In a lengthening list of things I’ve never done until recently, I had gone to Chicago City Hall a few weeks ago to obtain some documents. That stunning structure faces the Richard J. Daley Plaza in which stands the famous abstract Chicago Picasso steel sculpture first unveiled in 1967. The main atrium inside of City Hall is just as beautiful as its exterior, with high, domed ceilings and exquisite, glimmering tilework. Perhaps shockingly for any government office, I was in and out of there with my papers in minimal time, and the staff was helpful, efficient, and courteous if not overly smiley. Having taken half a workday off to take care of a few things downtown before returning to my laptop back home, I spent a few minutes afterward to walk around and snap a few pictures, which was when this Impala SS materialized one block west of State Street.
Maybe it was a strong sense of pride in my adopted city in that moment, but it occurred to me as this Impala turned right onto Dearborn that it served as such a great metaphor for the Second City. First of all, there’s the Impala’s size and Chicago’s status as the third-most populous city in the United States. The largest U.S. city by area is actually Sitka, Alaska, with over 2,870 square miles. In fact, the top-four cities on that list are all in Alaska, but Chicago’s population of about 2.7 million is third only to those of New York City (8.8 million) and Los Angeles (3.9 million).
Chicago does everything on a large scale and also places an emphasis on preservation of its historic architecture, much like the ’96 Impala was based on a platform that dated back almost twenty years by the time this car was new. It’s a big, heavy sedan, weighing over two tons, stretching 214.1 inches from front to rear on a 115.9″ wheelbase, and being fully 77.5″ wide without its mirrors. We Chicagoans also tend to be a little bit bigger. There’s just so much delicious, Chicago-specific food to be experienced, whether its our take on hot dogs (“drag it through the garden”), to pizza both deep-dish and tavern style, Garrett’s gourmet popcorn… there’s so much deliciousness available everywhere. It takes willpower to live here if you like food and also want to stay fit.
Like Chicago, the ’96 Impala SS has a certain unmistakable bluntness about it. The no-nonsense demeanor of Chicagoans in general had taken me by surprise when I had first moved here. I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, with its residents still holding the title in my book for directness (and I say this with love), but I had come to Chicago only after having spent years in Florida which is very much a southern state, thank you, kindly. In a way, it’s really refreshing to deal with a general population full of people who just come right out and say or ask whatever’s on their mind, and in a way that’s not necessarily intended to sound mean. Look at the all-business, monochromatic black paint scheme of this Impala. Would you expect it to waste an overabundance of time exchanging pleasantries with you? Didn’t think so, either.
Like Chicago, a ’96 Impala SS is thirsty, with its 260-horsepower, 5.7 liter engine similar to the 300-hp unit installed in that year’s Corvette. EPA fuel consumption estimates were 17 mpg city, 26 highway, and 20 combined. A real-life number might be closer to 18 mpg, according to what I’ve read online. When I had first moved to this city two decades ago, Chicago was for years afterward in the top-ten list for highest alcohol consumption among U.S. cities. Recently, it appears to have fallen just out of the top ten by a few recent surveys I was able to reference, but this city has a long and storied history with its thirst for booze. “The town that Billy Sunday couldn’t shut down…” goes that lyric from “Chicago” by Frank Sinatra and Nelson Riddle. (Sunday was a prohibitionist.)
The Impala’s EPA ratings actually don’t seem that awful for a two-ton car able to catapult from rest to sixty miles an hour in just 7.0 seconds through a four-speed automatic transmission. The SS was basically a police car bedecked in a stealthy black suit, looking just a little gangsta. Again, there’s not much more “Chicago” it can get than that. Its base price in ’96 was $24,405, which translates to almost exactly double that in 2023. It was widely considered a great performance bargain.
Ninety-six was the last year for a full-sized, rear-drive car based on that 1977-vintage B-body platform. The Impala name would return for 2000, but on a front-drive, W-body replacement for the Lumina and close relative of the refreshed Monte Carlo. It wasn’t the same. In typical GM fashion, the last model year of the rear-drive Impala SS was the most sorted-out, right before production was discontinued. Most final-year improvements were inside the cabin, where the car received an updated dashboard with an analog speedometer and tach to replace the former digital readouts. The gear selector was moved from the column (like in a police car or taxi cab) to a newly designed center console that featured a stylized, chrome “Impala” emblem.
The reborn Impala SS had a brief run, lasting only three model years from 1994 to ’96. The ’94 models, the first to bear the Impala name since ’85, were something of a limited production item with only about 6,300 units sold after a mid-year introduction. We can thank those who had openly pined for one after seeing the ’92 show car on which it was based, and specifically designer Jon Moss, who was Chevrolet’s manager of Chevrolet Special Vehicles, for creating it. Another 21,400 were sold for ’95, and then the seemingly unthinkable happened in its final year, when sales of the Impala SS eclipsed those of the Caprice LS sedan, at 41,900 units versus 27,200. (An additional 500 or so Caprice longroofs would be sold before the final chapter on the full-sized Chevrolet wagon would have been finished and done.)
I thought it was fitting that the cover photo of the factory brochure for the ’96 Impala SS looked like it could have been shot on one of the Windy City’s many drawbridges. Poet Carl Sandburg had referred to Chicago as the “city of the big shoulders”, and there’s something inherently comforting to me about living in a place where that strong, solid, hardworking, no-foolishness ethos seems to be built right into the experience of daily life. This essence, at its core, isn’t all that far removed from that of the GM town in which I grew up, where the factories were humming twenty-four-seven and people didn’t feel the need to add any unnecessary sweetener to their everyday demeanor. Words and ideas are still delivered straight and to the point in both Flint and Chicago. That’s the ’96 Chevy Impala SS in a nutshell.
Downtown, The Loop, Chicago, Illinois.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
Brochure photos were as sourced from www.oldcarbrochures.org.
Wow. I just realized that I haven’t seen an Impala SS of this generation for quite some time. They were not uncommon in my northwestern Montana hometown, and I recall that a lot of them were a black cherry color… with black being a close second.
I’ve never driven one of these, but I owned a 1995 Firebird with the same powertrain (rated at a slightly higher 275 horsepower), and it performed quite impressively when stacked up next to most of the other cars on the road circa Y2K. I just looked up the EPA fuel economy ratings, and was surprised to see that the F-bodies were rated at 15/24mpg – 18 combined… 2mpg lower than the B-body across the board. My actual fuel economy was 26-27mpg on the highway; this was the only vehicle I’ve owned that was capable of beating the EPA ratings without trying too hard. I don’t think I ever checked what I got in the city, but it was surprisingly livable. This was fairly important, as insurance was $121 more per month than the car payment, and I was already having to make budgetary adjustments to be able to swing this… One of the adjustments was eating Top Ramen for almost every meal until I got a pay raise, because priorities!
I think ramen noodles were a rite of passage as a kind of “sacrifice” for many in a certain age bracket. Respect to you for making it happen with your ’95 Firebird.
Even today, the sight of one of these monochromatic monsters makes me stop and stare and think how special performance cars were once obvious by appearance and offered by most manufacturers.
Ford did emulate the SS with the Mercury Marauder for a few years and one nearby neighbor currently maintains an immaculate blacked-out Marauder a few blocks from my home.
The ad you included in this post notes that cornering lights were standard on the SS. We had cornering lights on our 1990 Sable and I found them valuable when driving locally in slow turns around town where walkers, dog walkers, joggers, and kids on bikes were all over the place. The fog lights on my Tacoma light up the ground around the front and very slightly to the front sides of the truck, but cornering lights would do it much better.
After the first year the Impala SS was offered in two additional colors: Dark Cherry Metallic and Dark Green Grey Metallic. These new colors looked just as ominous as the original black.
Your perspective on the cornering lights is enlightening (sorry, I couldn’t think of a synonym) to me since I’ve never driven a car with them before. In a place with a lot of pedestrians and bicycle traffic like Chicago, I could see cornering lights being of great benefit.
I do also remember when the Marauder came out and it was like Lincoln-Mercury was trying to save at the end. Ultimately, I was glad to see them, even if they also had the Impala SS’s mono-black paint scheme offered at the beginning.
Whatever happened to cornering lights, anyway? I was pondering this a few days back. Now that car design seems to have front lights almost stretching back to the A-pillar in some cases, you’d think cornering lights could easily sneak into that assembly, but – nope.
Cornering lights are alive and well. The modern iterations aren’t like the old ones. Some of them make use of fog lamps with asymmetrical beams: the left one has a beam that skews unusually far out to the left; the right one skews far out to the right, and the one on the signalling side comes on. Others are functionally-dedicated items built into the headlamp, sometimes tucked away in an inboard corner, scarcely visible unless you really crouch down and look. Put on the turn signal at night, and this extra little chamber in the headlamp lights up to shine light off to the side.
I am well-known hereabouts as one who is not a “Chevy Guy”, but from the day it came out, this Impala SS was an exception. This was a car that would make me stop what I was doing and look at it whenever I saw one.
As noted above, it just now occurs to me that I have not seen one in a long time. I suspect that more of these are parked in garages and seeing occasional use than are most other cars of this size and era. Nice catch!
If this was ten or maybe even five years ago, I might not have photographed this one. To your point, they seem to be so much thinner on the ground these days. I loved that this one looked factory save for the limo tint.
Any one notice the current generation of Accord has the resemblance of this Chevy. I never drove this model, but did drive that generation of Impala with Police Package. I was told it had the same drive train and suspension of the SS. It handled quite well for such a large car. It is definitely not a BMW.
I don’t necessarily see the resemblance in the details, but perhaps in the shape of the greenhouse of both cars. I’m trying to think of I:?’ve ever been behind the wheel of any B-body. My ’76 Malibu Classic was almost the same size as the ’77 fullsizers, so I feel like that almost counts. I guess my point is that I wonder what a nimble-handling car of this size would feel like.
I lived in the Chicago area for about 18 months in the early 90s. I thought it was the best large city in America in which to live… except for November through March. I felt like it combined all of the amenities of any large city with Midwestern kindness, the likes of which I haven’t seen in other large cities.
As for the Impala SS… I never cared for any of the “bubble” B/C bodies, but I felt the SS did the best it could given its base layer.
I thought the full, rear-wheel cutouts and that little kick-up on the c-pillar windows were very effective in improving the basic car’s looks – the effect was, as they say, more than the sum of the individual changes.
And yes, Chicagoans may generally be direct, but there is that Midwestern thing that seems to temper everything. I tell friends all the time that the sometimes-brutal winters (we got a by this past year) are effective population control against too many people moving here. Though I love tourism and what it brings to our city.
Yes; Chevy gave it a sort of Hofmeister kink, a la BMW.
I always had a strong dislike for all three versions of the bulbous and bloated GM whale sedans. And don’t even get me started on the interior quality (or overall lack of). But, this SS model, somehow and especially when in the dark cherry color, really worked for me.
And wow, in reading through the stats, noted that my Alpha 2 Cadillac has the very same 116″ wheelbase as this giant beast, but is almost two feet shorter. ‘got overhang’? Sometimes change is good.
I also find the dark cherry color really appealing. Actually, there’s something I like about all the colors gese were eventually offered in, so I think the product planners did their homework.
The “big shoulders” metaphor was on my mind as soon as I saw your 2nd picture (the one with the Impala turning right). Glad that you got to it, as I think that it’s very apt for this car. I find this last run of the Impala desirable for all of the reasons you mention. I also have to admit lusting over one of those final 500 Caprice wagons…the ones with the LT1 engine.
The fact that those last Caprice wagons are so rare now (again, after writing his piece) makes me want to search classifieds to see what prices are doing.
I almost didn’t take these pictures. I had just crossed the street minutes after leaving City Hall, and was thinking, Do I really want to get these pictures now, or just wait for another one like it? Sometimes, one gets only one chance in the moment, so I’m glad I photographed this SS.
Great read, and great metaphors, as always!
As to directness, if you want directness come to Noo Yawk!
The wife’s sister lived in Grayslake for years when her hubby was in charge of the forever-ongoing O’Hare renovation project (he’s still involved remotely from FL), and in our visits to the Windy City we’ve always found it’s denizens to be far more polite and friendly than the typical NYC’er, that MidWestern influence perhaps? And I consider that a good thing! If we had to consider really big-city living, Chicago would be #1 on my list. We always enjoy visits there.
Thank you so much! And there always seems to be some construction project at O’Hare, not that I’m complaining. I like both O’Hare and Midway. Chicago really feels, to me, the best combination of big city with small residential neighborhoods. I will forever love this city.
I drove 9C1 Caprices of this era but did own one ’96 SS. The engine was modified and it had the 6 speed conversion. While a nice car and fun to drive, I owned it long enough to fix some small things and now it is with a collector who keeps it in a garage.
In typical GM fashion, just when they get something right, they discontinue it. I guess it’s their recipe for bankruptcy.
I really like that you know your former car is being cared for. So many of us would want that same knowledge with cars we formerly owned and liked.
I enjoyed a dark cherry 95 for several years. Just a great high speed cruiser. And I did prefer the old school column shift and digital speedo.
That dark cherry color is just great – it reminds me of the same color as a cherry Tootsie Pop – which I also love.
Around 2000, I seriously considered buying a used Impala SS. First, I liked them, and had long wanted to own a large, traditional American car. Second, many of the original owners were older and tended to drive their cars gently, so buying one used seemed to be less of a risk than one would typically associate with buying a used performance car.
However, I chickened out – thinking that I might have to move to a more crowded area, and would later regret a decision to buy such a big car. Instead, I bought a Ford Contour SVT – it was a good car and served me well for ten years. But I still sort of wish I’d bought an SS.
Incidentally, I never realized that the ’96 SS outsold the Caprice LS – great tidbit of information.
I would suspect that the buying demographic of the Impy SS would be significantly lower than that of the Caprice, to where I wouldn’t automatically assume a used Impala SS might be cared for properly, but that’s just my thought on this evening commute home. Good buddy of mine had a Contour SVT that he also liked a lot.
I’d love to know the comparison of income demographics. To me, Impala SS buyers were well-off guys (I’m guessing about 98% of SS buyers were men) in their 50s. I often thought a high proportion of those buyers likely had Corvettes as their second cars. Caprice LS buyers seemed to me to be of more modest means, and about 20 years older – seemed like wealthier folks bought Buicks. Just my perception though; like I said, I’d like to know the actual stats on this.
This totally makes sense to me. I would, like you, be curious to know the breakout of demographics. I’m not sure where that information would be available, but I’m sure I’ll remember this exchange the next time I see an SS of this generation.
I’ve always liked these, right from the time that car debuted as a concept car at the auto show. IIRC, the concept car was done up as a two door coupe… even better, IMHO.
My Dad commented back then how great it would be to bring back the Impala name after owning two of them.
I am also very much a fan of their stock wheels. That may still be one of the best looking rims out there.
As for having a “hot dog dragged through the garden”, I really miss the one or two places here in the Baltimore/Washington area that specialized in them. A Chicago Dog is quite a treat, but sadly, try as I might, I can’t find one around here anymore.
The concept was a coupe? Now I wish I had dug up photos of the ’92 concept. I’ll have to look that up this evening. I don’t think I went to the new car auto show in ’92, so I’m sure I missed it. I was also excited for the return of the Impala name.
This may’ve been a faulty memory on my part Joseph. I just now tried to scare up some pictures of that ’92 concept car, and was unable to do so with a Google search. All the pictures that came back on the search had 4 doors.
I could’ve sworn it was a 2 door. Oh well. It’s certainly possible though, since concept cars many times don’t quite look like what is eventually produced.
Either way, it was cool to visualize. 👍
I found one in Al-Karak, Jordan, a few years ago when on vacation there.
That truly was the last car I expected to see there, and it looked completely out of place, and super cool…..
That’s a cool shot. I just like how it’s all in the shadows with the reflections of its headlamps looking a little like whites of the eyes.
Speaking of Jordan, I recently came across a reference to the Royal Automobile Museum in Amman – and upon looking up information, I found the entire museum has been photographed for Google StreetView. Link is below
https://goo.gl/maps/ozkY23YUbJCgmNen6
Most of the cars are from King Hussein’s personal collection – he was an avid car enthusiast, and King Abdullah II built the museum in his father’s honor. It has an impressive and varied collection – this would be my #1 place to visit were I ever in Jordan.
And I agree with Joseph above that that’s a great shot!
These really improved the looks of the Orca Caprice. The LT1 has plenty of power, and a little tuning can find lots more. I favor the black cherry color and the final models finally got the improved interior that they always needed. These are quite popular and highly valued in my town. In recent years I’ve never seen one that wasn’t well loved and well maintained. The Marauder was a worthy effort from Ford, too late to be a competitor to the SS, but no Chevy guy would ever buy the Mercury! The Marauder had an impressive motor, I love Ford modulars, but even the Cobra engine was lacking compared to the 350.
I’m liking the love for the black cherry color on the comments today. I suppose I could have researched the production breakdown by color for the ’96s, but it didn’t cross my mind to do so. And to your point, I think most people who own these know how special they are. I can’t remember having seen one in beater condition (though I’m sure I might have).
Joe, I think the perfect song to accompany your great article, and this nice Impala SS, is 1970’s Vehicle by Chicago’s own Ides of March. Straight ahead, no-nonsense rock n’ roll. Just like Chicago. And this Impala.
I’m the friendly stranger in the black sedan
Won’t you hop inside my car?
Sammy’s groovy Vegas version.
It’s funny you should mention this song, since I had used it, for a 1970 *Impala* no less, in this feature from about eight years ago! I guess this song just fits the car!
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/in-motion-classic/in-motion-outtake-cc-jukebox-1970-chevrolet-bel-air-im-your-vehicle-baby/
The colour makes this car! Monochromatic black was the perfect colour for the Impala SS. Black masks the whale-like bloat, and gives it a sinister quality. Far too often, these Impalas were seen in Beluga white, as cop cars. Black was an excellent juxtaposition.
It is said that black is a slimming color, which I agree with. Still, I do like these in white, as if the car’s increased, apparent heft in that color makes it seem all the more substantial. Thumbs up to the white version.
Finally GM came up with a car that had the muscle to back up the looks.
It’s unfortunate the styling was quite so bulbous, though; the width could have been slimmed down a bit; I recall the doors were rather thick. The front end view on the brochure looks as though the grille and headlight treatment was swiped from a smaller car. But unlike many big American sedans of yore, this one doesn’t look like it needs a nose- and tail-ectomy; they got the proportions right. Or maybe a very slight roof chop would look even better.
I don’t have an SS, but here’s an earlier taxi.
Very nice, Peter! The rear three-quarter view illustrates why the full rear wheel cutouts worked better for me. The original shape of that wheel opening gives the illusion of fender skirts which, to me, don’t work quite as well with the car’s overall shape.
Here’s Jake and Elwood racing past the giant Picasso sculpture in the Bluesmobile with the entire Chicago police Department on their tail.
This is what I’ll be thinking of the next time I’m in Daley Plaza. Thanks for this.
Put white doors on it and Jake and Elwood Blues would have been happy to drive it.
Truly lipstick on a pig, it was none the less impressive how they managed to create a sport version of the “whale” body and while not exactly a split window Corvette, it was a profound upgrade visually over the base Impala/Caprice, whatever they were calling it at the time.