“One of the best examples of a custom car that I've ever seen." That’s what Jay Leno said about this 1961 Chevrolet Impala dubbed, “Project Cheemer,” when it was featured on his show, “Jay Leno’s Garage.” He is absolutely right. Check out the video below of this car when it was featured:

1961 Chevrolet Impala Bubble Top Pro-Touring "Project Cheemer"

FEATURES:

• Featured on “Jay Leno’s Garage!” Check out the video!

• “One of the Best Examples of a custom car I have Ever seen” – Jay Leno

• Voted “The Most Beautiful Car” and “Best Engineered Car” in Sweden

• BMW M70 V-12 Engine

• BMW 4-Speed Automatic

• Power Steering

• 4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes with Billet calipers

• Custom one-off wheels by Mike Curtis

• Cooper Zeon 2xs radials all around

• Custom hand-made, one-off body side moldings

• Custom one off tail lights

• Custom one off grill

• Stainless steel custom Exhaust system

• Air Ride Suspension

If you’re a classic car guy at heart and love the ‘61 Bubble top Chevy’s, but you also appreciate the dependability and luxury of a BMW… this just might be the perfect car for you! This 1961 Impala incorporates fine American design from the sixties, along with great European handling and performance of today. One of the things we hear around here at Custom Classics from our customers building their cars is how they want the look of the yester-year cars, but they want today’s reliability. Which is part of the reason our mission statement is “Restoring yesterday’s classics for today’s driving pleasures.” Well here you really do have the best of both worlds! Everyone in this industry from the builders to the parts manufactures are all about building a fun and reliable car that has killer looks. When you walk around this car and look at the insane amount of details of this build, you begin to wonder what a car like this would cost to build today… its easier to just say, “A LOT.” We routinely build similar projects for our customers similar to this car, and they can easily run well over $400,000 to complete. And, you’re going to have to wait at least a year or even a few years for the car to be completed. Here’s a tip from the pros: Buy a finished car you like. It will save you thousands AND you can enjoy driving something TODAY.

Lets just start at the top and work our way down through this “Cheemer.” First off, a little info about the car, including who built it and where it came from. A very clever gentlemen named Lars Linburg built this car in Sweden. As a matter of a fact, this car was sold new in Sweden back in 1961 and spent its entire life there until just a couple of years ago when it was shipped over to the US and shown here in the states. Lars spent 5 years and an “undisclosed” amount of money building this beauty here before you.

The longer you walk around this incredible piece of machinery, the longer you begin to appreciate the incredible amount of time and work spent on the body alone. It’s obvious Lars didn’t skimp when it came to doing the paint and body work. The smooth, two-tone Candy Green paint that was top coated with Urethane clear and then wet sanded and buffed to a smooth slick surface that looks like a sheet of glass. This car has been done now for several years and has some normal wear from the show circuit but its amazing how great of condition this car is in; truly a testament to the quality of the build. The straight body panels with tight gaps is another thing that is hard to miss when you look over the sleek body. The front and rear bumpers where also straightened to near perfection and given one heck of a chrome plating job…seriously, these bumpers are just incredible and gleam in the sunlight.

Let’s take note of the custom fit stock front and rear glass that sit flush to the body. Here, the builder altered the body to eliminate the original front and rear window moldings. They did this by filling in the body to give it that total custom / modern look all while still using the original glass for this car. So, in the event you crack a windshield you wont have to have anything custom made, just order another one for a stock ‘61 Impala. Another over-the-top item on this car that helps set it apart from other pro-touring cars of this caliber is the custom, one-off, solid brass body side moldings that were hand built. After they were built and fit to the car, they were then sent out and dipped in chrome most likely by the same people who did the bumpers as the quality is all the same here folks – perfection.

Some other one-off items that are worth mentioning is the custom made grill, custom fabricated and counter sunk fog lights, custom one-off tail lights, and the custom exterior door mirrors. Also take note of his choice of custom fit Fiat door handles that really adds to the sleek profile of the car. All those tasteful little touches add up to make one amazing show car.

Moving now to the inside of this crazy Impala, Lars used and modified BMW 3-series front seats, and BMW 850 rear seats that were custom fit into this interior. There’s a one-off custom console that is finished off in the center with carbon fiber. We all know what a custom interior costs, well it doesn’t look like he cut corners here either… the interior is smooth flowing and functional. There is an astoundingly careful and tasteful mating of the luxurious BMW interior combined with ‘60’s Chevy nostalgia going on here. Throughout the car these well-planned choices are what makes the whole package come together so well here.

In over 30 years of building custom cars here at Custom Classics, I know what kind of money is spent on a custom build to make the underside look as nice as the top side paint, and well, let me tell you… NO money or time was spared underneath this car. Putting the car up on a lift and spending some time looking around under here is a jaw dropping experience. I was in awe to see a smoothed off, slick painted, and wet-sanded, buffed chassis under here… not to mention the attention to detail on everything else and how flawlessly they mated the BMW 750 driveline to this Impala body. Take for example the custom stainless exhaust system, and just what it took to get that system run as you see it in our pictures. The attention to detail on the floor pans and rockers, as well as all the suspension pieces is very impressive and something that has to really be seen in person to fully appreciate.

All of this car's drive-line, engine, transmission, electronics/wiring is all from a BMW 750il. So, incredibly, when maintenance and any other work is needed on this car, all you’ll most likely have to do is to drop this baby off at your local BMW dealership. (And won’t that be quite the conversation starter there at the dealership!) All of the suspension and original BMW wiring is built into this car. The air ride system is aftermarket and is nicely hidden in the trunk under the rear floor, and is very easily accessed from the trunk. Custom one-off wheels with Cooper 235/35 ZR19’s on the front and 285/30 ZR20’s in the rear. Custom polished billet brake calipers are visible through the custom one-off wheels for this car.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Multi Show Winner:

• Featured on “Jay Leno’s Garage”

• Boyd Coddington Memorial Award

• John D’Agostinos Award

• Grand National Roadster Show - Outstanding Engineering Award

• Sacramento Autorama

• Blackies Fresno Autorama (Invite Only Show)

• Numerous Engineering Awards

• Numerous Best of Shows and First Place awards

• Featured in Numerous Magazines

• Used many times for advertising

• Voted Best Car in Sweden

• Driven from California to Colorado to GoodGuys Show, and awarded “Long Distance” award.

So for a great looking classic ride that’s reliable and easy to maintain, this 61 Impala really is a heck of a deal. Call our sales staff today for more information about this incredible show car and amazing piece of engineering!

History

Multi Show Winner
• Featured On “Jay Leno’S Garage”
• Boyd Coddington Memorial Award
• John D’Agostinos Award
• Grand National Roadster Show - Outstanding Engineering Award
• Sacramento Autorama
• Blackies Fresno Autorama
(Invite Only Show)
• Numerous Engineering Awards
• Numerous Best Of Shows And First Place Awards
• Featured In Numerous Magazines
• Used Many Times For Advertising
• Voted Best Car In Sweden
• Driven From California To Colorado To Goodguys Show, And Awarded “Long Distance” Award.

Basic Information

Stock Number: 9164
VIN Number: 11837T181435
Model Year: 1961
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Impala
Exterior Color: Green
Interior Color: Tan
Vehicle Type: Coupe

Engine

Engine Description: BMW M70 V-12

Features

• Featured On “Jay Leno’S Garage!” Check Out The Video!
• “One Of The Best Examples Of A Custom Car I Have Ever Seen” – Jay Leno
• Voted “The Most Beautiful Car” And “Best Engineered Car” In Sweden
• BMW M70 V-12 Engine
• BMW 4-Speed Automatic
• Power Steering
• 4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes With Billet Calipers
• Custom One-Off Wheels By Mike Curtis
• Cooper Zeon 2Xs Radials All Around
• Custom Hand-Made, One-Off Body Side Moldings
• Custom One Off Tail Lights
• Custom One Off Grill
• Stainless Steel Custom Exhaust System
• Air Ride Suspension

ABOUT CUSTOM CLASSICS

Custom Classics has been serving the automotive industry for over 30 years as the Auto Restoration and Classic Car Sales experts.

What started out as a small restoration shop in a garage back in 1982 has grown to a 30,000 sq. ft. classic car dealership, auto restoration, auto body, and car customizing center.

We are nationally acknowledged for restoring and customizing show winning quality cars. We are a family owned and operated and are small enough to take the time and personally help each one of our customers, yet large enough to ensure your classic car restoration and repair (exotics and race cars too!) is completed quickly and carefully using all the latest technology the industry has to offer.

A benefit of doing business together with us is that we can further customize any of our cars for you to your specifications before you take delivery. We offer many accessories (including wheels and performance parts) for a wide variety of vehicles which can help you personalize your car exactly the way you want it. Feel free to contact us to make an appointment, stop in, see our cars and meet our car-crazy staff. We pride ourselves on our outstanding reputation that we’ve built up over 30 years. Give us a call or message us to get started with your classic car purchase or restoration today!

Custom Classics trusts J.J. Best Banc & Co. to help you finance your classic car purchase.

J. J. BEST BANC & CO., being the largest Automobile Lender of it's type in the country, is recognized by Antique, Classic, Exotic, Muscle, Hot Rod and Sports car enthusiasts and dealers as the leader in the Classic Car automobile finance industry.

Offering long terms and low rates, financing is available for most model cars ranging from 1900 to today. With the most knowledgeable staff available, and loan approvals as fast as 5 minutes J. J. BEST BANC & CO. will help you drive the dream.

Placing a Bid:,
1. Your bid constitutes a legally binding contract to purchase this vehicle. Please do not bid if you're not seriously interested or financially able to purchase this vehicle. Please read eBay's User Agreement.
2. If you have ZERO feedback on eBay, please call or email us to request our authority to bid on our vehicles. Winning this auction does not entitle you to come inspect the car and decide if you want to buy it, but obligates you to complete the purchase!
3. We do not release our reserve prices, as this would be unfair to the other bidders, so please don't ask!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PROXY BIDDING!
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Custom Classics reserves the right to,
1. Obtain and verify the registered information of all users who bid on this auction.
2. Cancel any and all bids at our discretion, or end the auction early if necessary. A lot of our cars are listed on eBay, but few sales actually occur on eBay. If you see a car you like, don't wait! Call us! When you see it disappear from eBay, it means that it was sold by other means. Because we advertise heavily in other mediums, we reserve the right to cancel any eBay listing at any time.
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  - You will be allowed to retract the bid for exceptional circumstances but only if you do so within one hour after placing the bid.
Funds & Financing: For help in arranging for a Pre-Approved loan or for any questions please e-mail or phone Gary at (847) 774-9855 prior to bidding. Custom Classics trusts J.J. Best Banc & Co. to help you finance your classic car purchase. Please click their banner in this ad above for financing.
Buyers Inspection: Custom Classics has done our best to disclose all information known about this vehicle for auction. The vehicle is available for inspection prior to bidding. BIDDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONDUCT a physical inspection to avoid any misunderstandings AND FORM AN INDEPENDENT OPINION AS TO THE VEHICLE IN ALL RESPECTS. Buyer and Seller hereby agree that THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF THE SELLER shall control for all purposes under this AGREEMENT. All above terms and conditions are applied to vehicle sales, whether through eBay or otherwise. If you plan to have a buyers inspection, please make sure you inspect the vehicle prior to the auction ending. Inspection fees if any are Buyers responsibility.
Representations and Warranties made by seller: This vehicle is being sold "as is". Manufacturers warranties may still apply. Extended warranty may be available, e-mail or phone Gary at (847) 774-9855 for details. No representations or warranties are made by seller, nor are any representations or warranties relied upon by bidders in making bids.
Taxes and Registration fees: Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title service fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. All taxes and fees must be paid in full in order for vehicle to be titled and registered. As a licensed Illinois dealer, there will be a documentation fee.
Title Information: Vehicles titles may be held by banks or lenders as collateral for loans. In many cases there is a delay in receiving the original instruments up to 21 days from the time we pay a vehicle off. While we usually have all titles in our possession at closing, there are occasions where we may be waiting for them to arrive. If payment is made by cashier's or personal checks we will hold all titles for 10 days or until funds have cleared.
Shipping & Delivery:
1. All shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. Custom Classics will help with shipping arrangements but will not be responsible in any way for claims arising from shipping damage!
2. Licensed Carriers are generally insured for $3,000,000.00. We assume no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our showroom. All shipping arrangements are provided by Custom Classics as a courtesy. We are not affiliated with any carrier. Any claims or other communication regarding shipment of vehicles will be between you and the shipper, not with Custom Classics.
3. The amount of time it takes for delivery is dependent on the carrier, but is generally 7-14 days from the date the vehicle is picked up from our facility until it is delivered to your destination. Verify with the shipper for an Estimate Time of Arrival to be sure.
Finalizing your Purchase:
1. Custom Classics will contact the successful high bidder by e-mail after the auction closes.
2. Successful high bidder MUST communicate with Gary at Custom Classics by e-mail or phone
  (847) 774-9855 within 24 hours of the auction ending to make arrangements to complete their transaction. If we cannot confirm your intention to buy or the sale is not completed within 5 days, we reserve the right to relist this vehicle or sell to any other qualified buyer.
3. In order to secure winning bid on vehicle, Successful bidder (BUYER) must within 24 hours of bid closing send to Seller a Deposit in the amount of $1,000 through PayPal. NO EXCEPTIONS. Within 72 hours of bid closing, Buyer must send balance of funds by bank wire transfer, cash in person, bank certified funds to Seller.
4. At time of sending initial deposit, Buyer MUST fax copy of their State issued valid Driver License. Furthermore, before said vehicle is released for shipment to Buyer, all other Sale related and title related paperwork must be signed and returned complete to Seller.
5. All above terms and conditions are applied to vehicle sales, whether through eBay or otherwise. Please do not bid if you are not seriously interested or not financially able to purchase this item. If you end up winning the auction and not remitting payment within 5 business days, you may lose your $1,000 deposit or a $250 fee will be charged to cover labor and fees to re-list our item. If there are any questions regarding the above terms, please e-mail prior to bidding. Serious bidders only please. Good luck!

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