Don't Pay Attention to the Potato Pics: The 1962 Chevy Impala Needs Help, and It Needs It Now

The Impala was already the best-selling car in the United States by 1962, and the debut of a new generation in 1961 transformed it into the full-size model everyone wanted. Chevrolet continued its strategy of refining the Impala with each new model year, so the 1962 iteration introduced major changes in the engine department, including the all-new 327 small block.

The 327 ci engine was introduced to replace the more powerful 283 V8 version, and Chevrolet offered several variations, including a 300 horsepower engine.

The 327 eventually became one of the most popular engines among Impala customers.

The 1962 model year also saw the end of the 348 block, which debuted in 1958 alongside the Impala. Chevrolet relied primarily on the 409 to put the 348 behind them, offering two horsepower choices: 380 and 409 horsepower.

Someone on eBay recently listed a 1962 Impala convertible with the base V8 engine, the famous 283, which is said to still be revved by hand. If you're wondering how the engine ended up in this condition, the answer is due to a long absence from the road. The car has spent the last two and a half decades in a garage, so it's now a project that needs a complete overhaul. The transmission is still original, which is good news for anyone looking to restore an Impala to factory condition.

The original magic covers 95% of the car, but the owner has not shared any further details about what is no longer available. eBay seller flowerg_21 says the interior is complete but in need of a facelift, and the metal looks great with no dents.

Unfortunately, the quality of the photos shared on eBay is horrible. The owner used one phone to take photos of another phone. Does that make sense? Of course not, but the pictures included in the listing don't reveal much about the Impala beyond what the seller explained in his post. The body needs some TLC, including a respray, and the wheels appear to be missing.

Many parts are available separately, as they have already been disassembled from the car, so the best solution is to contact the seller and ask all questions before placing a bid.

The price is a bit ambitious, as the owner is hoping to get at least $10K for this Impala. The auction does not include a reserve, which means a single bid will give this Impala a new home, assuming someone goes beyond the potato-quality images and submits an offer.

Whoever wins the digital battle will need a trailer to haul the car home. It's parked in Elloree, South Carolina, and the auction ends in about five days, so you'll have plenty of time to find all the details you need to make an informed decision.