We all know of the historically famous purple tones found on Chrysler products at the end of the swingin’ ‘60s. Plum Crazy and In-Violet have gone on to become some of the most sought-after shades ever sprayed on classic Mopars since their introduction on Dodge and Plymouth vehicles at the turn of the decade.
But did you know that GM offered special order paint on many of its vehicles in 1967? Yes, While Chrysler was busy dreaming up its world-famous High Impact colors, Chevy was already spraying its own shade of purple majesty, and that shade was called Royal Plum.
Everything is pretty much there. This ride came with buckets and a four-speed console which gives this Impala an upscale, sporty look.
You could get this hue on several Chevy models, including the Camaro, Chevelle, Caprice and Impala. It’s a one-year-only color, and a pretty rare statement any way you slice it.
Imagine having that purple paint on a rare car to start with. Case-in-point, this big block ’67 Impala Super Sport, built with one potent L36 427ci powerplant, and backed by a M20 four-speed transmission. This ride manages to unite several unique and sought-after options together, into one killer full-size ride.
Here we see the original L36 427ci powerplant. “Its just sitting in there without a transmission and hasn’t been run in a number of years.”
Carl Manfra is a muscle car fanatic living the good life in Manahawkin, New Jersey. When he’s not attending to his ice cream business, Carl is out on the road searching down rare muscle cars and hot rods to call his own. His taste is eclectic to say the least, and there is rarely a stone unturned once Carl is out and about.
Carl answered an add one day about an Impala SS that was living out its life submerged in refuse in a garage not too far away. The owner mentioned the big block power and the rare MM color code which got Carl’s attention right away. He was immediately on the case, having a great affinity for Chevy rides of any persuasion.
When he arrived, Carl’s questions were quickly answered; this was no ordinary Impala. “It had its original 427 with it and was in reasonable shape. The hood was intact but missing the center piece, which the owner stated he had somewhere in the house. But, the most interesting thing about this car was the Royal Plum color, which was worn off on most of the car, but easily discernable in the trunk, c-pillar and under the hood.
Here you can easily see the Royal Plum paint that’s still on the car, along the c-pillar. This is an original vinyl top car, so the color in this spot was probably protected for most of its life. Other places that the original hue is still apparent is the underside of the trunk lid and hood.
Amazingly, this car came with the original, but weathered window sticker. “As clear as day it states that this is an MM code car, painted in Royal Plum from the factory,” states Carl. The color adds another dose of rarity to an already rare ride.
Other features on this Chevy include power disc brakes up front, power steering, rear speaker, push button radio, bucket seats and console, the Z24 SS 427 package, and a 12-bolt G80 posi-traction axle with 3.31 gears. If you ordered front disc brakes, like the original purchaser did back in 1967, you needed the 15-inch wheels. These Rally wheels were shod in G70 tires. Overall, this Impala was built the right way, loaded up with of Chevy’s best options.
Once a deal was struck, the well-worn Impala was loaded on a flatbed and delivered to Carl’s shop. Future plans are up in the air at the moment, but Carl says anything is possible. “It would be a very valuable car restored to say the least, and any muscle car fanatic would appreciate the rarity of this wild Impala.”
