Miles Masa's 1962 Chevrolet Impala - The Stardust

A photo of the Stardust version of Miles' Impala taken at at indoor car show. The photo was developed in 1964. Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

Miles working on the car. The photo was developed in 1965. Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

Another photo of Miles with the Chevy that was developed in 1965. Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

"Best in West" - A newspaper article about Miles and his award-winning Impala that appeared in The LIFE Friday, April 8, 1966. According to the article, Miles had won six 1st place awards; six for best engine compartment, five for best interior, one People's Choice and one outstanding car of show.

The Goofy Grape version of Miles' Impala. Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

The Goofy Grape at an indoor car show. Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

A photo of Miles with the Goofy Grape. Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

"Repeat Performance" - A newspaper article about Miles and the Impala written after he had turned it into the Goofy Grape. Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Another story about Miles' Impala. Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

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A photo of the Goofy Grape developed in June of 1968. Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

Photo courtesy of the Miles Family, from The Miles Masa Memorial Page.

The Goofy Grape as it appeared in August of 2023, when it was advertised for sale in Sweden. Sold by Mikes Garage, the asking price was 249.000 SEK. Click here to check out the classified ad. Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

Photo courtesy of Mikes Garage.

1962 Chevrolet Impala owned and restyled by Miles Masa of Downers Grove, Illinois. Initially named "The Stardust," Miles, who is also a member of the Kustom Kemp Hall of Fame, originally restyled the car in 1963. It was rebuilt from a wreck, and when it was first unveiled, the car was a light blue shade. According to a newspaper article that was published in The Life Friday, April 8, 1966, it featured a translucent lacquer with 17 coats of clear lacquer on top. The engine was heavily chromed, and it ran six carburetors. Inside, it featured a button-tufted leather interior sewn by Al Boerste of Forest View. It was dressed up with contour swivel seats with gauges, dials, and switches similar to airplanes. Masa showcased it at numerous custom car shows across the nation and earned various awards for its unique design and craftsmanship. By April of 1966, it had won six 1st place awards; six for best engine compartment, five for best interior, one People's Choice and one outstanding car of show.

The Goofy Grape

Several years later, the car underwent a transformation, receiving a purple paint job and the new moniker "Goofy Grape." Once again, it toured across the USA, captivating audiences and winning numerous prizes.

For Sale in Sweden

In 2008, a person named Brian acquired "Goofy Grape." He remained its owner until 2019. After Brian sold it, the old custom wound up in Sweden. In August of 2023, the car was advertised for sale by Mikes Garage in Helsingborg, Sweden. At the time, most of the car's features retained their classic charm, except for its drivetrain. It was powered by a robustly Small Block Chevy 350 that boasted around 450 horsepower. The engine was hooked to a bulletproof BorgWarner T-10 four-speed transmission and a Hays clutch. Modern disc brakes were fitted at the front. In August of 2023, the asking price was 249.000 SEK. Click here to check out the classified ad.