Here in southern California, the mention of a 1962 Impala makes many of us think of one thing: lowriders. Impalas, especially the '62 and '63 models, are extremely popular among the lowrider crowd, to the point that we see quite a few of these cars roaming the streets of SoCal while riding low on wire wheels and whitewall tires. Case in point: this '63 Impala SS that showed up in our parking lot not long ago. However, there's much more to this era of Impala than the common lowrider style. This '62 Super Sport coupe was built as a lightly modified cruiser, and features a timeless design that anyone can appreciate.

Each year, the SEMA Show packs the Las Vegas Convention Center full of some of the world's finest custom cars and trucks, and the 2014 show is certainly no exception. Walking the show, we have come across some truly jaw-dropping works of automotive art, many of which feature restoration and performance parts from Classic Industries. And, since the show isn't open to the general public, we're doing our best to share some of these amazing rides with you..

As car enthusiasts, we tend to think of our vehicles as much more than a simple mode of transportation—to us, they're rolling works of art. However, it's also important to keep in mind that these timeless automotive creations are meant to be functional, not just sit collecting dust like pretentious sculptures. Every car or truck has a purpose, a role it was designed to fulfill. As for this 1961 Impala SS convertible, its purpose is clear: this car was built to cruise.

Every classic car has a story behind it—it's one of our favorite things about these vintage machines. Some have been bought, sold, abandoned, restored, and customized multiple times throughout their lifetimes. Others are left to rust for decades at a time, only to be later discovered and finally appreciated. Others, still, are meticulously cared for by their original owners from day one.

No matter what your automotive background is, the term "SS" is immediately recognizable as a sign of high performance. Super Sport—it's a name that means exactly what it says. Everyone knows and loves the Camaro SS, Nova SS, Chevelle SS, and El Camino SS, but none of these models were the first to bear the designation. In fact, it was a model that many at the time would have considered to be more luxury cruiser than sports coupe—the Impala.

The Chevrolet Impala arrived in 1958 as an upscale alternative to the Bel Air, creating a more competitive mid-price ride with a sporty demeanor. With its cool crossed checkered flags and distinctive silhouette, the Impala quickly became Chevrolet's widely recognized flagship nameplate. Those old enough to remember the era understand '58 was a standalone model year, styling-wise, with a new X-frame chassis underneath that would remain a GM mainstay through 1964.

The all-new '59 Impala's futuristic styling completely eclipsed everything in the marketplace. This model's overwhelming presence made it an awe-inspiring mode of transportation. So, it made perfect sense to take a '59 Impala two-door hardtop and give it an incredible makeover.

New OER Reproduction Grill Assembly Duplicates Original Fit and Appearance

Impala, Bel Air, and Biscayne owners wanting to restore their exterior now have a new option in this all-new OER reproduction grill for 1964 full size B-Body models.