Introduction

To bring his ’62 Chevy Impala up to new standards, Jim Inman decided to reach out beyond stock, with a number of fresh and innovative alterations not often seen on other cars of this type. In fact, if not for a brief overview with Inman, many of these revitalizations could be easily overlooked due to their subtle nature. As subdued as the crew who built it, the changes made to this silver streak are no less impressive, starting with its chopped top, which was dropped 2.5 inches from the original. This task involved considerable planning and expertise to achieve the desired result, as all of the molding required modifications, as did the glass, which was shortened to fit.

Exterior Modifications

Scanning the broad body panels reveals other changes, including the shortened decklid, reversed gas door, and altered side trim offsetting the removal of the door handles and emblems. While not every panel was modified, every square inch still received considerable attention to achieve its exceptional finish. The bumpers, too, have been thoroughly reworked, narrowed, and smoothed to better fit their surroundings, while the most substantial changes of all often go entirely unnoticed. Check out the cowl and you will find there isn’t one, as the hood now extends all the way back to the windshield, creating a much cleaner overall appearance. That’s no easy feat, but the nice result is worth all the effort expended here and elsewhere.

Under the Hood

Opening the reversed full-length hood reveals other changes, as the contours of the front fenders are reflected in the inner fender panels, which are actually shaped from ’62 Chevy fenders, including the side molding, all of which fills in nicely around the engine. At the rear of these wells, slots along the top of these panels enable a special latch mechanism to capture and retain the hood. While the radiator has been detailed and fitted with twin electric fans in a polished-aluminum frame, most of it is hidden beneath a custom panel leading back from the radiator core support. Borrowing its styling from the hood, it blends nicely with the engine rather than hiding it. Just ahead of the firewall, a secondary panel creates a housing that allows access to other systems.

Paint and Finishes

Enhanced with a two-tone coat of PPG’s Galaxy Silver and Medium Marblehead paint, everything between the bumpers reflects the familiar contours and flawless bodywork below. All of the chrome was redone and the stainless steel trim polished, including the grille, which now utilizes Delta headlights. Together, these similar hues create a subtle yet eye-catching appeal that cannot be denied.

Chassis and Suspension

Beneath these shapely contours, the chassis displays these same qualities in terms of detail, with every surface finished and every detail covered. An Air Ride Strong Arm suspension takes full control through 2-inch-dropped spindles and ShockWaves managing Coys rims with 225/45-18 Toyos. In back, a 9-inch Ford balances on a similar setup with larger 275/40ZR18s tucked beneath the fenders and laying down the power.

Engine Performance

Just ahead of a B&M-modified Turbo 350 automatic sits a well-adorned 454 Chevy that churns out substantial horsepower and torque figures, while still capturing plenty of attention even at a standstill. Built by Cabot Automotive, hefty internals have been employed between the Holley four-barrel and the Sanderson headers to ensure long life and big fun. From the sound of the throttle response resonating from the rear of the side rocker trim, there’s little question this car performs well. As clever as it is becoming, the engine compartment displays an entirely different appeal that some may overlook, while others simply marvel over the novel approach.

Interior and Comfort

To realize the benefits of the drivetrain and chassis, you need to get behind the wheel, and when you do it’s easy to become distracted by the beautiful upholstery sewn by Terry Holt at Holt Restoration. Gray leather covers the seating, as well as the neighboring panels, while matching carpet falls below. A modern touch comes by way of a revised gauge panel housing Classic Instruments gauges and a motorized glovebox door concealing the ignition switch and other controls that are best left hidden from view. The trick center console houses A/C vents, a large LCD screen displaying a wide array of functions, and a rather unusual shifter handle. Add to this a thundering audio system, Vintage Air climate controls and other points of fine detail, and you have an ideal place from which to enjoy everything this laid-back and dropped Impala has to offer.

Conclusion

To some, Inman’s ’62 Impala might seem to be an original, or possibly a restoration, while those more aware of the impressive details will spot the chopped top and certainly the rich interior. However, only those who know the many features that have been altered so seamlessly will truly understand the vision and capability that has been applied in this very slick ’62.