1967 Chevrolet Impala SS
Class/Category: Muscle Car (Stock) 1962-1974
Bought new by my parents in 1967. Chevrolet Impala SS, White with Red interior, 275hp 327 with TH400 transmission. Restored to like-new condition with the exception of ride height (dropped) and modern wheel/tire fitment.
Details
This ’67 Impala SS was the first car that my parents (Richard and Linda Nicholson) bought new. My dad drove it daily to San Gabriel High School where he taught woodshop. Thankfully, they had the foresight to keep it around for use as my first car. I was tinkering with it long before I had my driver’s license (which I got the day after I turned 16). With the help of mentor Donnie Goodrich, we did a mild refresh and build on the 327. He taught me how to port the heads along with the intake and exhaust manifolds and other little tricks. Against Donnie’s judgement, I insisted on putting a in a bigger cam than it needs (or probably likes!). The TH400 trans was freshened and shift kit installed. We pulled front power disc brakes from a junk yard Impala and replaced most of the worn out front suspension. Once the engine and trans were back in the car, we painted it factory Ermine White and redid much of the interior. With the car finished, I started driving it my sophomore year at Temple City High School. The car was UNDEFEATED in the all of TWO street races I “might” have participated in. 🙂
I drove the car through high school and into my freshman year at Point Loma Nazarene University. Knowing the ocean air wasn’t great for it, I parked it at my parents and started wrenching on other cars (Mazda RX-7, BMW 5 series, Porsche 914). The car sat in my parent’s driveway (much to my mom’s chagrin) from 1991 until the idea was sparked between my parents and I in 2017 to restore the car (again) and get it back on the road.
With the help of Buster Baglieri and Mitch Howe, the Impala did get restored and back on the road late 2022. The goal was everything 1967 correct except ride height (lower EVERYTHING!!!), modern wheels/tires, front brake upgrade, and a few suspension add-ons to control body movement.
My parent’s and I are so happy with the final result. The car looks amazing, sounds great, and is fun to drive. Enjoy some pictures from the car’s history and present!
Vehicle Awards
I grew up around motorsports, watching my Great Uncle, drag racing legend Dyno Don Nicholson innovate racing technology and win championships. I have always been a student of the automotive aftermarket, with my nose in a Hot Rod magazine or Edelbrock catalog for as long as I can remember. After graduating from college, I worked for Meguiar's car care for almost ten years before leaving to start Elevate- Volvo Performance / Styling (www.elevatecars.com) in 2003. My work at Elevate allows me to combine my knowledge of making a car go faster, stop harder and turn better with marketing and sales experience. I enjoy all forms of motorsport, although I am partial to F1 and Indy. I am fortunate to serve on the Benedict Castle Concours committee.
