These days, if you want a taste of the windswept convertible experience but don't want a car with a soft top, you can always look for a vehicle with a sunroof. However, it wasn't always so easy. Back in the 1960s, models with an optional sunroof were few and far between, and power-operated ones were even rarer. Chris Howder, of Lakewood, California, wanted a sunroof on his '64 Impala, so he sourced one from a Cadillac and had it retrofitted into the Chevy's roof.

The Chevy Impala has been associated with the lowrider subculture since its inception, and it's easy to see why. With its long, elegant body, abundant chrome trim, powerful V8 engine options, and smooth ride, the Impala was born to cruise and look good doing it. Hydraulics have always been popular in the lowrider scene, but the development of modern air suspension systems provides a smooth-riding alternative to hydros.

In December 1960, Chevrolet announced the introduction of the Impala Super Sport for the 1961 model year. With this new trim level came a potent new 409-cubic-inch V8 engine that would catapult the Impala into a new era of high performance.

1960 was a unique year for the Chevy Impala. That year, it followed the aggressive aircraft-inspired look of the 1959 model but preceded the more subdued 1961 redesign. As a result, its styling falls somewhere in between the two. It retains the prominent "bat wing" rear fins, but pairs them with a sleeker front grille, and replaces the '59 model's large teardrop tail lamps with three conical lamps on each side.

We appreciate all styles of automotive restoration, from high-tech restomod builds to original-style restoration projects. But when it comes to the latter category, we're especially fond of cars that stay true to their original styling and are also daily-driven. Rolling down the highway looking just like they did brand-new, these vehicles are like time capsules on four wheels, and they take us back to a wonderful time in automotive history.

America is a huge country, and one that's full of a tremendously diverse variety of landscapes, people, food, music, and culture. Each state and city has its own identity, famous landmarks, and beautiful sights to experience. That's why traveling across the United States is such a fun and memorable experience, especially when it's in the form of a road trip.

The cross-country road trip is a wonderful thing, and it's even better if you love to drive the open road. Miles of smooth asphalt, the wind in your face, your favorite tunes on the radio, and the thrum of an American V8 engine in the background — we'd say it doesn't get much better than that.

The 1961 Impala is often referred to as a bubble top car, and when you look closely at the styling, it's not hard to see why. The A-pillars that flank the windshield have a distinct curvature, giving the impression that the front of the greenhouse is bowed outward.

Then there's the large back glass, which incorporates thin and heavily-sloped C-pillars. On the sides of the car, the frameless windows can be rolled down to reveal no central B-pillar, completing the smooth bubble appearance.

Chevrolet has produced some extremely iconic cars over the years, including the '57 Bel Air and the '69 Camaro. But few models are more revered than the '64 Impala SS, especially in the custom cruiser and lowrider communities. This car has been immortalized in movies, TV shows, music, and even video games. Its long, smooth lines look just as good today as they did in 1964.

We've met many Impala fans over the years, but none have been more passionate about this car than Joe Ali, of Huntington Beach, CA. Joe currently owns two 1964 Impalas, and we previously featured his Adobe Beige '64 Impala SS on The Parking Lot. Prior to these two cars, he owned six 1965 Impalas — yes, you read that right, six.

When someone mentions the name Impala SS, most people think of the 1961 through 1969 Super Sport models. That shouldn't come as a surprise, since this original 9-year production run yielded some of the most iconic vehicles of the muscle car era. We'll always love these early cars, but there's another Impala SS that developed its own cult following and certainly deserves recognition: the 1994-1996 Impala SS.

In 1994, General Motors resurrected the Impala SS name to create a high-performance car based on the Caprice platform. The new SS cars received performance-oriented suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a 5.7L LT1 V8, among other upgrades. The model was discontinued in 1996 after a three-year production run.

It’s every car enthusiast’s dream to participate in a barnfind. We fantasize about discovering a rare, original, and highly sought-after classic car that had been stowed away in a barn, garage, or yard for decades, preserved like a time capsule from the past. Unfortunately, the reality is that these barnfinds are still old cars. They've been sitting in the same spot without use or maintenance, often for decades. So, if you come across one of these vehicles, how should you examine, repair, and restore it?