Nowadays, most kids call the 1971-1976 Chevy Impala and Caprices "donks" in reference to the Impala symbol; along with the dumb nickname, most big Chevies of this generation have been slathered with obscene shades of garish colors and slapped on huge wheels and gold and chrome trims. Unlike most of the "tight" examples I see driving around this city, this particular car has not been gangstafied.
After talking with the owner for a bit, it is clear that he intends to keep it that way. He bought this 1974 Impala Custom in southern Minnesota for $3000 back in 2004 from an old lady who was the first owner. Despite the crappy Wal*Mart caps on the car presently, the originals are in the trunk. Notice the filler on the lower portions of this body do ya? It's there to cover up the surface rust while it goes in for paint in the later part of the summer. As it sits, it's an original 46k mile car with a 400/400 combo, and when its fully restored it will only be taken to car shows, and see nice days. The owner also says he plans to possibly switch up the stock hubcaps and whitewall for some seventeen or eighteen inch wheels, or even some Cragar SS wheels.
Like most cars exposed to the climate here, the paint does show some signs of wear and tear, and yes it does exhibit some signs of rust (as evidenced by the primer and filler). But-- unlike a majority of the classics I spot around town, this gem had all the original emblems in place, and it even had the original issue license plates. Once restored, this beast will surely turn even more heads than a cliched donk.
I can only hope this is the case, and it doesn't end up getting the infamous Maaco treatment like so many others of its kind. Happy motoring ahead to this fellow, and may his car be returned to its former glory.
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