The new-for-1967 Impala 427 was marketed with the slogan 'For the man who'd buy a sports car if it had this much room'. By slotting in the big-block engine from the Corvette, the result was impressive. The engine had been released the year before and from the outset the 'Rat' motor was engineered to produce much power. Staggered valves in the heads created better flow (at the cost of size and weight), while the impressive torque made hauling along the Impala easy. The new car used a wider front track than early 1960s Chevrolets and, because of the fastback coupe shape, the bodyshell was required to be very strong, which aided handling. The SS also had superior rear axle location with four rather than three links, making it one of the best-handling large muscle cars of the era. The SS427 reverted to an option package in 1968, then was retired the following year.
