A pristine 1996 sedan hidden for nearly three decades is finally going to auction with just 78 miles on the odometer
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- A 1996 Chevy Impala SS with only 78 miles is heading to auction.
- Stored in a climate-controlled garage, it remains in factory condition.
- It retains factory plastic, 17-inch wheels, and full original paperwork.
Most car shoppers gravitate toward SUVs and crossovers these days, leaving traditional sedans to quietly fade from the spotlight. That’s a bit of a shame for anyone who still appreciates the unpretentious grace of a well-sorted four-door.
Read: This 1966 Impala SS Looks Like It Just Left Chevy’s Factory Yesterday
If you count yourself among them, here’s something that might rekindle that interest: a 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS that could be one of the lowest-mileage examples in the country.
Preserved to Perfection
As a 1996 model, this Impala SS rolled out of the factory during the final year of production and includes all of the original documentation, right down to the window sticker. There’s no word on why the car has traveled only 78 miles (126 km), but Mecum Auction notes it has been kept in a climate-controlled garage since new.
The exterior is painted in a simple shade of black, and the original five-spoke 17-inch wheels have been retained and are now wrapped in Riken Raptor ZR A/S SL tires.
The Impala’s styling feels refreshingly straightforward compared with today’s sedan designs, which often rely on busy creases and sharp angles to make their point.
Given the Impala’s low mileage, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that the interior is also absolutely pristine. It is dominated by gray leather surfaces, including on the seats, and still has the original plastic on the front seats, floor mats, and steering wheel.
Mecum Auctions
Powering the 1996 Impala SS is Chevrolet’s 5.7-liter LT1 V8, delivering 260 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque through a four-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.
The setup was good for a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in around 7.2 seconds and a top speed of roughly 130 mph, not bad for a full-size sedan tipping the scales at 4,221 pounds (1,915 kg). It also benefited from a firmer suspension and upgraded brakes compared with the standard Impala of the era.
The sale listing notes that the battery has been replaced ahead of the event. The car also comes with its original tires, a nice touch for anyone who wants to keep it exactly as it left the assembly line, though we don’t need to tell you those are suited exclusively for display rather than driving after nearly three decades in storage.
When it was new, the Impala SS carried a sticker price of $26,192, including options and destination charges. Adjusted for inflation, that works out to roughly $55,100 in today’s money.
The Impala SS will cross the auction block on January 10, though Mecum hasn’t released a pre-sale estimate. Still, it’s safe to assume this time-warp sedan won’t go cheaply. Those tempted to put its odometer to use can check out the full listing here.
