1962 Chevy Impala

Lonnie Brown's immaculate '62 SS convertible not only has a 409 motor and a four-speed, but it has power windows (including the vent windows), a vacuum-operated trunk deck release, and four-way flashers. It would take a true Impala expert to say how many cars were produced in 1962 with those options. Then, of course, there is the matter of the 409. Cars with big motors generally did not have as many creature comforts as Lonnie's bright-red ragtop.

The car was restored over a period of 10 years. The big parts were mostly all there, but the smaller pieces, especially the trim, necessitated many swap meet trips. Only a couple of concessions to updated parts were included, one being the addition of late-model 12-inch front discs. Hurst linkage is used on the stock Muncie, and a Secret Audio with Rockford Fargate amps was installed with Pioneer 6-inch speakers. Can't hear all those oldies on a dashboard speaker, can we? Even though the wheels aren't stock they are definitely "period correct." American Torq-Thrust IIs, 17x7 front with 4-inch backspacing and 17x8 rears with 4-inch backspacing mount Goodyear P235/55R17 rubber.

Lonnie and Joni Brown are finally enjoying their youth around their hometown of Parker, Texas, in the car Lonnie could only dream of in the '60s. Sometimes it just takes a few years to get your reward.