If you were told this 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS was a phoenix, what would you think? Logically, the Phoenix is a Pontiac that was produced from 1977-84. Is this Chevy one of those funky Canadian creations? No, but there’s more to the story that bears reading.
Historically, the phoenix is a mythological bird that regenerates and rises from the ashes of its predecessor. It’s a concept that appears to have originated with the Egyptians though it has existed in several ancient cultures, including one that has lent its name to a certain Arizona city. It’s the perfect description for this Bow Tie that the grandmother of Mickey York, a Detroit sportscaster, bought new and kept for 34 years.
“She sold it in 1996, but after her passing I was able to track down the car and buy it back in 2009,” says York, who spent more than three years restoring the Chevy. “The first restoration featured a 383 stroker with TH350 automatic, two-inch drop spindles, tubular control arms, adjustable coil-overs front and rear, and disc brakes all around. So, it was modified from the original, but we kept the stock look.” The car made its debut at the 2018 Detroit Autorama and it took First Place in its class.
Fast-forward to October 2021, and something happened that would crush Mickey’s soul: “I was traveling to a local car show and, as I was entering the intersection and the light was changing, a car waiting to turn left in the opposite direction turned in front of me. There was nowhere to go and nowhere to stop. We collided with the SS going about 50 mph.”
But Mickey is from Detroit, a city that has developed a hardy breed of folk. “We couldn’t let his horrific crash be the end of its story,” he says, so the SS was brought to Motor City Solutions Hot Rods & Restorations. Grandma’s favorite white exterior and red interior was retained, but this second chance brought significant upgrades like a 525-horsepower LS3 blowing smoke through 2½-inch stainless pipes, 6L80-E six-speed automatic, 3.73 gears, Viking adjustable coil-overs, CPP control arms, two-inch drop spindles, and Wilwood four-wheel discs, among other items.
The regenerated Bow Tie made its return earlier this month at the 71st Detroit Autorama. “We call it Oma’s SS in honor of my grandma,” adds York. “We hope you join us to celebrate its new life.”
Source: www.classiccars.com