1976 Chevrolet Impala (Hearse) Wagon

Launched in 1958, the Impala model was Chevrolet's full-size offering and led the industry in both styling and performance, becoming America's top selling large car by the late Sixties. Sitting above the more basic Biscayne and Bel Air model lines, the Impala shared the same basic styling but offered the buyer more standard equipment. The fourth generation Impala was introduced in 1971, the B-body range being the largest car ever built by General Motors but unfortunately this coincided with the fuel crisis of the early 1970s and sales plummeted as a result. Available in an extensive range of two and four-door versions, a convertible and a station wagon with an unusual new tailgate design replacing the old swinging design, with the window now retracting into the roof. There were a myriad of engine and transmission combinations sold, ranging from a budget six-cylinder through to the classic small-block 350-cid V8, with larger 400-cid and 454-cid engines available for those wanting more power. From 1972, all Impalas could run on unleaded fuel and catalytic converters appeared in 1975, along with High Energy Ignition. Other innovations for 1975 included the Econominder gauge, intermittent wipers and new dashboard design. The 1976 Impala would be the final year of the fourth generation model, with its significantly downsized replacement reflecting the changing environment.