1961 Chevrolet Impala

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys Hershey event, 8 - 9 October 2025.
Offered Without Reserve $20,000 - $30,000 USD

• Sold new via Red Deer Motors of Alberta, Canada, as documented by accompanying original invoice and service book
• Retains numbers-matching engine, according to original dealer documents on file
• Displays just over 7,951 miles at cataloguing, believed to be original
• Factory-correct Arbor Green and Ermine White paint, a GM Canada-only offering, over a green interior
• A remarkably original Impala well-suited to continued preservation

While the convertible and hardtop variants of the Chevrolet Impala often steal the spotlight at car shows and in magazine features, the Impala was by its third generation offered in an extensive range of body styles, including family-friendly sedans and wagons. Cars like this 1961 Impala Four-Door Sedan brilliantly illustrate why the model became such a mainstream sales success for Chevrolet: It offered full-size practicality without losing the eye-catching style that had quickly become the Impalas trademark.

What sets this Canadian-market example apart from its peers, however, is its impressive state of overall preservation, as well as a cache of seldom-seen original documentation. The original owners guide, owner protection plan, dealer data card, and Delco battery warranty card help illustrate this Chevrolets early life, in addition to confirming the presence of the numbers-matching engine, 9V198675. Further, the trim tag confirms its factory color combination as JC, or Arbor Green with an Ermine White top. This very attractive pairing was offered on General Motors Canada passenger cars but was not available in the American market for 1961, further enhancing this Impalas rarity and appeal. Its interior is complementary green cloth and vinyl.

Sold new on 15 June 1961 to a Mr. Steve Deschner by Red Deer Motors of Alberta, Canada, its options included a Powerglide transmission, power brakes, Airflow heater with defrosters, padded dash, engine heater, two-speed electric windshield wipers and washers, a GM radio, limited-slip differential, and heavy-duty shocks and springs, bringing the total price to a little under $4,300. The car would remain local for its first few years, with the protection plan booklet recording regular service through the 4,000-mile mark, which Red Deer Motors performed in August 1962.

Sometime later, the car moved south of the US-Canada border. A state inspection sticker on the windshield indicates that by 2001 the Impala was located in Missouri, traveling to California later that year. An October 2001 service invoice notes just 7,205 miles on the odometer. The car was subsequently acquired by a private family collection in the Pacific Northwest and invoices dating to 2008 indicate further mechanical work. At some point, a Turboglide transmission had been fitted, and replacing this with a Powerglide as originally delivered was part of the scope of this work.

At cataloguing time, the Chevrolet showed just over 7,951 miles, believed to be actual. Evidence of this cars originality is visible in its factory exterior and interior finishes, as well as in more subtle areas, including assembly line markings on the firewall. Accompanied by original documentation and boasting an unusual color combination, this 1961 Impala Four-Door Sedan is a worthy candidate for continued preservation, with great potential for exhibition. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf25/.