The Impala nameplate first appeared on 1958 models, but it didn't really acquire its bad-boy appeal until '61, when the Impala Super Sport (SS) - with V-8 engines including the legendary 409 - helped launch a decade-long muscle car following. The SS disappeared at the end of the '60s, and for a very long time thereafter until 1994 when Chevrolet resurrected the Impala SS which became the long lost sibling of the Chevy Caprice. The 1994 Impala really looked damn good - the rear wheel wells were opened up; seventeen-inch, five-spoke wheels were fitted; it was lowered; the trim was blacked out; the running impala badge returned; and the whole car was painted a sexy jet black. The return of this legendary car was also a return to GM performance considering the 1994 Impala was stuffed with performance items including an LT1 V-8 engine, the police handling package, de Carbon dampers, and Z-rated tires.

The Impala's press introduction was at Road America racetrack with the full lineup of 1994 Chevrolets. Since that time this particular car has been a much sought after piece of machinery. With a renewed appreciation for American muscle cars in general over the past few years, the idea of a big, bad, Chevy muscle sedan has more appeal than ever. Which is what draws people to Jason Morgan's 1994 Impala SS - kind of like a moth to a flame, these cars are appealing to the eye especially when taken a bit further and customized.

First thing we want to point out is ESM has seen a lot of these so-called "Impala SS" cars at shows, only to find out later they are Caprice knock-offs that were simply "re-badged" as an Impala SS. More than a money factor, the "re-badging" that goes on with this particular model of Impala SS is due in part to the fact these cars can be difficult to find in good working shape. With that said, Jason pointed out this is no knock-off; this is the real deal which makes this car true blue to its legendary name.

However, Jason like most custom car enthusiasts, just couldn't ride around with a bone stock Impala SS, no matter how cool it looks in stock form! Jason cleaned up the exterior a bit by shaving the door handles, name badges, and installing a set of Stillen bumpers both front and rear. Projection head lamps replace the boring stock versions and the trunk was fitted with linear actuators, so with a push of a button it pops open. The most obvious modification is a hot rod two-tone green over silver.

In 1994, the Impala SS rolled off the assembly line lowered, but Jason decided to take it a step further and make it even lower with an air suspension setup. A custom set of billet Intro Twisted Vista II 22-inch hoops, protected with 235/35/22 and 265/35/22 Hankook rubber respectively, were mounted at each corner to beef up the overall appearance. To provide additional stopping power, the stock rotors were upgraded to BAER +2 rotors and calipers.

The factory LT1 V-8 lives under the hood, but it has been modified and fitted with a Raiss ram air induction kit, Opti-Spark ignition system, and 200 amp alternator. An Optima battery powers the electrical components of the car, while an aluminum fuel rail cover and intake plenum add to the details of the engine compartment. Custom 3-inch exhaust tubing, connected to a pair of performance Flowmaster mufflers, was bent up and hung with care between the frame rails which completes the performance mods.

Inside the cockpit of this modern day muscle car is a black and sliver Katzkin leather interior. Other interior upgrades include painted accent pieces, billet rearview mirror, and a billet leather half-wrap steering wheel. The stock audio system was ditched for a Panasonic in-dash flip-out DVD headunit that sends tunes to 6½-inch Polk RS components and a JL 13½-inch sub, all powered by JL amps.

Jason's ride is one of the cleanest modern Impala's we have seen on the show circuit and the best part - it's the real deal, not some Caprice wannabe, which makes Jason a "True SS Rider" in our book!

Shout Out: "Thanks to Elite Streets Magazine and J.R .for the feature!" -Jason Morgan