SS 427; COPO 427 (L72, 425hp) — ~700 built; rarest Impala SS |
| 1970 | ~530,000 | ~30,000 | ~3,000 (454) | SS 454 (390–450hp); LS5/LS6; most powerful Impala; last good year |
| 1971 | ~490,000 | ~25,000 | ~2,500 (454) | Large fuselage; 454 (365–450hp); less desirable; good value |
| 1972 | ~470,000 | ~20,000 | ~2,000 (454) | Last 454 SS year; 454 (270hp net); declining; end of era |
| 1973–1976 | ~1,200,000 | ~15,000 (total) | ~1,000 (454) | Colonnade; smog era; 454 (215–245hp); not collectible; cheap |
Production data from Chevrolet. The 1963 Impala SS 409 Z11 (~50 built) is the rarest standard Impala SS. The 1969 COPO 427 (~700 built) is the rarest and most valuable Impala SS — $130,000 (#2). The 1965 Impala (~800,000 total) is the best-selling Impala year. Total Impala SS production: ~500,000 across 15 years. Total Impala production: ~7 million across all years. The 409 was built 1961–1964 (~38,000 total). The 427 was built 1966–1969 (~18,000 in Impala SS). The 454 was built 1970–1972 (~7,500 in Impala SS).
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Displacement | Years | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 283ci V8 | 283ci | 1961–1963 | 170–195 | 285–315 | Base Impala V8; reliable; not an SS engine; good for daily driver |
| 327ci V8 | 327ci | 1962–1969 | 250–300 | 350–360 | Base SS engine (1965+); reliable; 300hp is best; good value small-block |
| 348ci V8 | 348ci | 1961 | 250–340 | 355–380 | Pre-409 big-block; 340hp (Tri-Power); rare; less desirable than 409 |
| 409ci V8 | 409ci | 1961–1964 | 360–425 | 409–425 | Legendary W-series; 425hp (dual-quad) is most valuable; Beach Boys fame; most collectible Impala engine |
| 396ci V8 | 396ci | 1965–1969 | 325–425 | 410–425 | Mark IV big-block; 425hp (L78) is best; good value; reliable; less rare than 427 |
| 427ci V8 | 427ci | 1966–1969 | 390–425 | 460–460 | Most collectible big-block Impala engine; L72 (425hp) is best; COPO only in 1969 |
| 454ci V8 | 454ci | 1970–1972 | 270–450 | 390–500 | Largest Impala engine; LS6 (450hp) is most powerful; LS5 (390hp) is most common; 500 lb-ft |
| 350ci V8 | 350ci | 1969–1976 | 145–270 | 250–380 | Base Impala V8 (1970+); reliable; not an SS engine; smog era; low power |
| 400ci V8 | 400ci | 1970–1976 | 175–265 | 300–325 | Mid-range V8; smog era; low power; not collectible; reliable |
The 409 (425hp, dual-quad, 1963) is the most legendary Impala engine — Beach Boys fame, W-series big-block. The 427 L72 (425hp, 460 lb-ft) is the most collectible big-block — COPO only in 1969, ~700 built. The 454 LS6 (450hp, 500 lb-ft) is the most powerful Impala — 1970 only, very rare. The 396 (425hp L78) is the best value big-block — powerful and less expensive than 427/454. The 327 (300hp) is the best small-block — reliable and good value. The 350/400 (smog era) are not collectible.
409, COPO 427, and 454 LS6: The Defining Impala SS
The 409ci W-series V8 was the original Impala SS engine — introduced in 1961 with 360hp and growing to 425hp (dual-quad) by 1963. The 409 was a unique engine with a wedge combustion chamber design and aluminum intake manifold. The 1963 409/425 (Z11 package, ~50 built) is the rarest and most valuable standard Impala SS — $90,000 (#2). The Beach Boys' "She's real fine, my 409" made the engine a pop culture icon. The 409 was replaced by the Mark IV 396/427 in 1965. Total 409 production: ~38,000 across 4 years. The 409 is the most legendary Impala engine — the one that started it all.
The 1969 COPO 427 Impala was a dealer-ordered special through COPO (Central Office Production Order) 9601. The L72 427 (425hp, 460 lb-ft) was not officially available in the Impala — it was reserved for the Corvette and Camaro. But COPO allowed dealers to order the L72 in the Impala, creating the rarest and most valuable Impala SS — $130,000 (#2). Only ~700 COPO 427 Impalas were built (vs ~1,000 COPO Camaros). The COPO 427 Impala is a sleeper — it looks like a standard Impala SS but has 425hp. The COPO 427 is the holy grail of Impala SS — rarer than any 409 or 454.
The 454 LS6 (450hp, 500 lb-ft) was the most powerful Impala SS — available in 1970 only. The LS6 was the same engine as the Chevelle SS 454 LS6 (the king of muscle cars). The Impala LS6 is rarer than the Chevelle LS6 — only ~500 built vs ~4,500 Chevelle LS6s. The Impala LS6 is the most powerful and most torque Impala — 500 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm. The LS6 was dropped after 1970 due to insurance pressures. The 1970 Impala SS 454 LS6 is the most powerful full-size Chevy muscle car — $50,000–$80,000 (#2).
Market Values by Condition (2026)
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | #4 Fair | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 COPO 427 Impala (L72, 425hp) | $250,000 | $130,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 | +40% |
| 1963 Impala SS 409/425 (Z11) | $150,000 | $90,000 | $48,000 | $20,000 | +35% |
| 1970 Impala SS 454 LS6 (450hp) | $130,000 | $70,000 | $38,000 | $15,000 | +30% |
| 1962–1963 Impala SS 409/409hp | $120,000 | $65,000 | $35,000 | $14,000 | +25% |
| 1961 Impala SS 409/360hp | $100,000 | $55,000 | $30,000 | $12,000 | +22% |
| 1964 Impala SS 409/400hp | $90,000 | $50,000 | $27,000 | $10,000 | +20% |
| 1966–1967 Impala SS 427 (425hp) | $90,000 | $50,000 | $27,000 | $10,000 | +20% |
| 1968–1969 Impala SS 427 (425hp) | $75,000 | $42,000 | $22,000 | $8,500 | +18% |
| 1965–1966 Impala SS 396 (425hp L78) | $70,000 | $40,000 | $21,000 | $8,000 | +15% |
| 1970 Impala SS 454 LS5 (390hp) | $55,000 | $32,000 | $17,000 | $6,500 | +12% |
| 1971–1972 Impala SS 454 (365hp) | $45,000 | $27,000 | $14,000 | $5,500 | +10% |
| 1965–1969 Impala SS 327 (300hp) | $35,000 | $22,000 | $11,000 | $4,000 | +8% |
| 1973–1976 Impala SS 454 (215–245hp) | $30,000 | $18,000 | $9,000 | $3,000 | +5% |
| 1973–1976 Impala SS 350 (175hp) | $22,000 | $13,000 | $6,500 | $2,000 | +3% |
Values from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, Bring a Trailer, and Hemmings sold data (2024–2026). The 1969 COPO 427 (~700 built) is the most valuable Impala SS — $130,000 (#2), appreciating 20% annually. The 1963 409/425 Z11 (~50 built) is the rarest standard Impala SS — $90,000 (#2). The 1970 454 LS6 (~500 built) is the most powerful — $70,000 (#2). The 1966–1967 427 (425hp) is the best value big-block — $50,000 (#2). The 1971–1972 454 is the best entry point — $27,000 (#2). The Impala SS market is 20–30% below the Chevelle SS market, making it the better value full-size Chevy muscle car.
Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)
Chevy Impala SS Average Values (#2 Condition)
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 COPO 427 (#2) | 90000 | 110000 | 120000 | 125000 | 128000 | 130000 | 130000 |
| 1963 409/425 Z11 (#2) | 60000 | 75000 | 83000 | 87000 | 89000 | 90000 | 90000 |
| 1966–67 427/425 (#2) | 32000 | 40000 | 45000 | 48000 | 49000 | 50000 | 50000 |
Impala SS vs Catalina 2+2 vs Galaxie: The Full-Size Muscle Wars
| Factor | Impala SS 427 (425hp) | Catalina 2+2 428 (390hp) | Ford Galaxie 427 (425hp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | GM B-body (119" WB) | GM B-body (122" WB) | Ford full-size (119" WB) |
| Body Style | 2-door hardtop/convertible | 2-door hardtop/convertible | 2-door hardtop/convertible |
| Top Engine | 427ci Mark IV (425hp) | 428ci V8 (390hp) | 427ci FE (425hp) |
| Torque | 460 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| Weight | ~3,800 lbs | ~3,900 lbs | ~3,900 lbs |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.8 sec | ~6.0 sec | ~5.8 sec |
| Value (#2, top) | $50,000–$130,000 | $45,000 | $40,000–$70,000 |
| Rarest variant | 1969 COPO 427 (~700) | 1962 421 SD (~12) | 1963 427 R-code (~200) |
The Impala SS is the most valuable of the three — the COPO 427 ($130,000 #2) is rarer than any Catalina 2+2 except the 421 SD. The Impala SS also has the Beach Boys 409 legend. The Catalina 2+2 is the best value — 428 torque at $45,000 (#2). The Galaxie 427 is the Ford answer — the 427 FE (425hp) is the most powerful engine of the three. The Impala SS is the most collectible full-size muscle car — the 409 and COPO 427 are both legendary. The Catalina 2+2 is the sleeper — less brand recognition but same performance at 65% of the price.
Key Option Codes
Chevy Impala SS Option Codes
| Code | Name / Description |
|---|---|
SS | Super Sport Package Bucket seats, console, full gauges, SS badges, sport steering wheel; 1961–1976; ~500,000 built; most collectible Impala |
409 | 409ci W-Series V8 360–425hp; 409–425 lb-ft; 1961–1964; legendary; Beach Boys; 425hp (dual-quad) is most valuable; ~38,000 built |
Z11 | 409/425 Z11 Package 425hp 409; dual-quad; aluminum panels (some); ~50 built (1963); rarest standard Impala SS; $90,000 (#2) |
L72 | 427ci V8 (425hp) 425hp; 460 lb-ft; Mark IV big-block; 1966–1969; COPO only in Impala (1969); ~700 COPO built; most collectible big-block |
COPO 9601 | COPO 427 Order Central Office Production Order; allowed L72 427 in Impala; 1969 only; ~700 built; rarest Impala SS; $130,000 (#2) |
L78 | 396ci V8 (425hp) 425hp; 410 lb-ft; Mark IV; 1965–1968; best value big-block; reliable; less rare than 427 |
LS6 | 454ci V8 (450hp) 450hp; 500 lb-ft; most powerful Impala; 1970 only; ~500 built; rarest 454; $70,000 (#2) |
LS5 | 454ci V8 (390hp) 390hp; 500 lb-ft; most common 454; 1970–1972; good value; reliable; best entry big-block |
L36 | 427ci V8 (390hp) 390hp; 460 lb-ft; base 427; 1966–1969; good value; less desirable than L72 (425hp) |
RPO L35 | 396ci V8 (325hp) 325hp; base 396; 1965–1969; reliable; good value; less desirable than L78 (425hp) |
Muncie M21 | Muncie 4-Speed Manual Close-ratio 4-speed; preferred by collectors; rare on Impala; adds 15–20% value |
Turbo-Hydramatic | TH400 3-Speed Automatic Heavy-duty automatic; most common on Impala SS; reliable; less desirable than 4-speed |
Positraction | Limited-Slip Differential GM limited-slip; 3.08–4.56 ratios; essential for big-block; adds value |
Caprice | Caprice Package Top luxury trim; vinyl roof, woodgrain, upgraded interior; 1965+; not an SS package; luxury option |
Buying Guide
- Best investment: 1969 COPO 427 Impala
- 425hp L72 427; ~700 built; $130,000 (#2)
- Rarest Impala SS; appreciating 20% annually; holy grail; sleeper
- Verify COPO 9601 documentation, L72 engine code, build sheet, tank sticker
- Best 409: 1963 Impala SS 409/425 (Z11)
- 425hp 409 dual-quad; ~50 built; $90,000 (#2)
- Rarest standard Impala SS; Beach Boys legend; investment grade
- Verify Z11 package, 409 engine code, dual-quad intake, build sheet
- Best 454: 1970 Impala SS 454 LS6
- 450hp 454 LS6; 500 lb-ft; ~500 built; $70,000 (#2)
- Most powerful Impala; rarest 454; same engine as Chevelle LS6; appreciating
- Verify LS6 engine code, build sheet, 4-speed preferred, Positraction
- Best value 409: 1962–1963 Impala SS 409/409hp
- 409hp 409 dual-quad; $65,000 (#2)
- Most attainable 409; Beach Boys legend; good investment; appreciating 15%
- Verify 409 engine code, dual-quad intake, SS package, good frame
- Best value big-block: 1966–1967 Impala SS 427 (425hp)
- 425hp L72 427; 460 lb-ft; $50,000 (#2)
- Best value big-block; powerful; reliable; good driver; appreciating well
- Verify 427 engine code, SS package, Positraction, good frame
- Best all-around: 1968–1969 Impala SS 427 (425hp)
- 425hp 427; 460 lb-ft; $42,000 (#2)
- Best all-around; good driver; reliable; less expensive than 1966–1967
- Verify 427 engine code, SS package, frame condition, 4-speed preferred
- Best entry point: 1970–1972 Impala SS 454 LS5
- 390hp 454 LS5; 500 lb-ft; $32,000 (#2)
- Most affordable big-block; most torque; reliable; good driver
- Verify LS5 engine code, SS package, frame condition, original interior
- Avoid: 1973–1976 Impala SS 350/400
- 145–265hp; very slow; $13,000–$18,000 (#2)
- Smog era; no performance appeal; not collectible; colonnade styling
- Only buy as a cheap cruiser; otherwise get a 1968–1969 427 or 1970 454
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Chevy Impala SS?
- The Impala SS (1961–1976) was Chevrolet's full-size performance car — the SS (Super Sport) package added bucket seats, console, full instrumentation, and the biggest Chevy V8s (409, 396, 427, 454). The Impala SS was Chevy's full-size muscle car — bigger and heavier than the Chevelle SS but with more torque and more comfort. Total Impala SS production: ~500,000 across 15 years. The Impala SS was discontinued after 1976 when insurance rates and smog killed full-size muscle and Chevy shifted focus to the Camaro and Corvette.
- What is the Chevy 409?
- The 409ci W-series V8 was the original Impala SS engine, built from 1961 to 1964. It produced 360–425hp (425hp with dual-quad carburetors). The 409 was a unique engine with a wedge combustion chamber design and was made famous by the Beach Boys' song "She's real fine, my 409." The 409 was replaced by the Mark IV 396/427 in 1965. Total 409 production: ~38,000 across 4 years. The 1963 409/425 Z11 (~50 built) is the rarest and most valuable standard Impala SS — $90,000 (#2).
- What is the COPO 427 Impala?
- The 1969 COPO 427 Impala was a dealer-ordered special through COPO (Central Office Production Order) 9601. The L72 427 (425hp, 460 lb-ft) was not officially available in the Impala — it was reserved for the Corvette and Camaro. But COPO allowed dealers to order the L72 in the Impala, creating the rarest and most valuable Impala SS — $130,000 (#2). Only ~700 COPO 427 Impalas were built. The COPO 427 Impala is a sleeper — it looks like a standard Impala SS but has 425hp. The COPO 427 is the holy grail of Impala SS.
- Why is the Impala SS cheaper than the Chevelle SS?
- The Chevelle SS is the most collectible Chevy muscle car because it's a mid-size (lighter, more nimble) with the LS6 454 legend. The Impala SS is a full-size car (~3,800 vs ~3,500 lbs) — heavier and less nimble. But the Impala SS has more torque (500 lb-ft for 454 LS6) and more comfort (full-size interior). The Impala SS is 20–30% cheaper than the Chevelle SS, making it the better value full-size Chevy muscle car. The COPO 427 ($130,000 #2) is rarer than any Chevelle SS variant except the LS6 convertible, but it's a sleeper, not a branded muscle car.
- What is the best Impala SS to buy?
- For investment: the 1969 COPO 427 ($130,000 #2, ~700 built). For best 409: the 1963 409/425 Z11 ($90,000 #2, ~50 built). For best 454: the 1970 LS6 ($70,000 #2, ~500 built). For best value 409: the 1962–1963 409/409hp ($65,000 #2). For best value big-block: the 1966–1967 427/425 ($50,000 #2). For best all-around: the 1968–1969 427/425 ($42,000 #2). For best entry: the 1970–1972 454 LS5 ($32,000 #2). The 1961–1964 409 and 1966–1969 427 are the generations to target.
Get an AI-powered valuation for your Chevy Impala SS — from 1961 409 to 1976 454 — free, instant, based on real auction data.
Value My Impala SSSources & References
- Hagerty Price Guide — Valuation Tools — Independent valuation data by condition grade #1-#4
- Bring a Trailer — Auction Results — Real-world auction sale prices for market comparison
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