What is the most desirable classic Impala?

Mike Sullivan By Mike Sullivan · 1 min read · Updated Jun 2026
Quick Answer
The 1958-1964 Impalas are the most desirable, with the 1961-1964 SS and big-block 409 cars leading. The 1959 "bat-wing" and the 1958 first-year Impala are styling standouts, while the 1964 SS is the lowrider and cruiser icon. The 1967-1969 SS 427 cars are the later picks.

The Impala spans many eras; the classic sweet spot is the early full-size cars.

The most-wanted

  • 1961-1964 SS / 409: the muscle and cruiser favorite, the 409 is the legend.
  • 1958-1960: first-year and bat-wing 1959 styling.
  • 1967-1969 SS 427: the big-block later cars.

Why the 409

The 409 V8 (made famous in song) turned the early Impala into a genuine performance car and is the engine collectors chase.

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