This '62 Chevy Impala was originally purchased from Bert Mantilla at the Chevy Shop in El Monte, California. The car was set up to be a hydraulic simulator. Equipped with a heavy-duty CCE Hydraulics setup, it gave the unfamiliar a glimpse into what it's like to hit switches in a '62 Impala.
As with most cars that travel a lot, sometimes there are mishaps and this '62 had a rear quarter panel buckle from not being strapped down properly. That, combined with a now tired hydraulic system, meant that the car was taken out of service. Later on, it was decided that it would be rejuvenated and given away to some lucky reader.
The first people who came to mind when we thought about having the car restored to its original condition were John Kennedy and his crew at Bowtie Connection in Artesia, California. We knew from the cars that we've seen from these guys that the restoration would be nothing less than a first class job. So a deal was struck and the car was dropped off for its makeover.
Everything that could be replaced inside and out was, including the inner wheelwells, front core support and interior. The body was straightened out and repainted at Holix Auto Body in Harbor City, California. It received a factory "Anniversary Gold" paint (code 689) that was used on a special 1955 Chevy, which marked the 50-millionth GM car built. We found it a fitting tribute to our 30th Anniversary giveaway car.
The engine compartment received a GM Performance 350-c.i.d. crate motor, complete with chrome headers and Flowmaster dual exhaust, which routes out behind each rear wheel. This combination runs and sounds like a dream. The 350 has more than enough power to move the '62 along quite nicely. The frame was stripped and fixed by Bowtie Connection and then sent to Ron at TSC Powdercoating in Corona, California, along with a bunch of other parts to be powdercoated.
The car was reassembled with care and is now the proud possession of Frederick Hogan of San Bernardino, California, our sweepstakes winner. Frederick came down to our offices to pick up his prize and, as you might imagine, was excited about being the new owner. Frederick says that he has no plans to lift the car, but we all know how that goes.
So, as you can see, people really do win and we're sure that the '62 has a great new home and will bring Frederick plenty of great memories to come, much like the magazine has done for our readers. We'd like to thank everyone who entered the contest.
Project '62Owner: Frederick HoganVehicle: '62 Chevrolet ImpalaCity/State: San Bernardino, CaliforniaClub: No affiliation
Engine/Drivetrain: GM Performance supplied a 350-c.i.d. crate engine that was equipped with a Flowmaster dual exhaust by Bowtie Connection in Artesia, California.
Body/Paint: Bodywork was performed and factory "Anniversary Gold" paint was applied by Holix Auto Body in Harbor City, California.
Interior: Bowtie Connection installed a gold interior kit supplied by CARS Inc.
Sound System: Stock Delco all-transistor radio and speakers
Suspension: Bowtie Connection restored the frame with stock suspension components
Tires: P155/80-R13 Hercules
Wheels: Zenith Wire Wheels provided a set of 13x7 reverse 72-spoke cross-laced wires.