Chevrolet increased production of the 409 and made it available in all full size Chevy's - Biscaynes, Bel Airs, and Impalas. The Impala's were a bit less aerodynamic this year, which made some racers turn to the lighter and slicker Bel Air coupe. The 409 was improved by adding new cylinder heads and a revised camshaft. With the standard 4 bbl carb, the 409 produced 380 bhp. But the real news was the improved top of the line 409 which added a pair of Carter AFB four barrel carbs and a lightweight valve train, and produced an astonishing 409 bhp, or a magical 1 bhp per cid. The 409 legend grew.
Production: Impala SS: Approximately 100,000. Impala SS w/ 409 V8: 15,091
Engines: 283 V8 170 bhp. 283 V8 195 bhp. 327 V8 250 bhp. 327 V8 300 bhp. 409 V8 380 bhp. 409 (2x4 bbl) V8 409 bhp.


History of the Impala:

The Impala was toned down for 1960 and lost some of their distinct styling. Chevrolet changed almost every body panel on its 1960 cars except the roof. GM designers later admitted that they knew they’d gone too far, hence the more conservative approach for 1960. The “cat’s eye” taillamps were replaced by three round cone shaped taillamps per side and the gullwing fins were toned down. Prices ranged from $2,590-$2,954. Weights were approximately 3,575-3,635 lbs.
By 1961, tail fins were gone on Chevrolet models, chrome trim was subdued, and the outspoken designs of the '50s gave way to cleaner, crisper, faster-looking edges, and streamlined, rocket-like shapes. Bill Mitchell's styling vision was evident. The Impalas were finless for 1961 and the Impalas retained the three-lamp motif at the rear. 1961 would be the year that the first true muscle car was introduced, the Chevrolet Impala SS. A mid-year option on the 1961 Impala was the Super Sport which was available on all body styles. In subsequent years the SS is limited to only sport coupes and convertibles. The SS package in 1961 was truly a performance package. Nothing less than the high-performance 348 engines or the new 409 could be ordered. The 348 options were 305, 340 and 350 horsepower engines. It consisted of upgraded tires on station wagon wheels, springs, shocks and special sintered metallic brake linings. Power brakes and steering were also included. This would also be the year that Chevrolet introduced its 409 cubic inch V8, the engine that would launch the Big Three auto manufacturers into the horsepower race that would last well into the 1970s. The 409 was a bored and stroked version of the 348, rated at 360 hp on a single 4 barrel and was known as the Turbo-Fire 409. A true performance engine, the 409 came with an aluminum intake manifold, a Carter four-barrel carburetor, a solid lifter camshaft and an 11.25:1 compression ratio. A total of 142 cars got this engine in 1961. In the interior, the SS package consisted of a passenger’s-side grab bar with the Impala SS script, a 7000 rpm steering wheel mounted tachometer, a shifter plate for four-speed-manual equipped Impalas and a dash panel pad. The Impala SS could be identified by SS emblems on the rear fenders and trunk lid. Wheel covers were unique, featuring three-blade knock-off type spinners. The 409 was actually a response to Ford's new 390 cid engine, which was outperforming Chevy's on the dragstrip. Although it put out "only" 360 bhp compared to Ford's top 375 bhp, those extra 19 cid gave it respect on the street and immortalized in song ("She's really fine, my 409"). Chevrolet introduced the Super Sport (SS) option package, which was optional on the 348 and standard with the 409, which would define Chevrolet performance for many years to come. The Super Sport package, a bargain at just $53.80, consisted of special body and interior trim, power steering, power brakes with sintered metallic linings, full wheel covers with a three blade spinner, a passenger grab bar, a console for the floor shift, and a tachometer on the steering column. The 409 engine came only with the four-speed manual transmission and only one factory axle ratio. Lower axle ratios were available from the dealer and owners could see 1/4 mile times in the high 15s, which was pretty impressive in 1961. Prices ranged from $3,445-$3,605. Weights were approximately 3,445-3,600 lbs.
In 1962 the option of the Super Sport was available on only the two-door coupe and convertible. However, the SS models in 1962 could have any engine from the standard 235 ci six to the 409 big block V-8. (Impala SS engine options included the 235ci 135hp I-6, 283ci 170hp V-8, 327ci 250 V-8, 327ci 300 V-8, 409ci 380hp V-8 and the 409ci 409hp V-8.) Horsepower ratings on the 409 ci V-8’s were upped to 380 on the single four barrel and 409 on the 2 x 4 barrel. The heavy duty mechanical items of the 1961 Super Sport option (HD springs, shocks, brake linings, etc.) were deleted in 1962, though they were available optionally. Chevrolet increased production of the 409 and made it available in all full size Chevy's - Biscaynes, Bel Airs, and Impalas. The Impala Sport Coupe came with a ribbed rear roof line and a smaller back window to mimic the look of a cloth convertible top. The Impala's were a bit less aerodynamic this year, which made some racers turn to the lighter and slicker Bel Air coupe. The biggest change from 1961 was that the front bucket seats with a short console between became a part of the SS package in 1962. On the exterior, the most noticeable difference between the Super Sport Impala and the regular Impala was the use of aluminum body molding inserts; plain Impalas came with painted inserts. The rear fender SS emblems were redesigned. For 1962 the SS letters with red inlay were positioned over the circular Impala emblem. An Impala SS emblem was located on the right rear part of the trunk. The 409 was improved by adding new cylinder heads and a revised camshaft. With the standard 4 bbl carb, the 409 produced 380 bhp. But the real news was the improved top of the line 409 which added a pair of Carter AFB four barrel carbs and a lightweight valve train, and produced an astonishing 409 bhp, or a magical 1 bhp per cid. The 409 legend grew. Prices ranged from $2,961-$3,925. Weights were approximately 3,450-3,920 lbs.

"She's so fine....my 409." The Beach Boys had every kid in America (and many adults) yearning for their Dream Car 409 but, in reality, dealers (before equal rights) would only sell one to an adult as they were worried about "placing such a horsepower monster in the hands of a kid." Rightfully so. The 409 Chevy is blindingly F.A.S.T. This was a car nobody could beat at the stoplight or drags unless they had a hemi-powered lightweight street rod. (See any drag racing history book featuring Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins) The wind drag efficient body coupled with this motor combination could turn the 1/4 mile in 14.9 seconds. The optional Sintered Metallic Brakes would come 'recommended' as this baby was a bear to stop. The motor featured thicker pushrods, forged aluminum pistons, stronger valve springs and compression bumped to an outstanding 11:25:1 via a high-lift cam. The factory added an aluminum hi-rise manifold and two-four barrel carbs and jumped the horsepower to 409. Only the 409/ 409 featured ,all of the above ,including a special radiator and wiring harness.

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409 Interior	409 Engine	409 Awards	1983 Mustang GLX	1983 Mustang GLX Interior
1957 Ford Fairlane	1957 Ford Fairlane Interior