In 1973, the era of the sleek bumpers came to an end as new mandates required the introduction of a five-mile-per-hour impact without damaging the vehicle. Manufacturers were forced to adapt to this new minimum impact standard, leading to the emergence of the malaise era of big bumper cars. While enthusiasts of classic muscle cars are famously known for their unanimous distaste for this era, nostalgia and styling have gradually gained popularity in recent decades, especially among younger automotive connoisseurs. Lovejeet's 1973 Chevrolet Impala is a prime example of these long forgotten malaise-era big bumper cars, rescued from an unknown but concerning fate and given a new lease on life.

The front of the 1973 Impala

Several years ago, Lovejeet first laid eyes on the four-door hardtop, which was up for sale at an exorbitant price. The car showed visible signs of wear and tear, with rust damage to the passenger quarter panel and an interior that had faded from decades of sun exposure. Nonetheless, Lovejeet recognized the car's potential, given his history of owning several 1971-1976 Chevrolets, and he harboured hopes of striking a deal. However, despite his eagerness to add another fifth-generation Chevy B-Body to his collection, a mutually agreeable deal remained elusive, forcing Lovejeet to reluctantly walk away from the car at that time.

Rear of the 1973 Impala

In 2020, it felt like the apocalypse had arrived in full force, especially if you happened to be a resident of Calgary. The storm that rolled through the city in June of that year was nothing short of catastrophic. It was one of the worst hail storms to hit Calgary, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Northeast Calgary was hit the hardest, with homes and vehicles battered, and the overall damage toll soared in excess of one billion dollars. Among the victims of this destructive tempest was the green Impala.

Front detail of the Impala

Facing a substantial loss and the need to part ways with the car due to a sudden move, the previous owner reached out to Lovejeet with some exciting news, as he dramatically dropped the car's price for a quick sale. Lovejeet wasted no time, arriving with cash in hand to secure the vehicle. He promptly stowed away the Chevy in storage, and as time passed, it gradually slipped from his thoughts.

Rear detail of the Impala

Fast forward to 2023, Lovejeet was contacted and told he had to move the car from storage, and was given a welcome surprise with that call having forgotten about the car a few years prior. Lovejeet would bring the car to his home, replacing the front and rear glass, and taillights that had been smashed out during the storm. Soon after, he went through the whole car, replacing the fluids and doing the necessary maintenance to resurrect this surviving original Impala. It didn’t take very long, as he was cruising around the city of Calgary in style.

Inside the Impala

Skipping ahead to 2023, Lovejeet received an unexpected call, reminding him of the car he had stashed away in storage. It was a pleasant surprise, as he had somewhat forgotten about the car in the intervening years. Lovejeet wasted no time and made arrangements to bring the vehicle back to his home. He began addressing the needed attention, starting by replacing the front and rear glass, as well as the taillights, which had been shattered during the devastating storm. Lovejeet rolled up his sleeves and got to work. He meticulously went through the entire car, refreshing the fluids and performing the necessary maintenance to breathe life back into this surviving original Impala. The process didn't take long, and before he knew it, Lovejeet was cruising around the city of Calgary in style, showcasing the remarkable transformation of his cherished Impala.

Inside the Impala

Lovejeet has decided to leave the car in its original condition, intervening only when necessary for essential repairs and maintenance, as he's decided to make this patina-covered classic his daily driver. When he talks about the car, there's an unmistakable affection and warmth in his voice. He eagerly shares the story of the vehicle, brimming with excitement as he welcomes the latest addition to his ever-expanding collection of classic Chevys. In every sense, Lovejeet seems to be the perfect custodian for this half-century-old rolling time capsule, ensuring its continued presence on the roads for generations to come.

The original Chevy 350 still runs strong and healthy half a century after being produced

Until the next time I see you guys, get wrenching, get driving, and keep these classics alive!

Overhead shot of Lovejeet's Impala

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics