(Pics) 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS

This model always puzzled me. I haven't taken any apart (yet) but always wondered why the rear doors were never hinged (they do not open) despite being "tooled"  separately. This stock version is OK, but IMO, the best looking releases were the LAPD liveries.

the placement on photo two is outstanding !

I have this model and it is great but I have always thought the wheels and tires were under sized.

Posted by: @bob-jackman

I have this model and it is great but I have always thought the wheels and tires were under sized.

Yeah, those rims are just a bit too small. It's unfortunate Autoart, Kyosho or Minichamps never tooled one of these up.

The fact that these 4-dr muscle cars sold so well back then surprised me; I used to laugh. But many of my friends wanted one despite my cry, "But it's a four door!" 

I remember when this Impala body style was introduced. The police didn't want them for their cop cars because they didn't look intimidating enough. They  wanted to switch to the Ford Crown Police Interceptors. Ultimately, their fears weren't realized and that generation Impala served well for law enforcement.

@rich-sufficool Interesting, I never heard that.

@chris The Mercury Marauder at the time took the same rap. Later, they both were the hottest thing on the secondary market. Neither Chevy or Mercury were going to tool for anything other than the 4 door sedan. Later you had another "WTF?" with the 4 door Charger. At least the GTO was a two door (Holden).

Posted by: @rich-sufficool

@chris The Mercury Marauder at the time took the same rap. Later, they both were the hottest thing on the secondary market. Neither Chevy or Mercury were going to tool for anything other than the 4 door sedan. Later you had another "WTF?" with the 4 door Charger. At least the GTO was a two door (Holden).

I was really surprised when the Holden inspired GTO  wasn't well received in the USA; I thought it was a lovely car.

Posted by: @rich-sufficool

I remember when this Impala body style was introduced. The police didn't want them for their cop cars because they didn't look intimidating enough. They  wanted to switch to the Ford Crown Police Interceptors. Ultimately, their fears weren't realized and that generation Impala served well for law enforcement.

I recall very well when the "tubby" Chevy fleet replaced our bullet proof and beloved "square Chevy" police cars.  I recall our issue wasn't that they didn't look intimidating enough, it was just that they were so very strange looking; especially with the initial semi-closed rear wheel arch.  I remember saying to my older colleagues that I felt like I was driving an updated early 50s Hudson....that's what it reminded me of.  We kept the Tubby Chevys for a few years but switched to the Ford Crown Vics when Impala went front wheel drive; which was awful in high speed pursuits.

@rich-sufficool 

Well, I do know this.....  

Mercury was poised to launch a 2-dr convertible Marauder, but market research deemed it unwise. Subsequently, the project was scrapped.

Now, I realize no one will believe this, but I had a chance to buy this concept car (For $31,000) but backed out when I discovered it had an engine governor (limiting top speed to 85mph) and, more disheartening, there was NO top...nothing, no mechanism, no convertible bows, no hardtop..... nothing.    With limited storage space at that time, I passed.  Of course, today's value has probably quadrupled but at that time, it was the wise move.

I thought it looked great:

@jack-dodds 

Americans thought it looked "not American enough." 😣 

@jack-dodds It was quite a performer too. I think people were looking for more retro styling. The first year the hood scoops had to be deleted, because although the Holden was cleared for US sales after going through all the testing, the government told Pontiac that if they added the scoops, the resultant GTOs would have to go through all the testing again, and Pontiac couldn't afford to delay things and have to basically sell one year old cars the following year. So the first year the GTO was just a rebadged stock Holden.

@chris Wat a MAJOR shame you didn't snap it up Chris.  With its history I would think it is worth even more than you suggest!  This is the first I have ever heard of it.  I assume by the pics that it still exists then?

Wow Chris. Everything in life has a time schedule and I certainly understand why you didn't buy the Mercury. I have had three chances to buy some interesting cars over the years but the timing wasn't right for various reasons...that's the way it goes. Thanks for sharing your story and pictures.