A Unique Upgrade
The Chevrolet Impala, already a top-seller in America, underwent a significant upgrade in 1973. General Motors aimed to boost market performance by introducing a pioneering safety feature – the Air Cushion Restraint System (ACRS).
Approximately 1,000 1973 Chevy Impalas rolled out of the factory with the groundbreaking ACRS. The driver’s side airbag was ingeniously integrated into the steering wheel, prompting Chevrolet to distinguish these models with a unique design.
The distinctive four-spoke steering wheel replaced the standard single-spoke design, and the instrument panel borrowed its layout from the Oldsmobile 88. All ACRS-equipped models were uniformly painted green and housed a potent 350 V8 engine.
The eBay Find: A 1973 Impala Survivor
The showcased 1973 Impala, captured in images, shares the same paint and engine specifications as its historical counterparts. While not a factory-original, its intriguing history could make it a prized possession for dedicated Chevy enthusiasts.
The eBay listing by seller ben_pool narrates that this Impala belonged to his grandmother and spent years sheltered from the elements in a garage. Despite its age, the car maintains its originality, having undergone routine maintenance, including a new battery, oil and filter changes, tire replacements, and a thorough gas tank cleaning.
Both internally and externally, the Impala impresses with its well-preserved state, requiring only minor attention to transform into a daily driver. The seller acknowledges the need for additional tender loving care, particularly a comprehensive brake overhaul, before the car hits the road full-time.
Under the hood, the original 350 V8 engine still runs smoothly, and the odometer tells a surprising tale – a mere 43,000 miles. The owner vouches for the authenticity of these miles, explaining that his grandmother rarely took the vehicle out, with most mileage accrued in its initial years.
Market Presence and Auction Details
While ’70s Chevrolet Impalas might not command the same desirability as their counterparts from the previous decade, they remain notable. Some enthusiasts argue that the car lost its performance edge, but innovations like the experimental airbag system showcase its enduring significance.
The digital auction for this unique 1973 Impala starts at $5,000, with an undisclosed reserve. Its value remains uncertain, but prospective buyers can inspect the car in Laredo, Texas, to assess its condition firsthand. The auction is set to conclude in approximately six days.
# FAQs
**Q1: How many 1973 Chevy Impalas were equipped with the Air Cushion Restraint System?**
Approximately 1,000 units left the factory with this innovative airbag system.
**Q2: What distinguishes the ACRS-equipped Impalas in terms of design?**
They feature a four-spoke steering wheel and borrow the instrument panel design from the Oldsmobile 88. All models are uniformly painted green and house a 350 V8 engine.
**Q3: What is the background of the showcased 1973 Impala on eBay?**
The car, not a factory-original, belonged to the seller’s grandmother and spent years sheltered in a garage. Despite its age, it maintains originality and has undergone routine maintenance.
**Q4: What additional work does the Impala need to become a daily driver?**
While in impressive condition, the car requires minor work and a full brake overhaul before returning to the road full-time.
**Q5: Where can the car be inspected, and when does the auction end?**
The car is available for inspection in Laredo, Texas. The auction is set to conclude in approximately six days.
