Story
The 1962 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport was not a 409-only model. RPO 240XP was a $156.05 package for the two-door Sport Coupe and convertible, and Chevrolet allowed it with every Impala engine: the 235 six, 283 V8, either 327, or the 380- and 409-horsepower 409s.
That change made the SS a distinct appearance and cabin package. Buyers received all-vinyl front bucket seats, a locking center console, passenger assist bar, engine-turned aluminum exterior inserts, dedicated emblems, and model-year-specific spinner wheel covers. Performance hardware remained configuration-specific: the four-speed, Positraction, power brakes, tachometer, cooling, and heavy-duty springs and shocks were separate choices.
The two 409s remain the headline engines. RPO 580 used one Carter four-barrel and made 380 gross horsepower. RPO 587 used two Carter four-barrels and matched its displacement with 409 gross horsepower. Both used 11.0:1 compression and made 420 lb-ft, but the SS package itself proves neither engine.
Authenticating a car starts with original RPO 240XP and drivetrain records, then reconciles the VIN, Fisher tag, engine, transmission, axle, paint, trim, console, wheel covers, and component dates. The gallery includes modified survivors; captions identify non-stock wheels so those photographs remain useful body context without becoming restoration evidence.