1994-1996 Impala SS has enthusiast following in Kansas City

“Lord Vader, your car is ready.”


That was the headline for a popular print advertisement promoting the sinister new 1994 Impala SS. With it’s blacked out trim, large (for the time) 17-inch wheels, and Corvette-derived 350-c.i. LT1 V8, the ’94 – ’96 Impala SS performed as strong as it looked. And this was at a time when real performance cars had been basically regulated off the radar.

The Impala started as an upscale trim option in 1958, but the “SS” option in 1961 is where our story begins. When equipped with the famous 409-c.i. V8, a ’61 SS was capable of quarter miles in the 15’s. Performance and popularity of the Impala SS grew throughout the 60’s, but the SS disappeared after the ’69 model year. As the 70’s wore on, governmental regulations and gas shortages transformed the Impala to more of an affordable family car, while the up-level Caprice added a little luxury to the mix. The days of indulgent performance were gone. By the 80’s, the Caprice was the consumer’s choice, while the Impala, which had been relegated mostly to fleet applications, finally faded away.

In 1991, Chevrolet introduced a new rounder Caprice body-style, complete with floaty ride and “skirted” rear wheel wells. They were nice cars, but even the sportier LTZ option didn’t scream performance. That didn’t stop the hot rodders, though, and soon Caprices were turning up with custom wheels and lowered suspensions. In 1993, Chevy radiused the Caprice’s rear wheel wells, a styling cue that drastically changed the bulbous looks the Caprice was known for.

Then, the big news came in 1994, when the LT1 V8, formerly only available in Corvettes and Z-28 Camaros, found it’s way into the big sedans. This opened the door for the Impala SS, which featured special seats, lowered suspension, and fat rubber. The SS was only available in black that first year, but Dark Green-Grey Metallic and Dark Cherry Metallic were added for ’95 and ’96.

’96 was the last year for the rear-wheel-drive Impala SS, because the Arlington, TX plant that built the GM B- and D-Body lines was converted to truck and SUV production.

The Kansas City Impala SS Club (KCISS) is one of hundreds of local clubs nationwide dedicated to this 90’s performance icon. KCISS membership is free, and open to all ’91 – ’96 B- and D-Body cars, including the Impala SS, Chevy Caprice Sedan, Buick Roadmaster Sedan, Cadillac Fleetwood, and Caprice, Roadmaster, and Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser station wagons. Aside from just sharing the same platform, you may be surprised to know that many of these cars actually came equipped with the exact same engines and drivetrains as Impala SS’s.

For more information, or if you would like to bring your B/D-Body to a meet-up, visit KCISS on the Web at www.kciss.com.