An extraordinarily preserved, matching-numbers 409-horsepower Impala SS with  documented ownership history, and over six decades of remarkable provenance.

Some collector cars stand apart not because of an extensive restoration, but because they have survived the passage of time with their original character largely intact. This 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 is one of those rare automobiles.

Finished in its original Nassau Blue with Silver Blue interior, this exceptionally well-preserved Super Sport is equipped with Chevrolet’s legendary 409-cubic-inch V8 in its most desirable 409-horsepower configuration, featuring dual four-barrel carburetors and a factory four-speed manual transmission.

What makes this particular Impala so special is not simply its specification, but its remarkable originality, fascinating early history, and unusually comprehensive documentation stretching back more than six decades.

A Remarkable California History

The story of this Impala begins in 1962, when it was purchased new by Walt Fleagle, a passionate Chevrolet enthusiast who would remain its devoted caretaker for approximately 40 years.

Walt was no ordinary owner. His attachment to this Chevrolet was such that the car became the subject of a feature article in the May 1992 issue of Late Great Chevys, the magazine of the Late Great Chevrolet Association.

Entitled “An Original Owner ’62!”, the article tells the story of Walt and his wife Judy and their beloved Impala, affectionately nicknamed “Big Blue.”

According to the article, Walt ordered his new Chevrolet in Nassau Blue with the Super Sport package, 409 engine, four-speed transmission, and Positraction rear axle. The car was originally equipped with a 336-horsepower 409, which Walt subsequently upgraded to the higher-performance 409-horsepower specification using Chevrolet components.

The magazine recounts how the Impala accompanied the family through different stages of their lives, including a move from California to Oregon. For many years, the car was carefully stored and preserved rather than subjected to the usual wear and tear of everyday transportation.

The article also documents Walt’s meticulous approach to maintaining his Chevrolet, preserving its original appearance while carrying out mechanical work when necessary.

Having such a detailed contemporary account of a car’s early life, complete with photographs and the original owner’s personal recollections, is exceptionally unusual and adds considerable interest to this Impala’s history.

Recognized by the Late Great Chevrolet Association

In July 1996, the Impala was entered in the Late Great Chevrolet Association’s Western National convention in Eugene, Oregon.

Presented by Walt Fleagle, the car received a Silver Award of Excellence, achieving an impressive 928 points in the Modified Class.

The original award certificate accompanies the vehicle today.

This recognition is particularly interesting considering the car’s largely original presentation and the fact that it had already been in the same enthusiast’s care for more than three decades.

An Exceptional, Never-Restored Survivor

Today, this Impala remains in remarkably original condition.

Unlike the many 1962 Impalas that have undergone complete restorations, this example has never been comprehensively restored and retains an estimated 90% of its original Nassau Blue factory paint.

Only the upper surface of the trunk lid appears to have been repainted at some point in its life.

Naturally, after more than 60 years, the paint displays various minor imperfections and signs of age. These are part of the car’s authenticity and provide visible evidence of its preservation rather than restoration.

The body is exceptionally solid and entirely rust-free, a remarkable attribute for an automobile of this age.

The original Silver Blue interior is another highlight, contributing greatly to the impression of stepping back into 1962.

The overall presentation is that of a carefully preserved automobile rather than a recently restored example, with the character and details that collectors increasingly appreciate.

Documented Matching-Numbers 409

One of the most important documents accompanying the Impala is a detailed authentication letter signed by Chevrolet specialist Don Walters on August 1, 2017.

Following a personal inspection, Walters confirmed the original factory engine VIN stamping and engine assembly identification, together with the engine block casting number and date.

His findings included:

• Original engine VIN stamping: 000L163058
• Engine assembly stamping: T0130QB
• Engine block casting number: 3788068
• Engine block casting date: December 26, 1961
• 409-horsepower engine identification
• Four-speed manual transmission
• Correct carburetor identification and various other period-specific mechanical components

Walters also examined numerous additional details, including the radiator, firewall grommet, wiper motor, master cylinder, pulleys, and tachometer, confirming their consistency with the car’s high-performance specification.

In his written conclusion, he described this Impala as:

“One of the finest 409 409hp survivor examples I have seen.”

This signed authentication letter provides valuable independent documentation of the engine’s identity and the car’s remarkable preservation.

Major Mechanical Reconditioning in 2019

While its appearance has been carefully preserved, the Impala has also benefited from substantial mechanical attention.

In January 2019, at an indicated mileage of approximately 98,659 miles, the car underwent an extensive engine and transmission reconditioning at Jams Automobile in Los Angeles, California.

The work included a comprehensive overhaul of the 409 V8 following the discovery of excessive internal wear.

The engine received a new crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, piston rings, and main and rod bearings, together with cylinder-head work, machining, gaskets, and associated components.

The four-speed manual transmission was also reconditioned following the discovery of a damaged output shaft.

Additional work included attention to the cooling system, starter, rear differential, and carburetor mounting.

The documented invoice totals $19,108.50, representing a significant investment in the car’s mechanical condition.

Importantly, this work was carried out without sacrificing the car’s beautifully preserved original appearance.

Exceptional Documentation and Ownership Traceability

Another particularly appealing aspect of this Impala is its unusually complete ownership history.

The first owner, Walt Fleagle, retained the car for approximately 40 years, until 2002.

Its subsequent ownership is also documented, with the second owner acquiring the car in 2002, the third in 2017, and the most recent owner taking possession in 2021.

This provides a clear chain of four owners covering the car’s entire life from 1962 to the present.

The accompanying documentation includes the original Chevrolet sales brochure and owner’s manual, the May 1992 Late Great Chevys magazine featuring the car and its first owner, the original 1996 Silver Award certificate, the detailed 2017 authentication letter, the 2019 mechanical invoices, and historical appraisal and ownership records.

Among these is a 2008 appraisal from Summers Classic Cars describing the Impala as a rare matching-numbers example with original Nassau Blue paint and Silver Blue interior.

Taken together, these documents offer an unusually detailed picture of the car’s life, ownership, preservation, and mechanical history.

A Rare Opportunity to Acquire an Authentic 409 Survivor

The 1962 Impala SS 409 occupies a special place in American automotive history, representing one of the defining high-performance Chevrolets of the early muscle-car era.

While beautifully restored examples can still be found, cars retaining this degree of original paint, original interior, rust-free bodywork, and documented history are considerably more difficult to encounter.

It is a car that has been appreciated, preserved, and cared for by successive owners rather than repeatedly reinvented.

For the enthusiast who values authenticity, provenance, and the unmistakable character of an unrestored automobile, this Nassau Blue 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS 409 represents a particularly compelling example of Chevrolet’s legendary high-performance heritage.