Production peaked in ’62 and ’63 when the two-four-barrel versions of the motor appeared. With almost 32,000 units sold in those two seasons, the 409 Impala solidified its status symbol image.

The SS 409 was such a stunner that the Beach Boys ... Equipped with a dual four-barrel carburetor 427ci V-8, the '63 Impala Z11 produced an astounding 430 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque.