1961 Chevrolet Impala Bubbletop Custom
Dubbed “White Suede,” this 1961 Chevrolet Impala Bubbletop Custom is equipped with a fuel-injected Merlin 711 V8, 4L80E automatic transmission, and Ford 9” POSI rear end. As the original VIN indicates, this example was built at the Los Angeles, CA factory with a V8. The car spent its entire life in California until 2024, and the CA black plates are included.

Built by artist Derek McCowan over a six-year period, the car was featured at SEMA in 2023 and received two Goodguys “Award of Excellence” awards. Everything on the car was restored or replaced to high show-quality standards. The body retains most of its original factory sheet metal, which is laser-straight with precise gap lines. The factory hood ornaments, door handles, gas cap lid, antenna, and various emblems were shaved. Rear quarters were slightly modified to accommodate the 4” side exhaust pipes.

Finished in Ford White Suede, the paint quality is exceptional. The new glass is crystal clear, and the brightwork is brilliant. The front bumper features a grille guard and black rubber bullets. The two inside headlights were removed and now function as air intake inlets. It has a killer stance on Budnik Tungsten Titanium 18” front and 20” rear wheels with knockoffs and Falken Azenis redline tires.

The fully custom red interior was completed by Upholstery by Brent. It includes a modified 1959 Impala dash with custom Classic Instruments red gauges, including a 200-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tachometer. The dash also features Vintage Air controls and machined vents. A custom center console—using Cadillac CTS components—houses a Lokar LED shift indicator, Accuair E-Level control pad, billet shifter, cup holders, leather armrest, and hidden switches for ignition, power windows, and outlets.

Interior details include embossed red leather on the center console sides, kick panels, door panels, and rear package shelf. The bucket seats and rear bench are upholstered in red leather with black accents. Additional features include a polished tilt steering column, Budnik steering wheel, electric door poppers, custom seat bases with lighting, and gray weave carpeting. The trunk is finished with matching custom panels, relocated fuel filler, and a battery cutoff knob.

Under the hood is a fuel-injected Merlin Super Block 711 V8 estimated at 950hp. Components include a Callies crank, Cunningham rods, CE pistons, Dart Pro 1 aluminum heads, painted and machined valve covers, Hogan intake with FAST EFI, Billet Specialties Tru-Trac system, and Moroso aluminum oil pan. A Fluidyne radiator with dual fans provides cooling. Exhaust flows through custom Lemons headers and a 4” side system with Spin Tech mufflers. The engine pairs with a 4L80E automatic and billet torque converter.

Power is sent to a Ford 9” POSI rear with Pro Center Section, 35-spline axles, and 3.55 gears. The detailed undercarriage includes a boxed and powder-coated original X-frame, CPP power steering box, Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes, Accuair air suspension, tubular control arms, and 4-link rear setup.

This vehicle has been fully serviced and detailed, and the build is supported with documentation and invoices.