The 1969 Chevrolet Impala was that super hot girl you went out with that all your friends were so impressed with. She was so attractive that even to this day your significant other doesn't want to talk about her because she was so much prettier than she was. She's made you throw out any and all pictures of the two of you together too. Only you know what a miserable pain in the ass she was and how you couldn't wait to get rid of her.
Don't judge a book by its cover or a car by its luscious sheet metal. The 1968-1970 Impala coupes may have been the nicest designs GM ever had particularly in hard top, coupe guise. Even in convertible form like this, with the floppy top up, it's lovely.
Top down it becomes somewhat silly looking; more like a very attractive woman trying to get attention. Miss, please button your blouse. Thank you.
She's a looker but she's got problems. Bad problems. So bad, apparently, that the late Bud Lindeman, in a refreshingly candid review at the time, suggested that buyers opt for similar cars from Ford and Chrysler instead. Please mote we're talking about 1968/1969; years before any Asian or European competition for the common man market. Underpowered, too softly sprung and with terrible brakes, the 1969 Impala was a big, floaty, wallowing handful to drive. A gorgeous handful but a troublesome one nonetheless.
It's a shame that the 1969 Impala wasn't a better car. Those of us that love her so deserved better.
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