1967 Chevy Impala SS owned by Rob Johnson

When passion meets performance, the result is often something truly special. For Rob Johnson, that something is “LIVN LO,” a 1967 Chevy Impala SS built with precision, power, and a deep connection to his automotive roots. With a history tied to this exact model, a love for pro street builds, and a lifetime of hands-on experience, Rob created a machine that turns heads wherever it goes.

The Inspiration Behind LIVN LO

Rob’s story with the 1967 Impala SS goes way back—his father bought one brand new just a year before Rob was born. That connection turned into a lifelong passion, leading him to own multiple ’67 Impalas over the years. However, this particular build was meant to be something truly special—a pro street masterpiece designed to be driven, not just displayed.

After finding the car as a rough project on RacingJunk in 2016, Rob set out to completely rebuild it, keeping only the tube chassis and the roof. Everything else was replaced, refined, or completely reworked, debuting at the Street Machine Nationals in Du Quoin, Illinois, in 2018. In 2020, he took it even further by adding a blower, and in 2024, he put the car to the ultimate test—1,200 miles in five days on the Hot Rod Power Tour.

The Build: A Family Effort

This Impala is more than just a car—it’s a labor of love built by Rob and his son, Jordan Johnson, in their home shop. With Rob’s 35 years as a mechanic and Jordan’s six years of bodywork experience, they tackled every aspect of the build themselves, with the exception of some tin work and chassis fabrication, which were handled by trusted friends Rick Schafer and Ty Baumgartner.

The Impala sits on a full 2×3 rectangular tube chassis, a foundation that supports its monstrous performance. A full air suspension system with Ridetech Shockwaves ensures a perfect stance, while Wilwood big brakes front and rear provide stopping power worthy of a car this extreme.

A Powerhouse Under the Hood

At the heart of “LIVN LO” is a 496 cubic inch big block Chevy, delivering raw, unrelenting power. The setup includes an 8-71 Blower Shop supercharger, twin Holley Sniper fuel injection systems, and custom-built headers by Ty Baumgartner. With a TCI 3200 torque converter and a Ford 9-inch rear end with 3:55 gears, this Impala doesn’t just look the part—it dominates the pavement.

Custom Touches and Attention to Detail

The exterior of “LIVN LO” is finished in a stunning Gunmetal Gray, expertly sprayed by Jordan Johnson using Axalta paint. The pro street stance is accentuated by massive Billet Specialties Comp 8 wheels—17x4s in the front and staggering 15x15s in the rear, wrapped in 33-inch wide tires. Rick Schafer at Metalworx fabricated a custom wing, adding to the car’s aggressive demeanor.

Inside, the cockpit is as refined as the exterior. A custom dashboard by Rick Schafer houses a Holley 12.3 ProDash digital display, providing real-time performance data. The Billet Specialties Redline steering wheel perfectly matches the wheels, while a TCI Outlaw shifter gives full control over the beast under the hood.

The Road Ahead

For Rob, “LIVN LO” is not just a show car—it’s a driver. With a build cost totaling $35,000 (not counting labor), he’s put his time, expertise, and passion into creating a car that embodies both power and nostalgia. But he’s far from done. With several projects already lined up, Rob plans to keep building, pushing the envelope of what’s possible in the pro street world.

Acknowledgments

Rob extends his gratitude to those who helped bring the 1967 Chevy Impala SS “LIVN LO” to life:

• Jordan Johnson, his son, for his dedication and craftsmanship in body and paintwork.
• Rick Schafer, owner of Metalworx, for his custom tin work, console, and dashboard.
• Ty Baumgartner, owner of Baumgartner Race Cars, for fabricating the custom headers and chassis work.

With a history of building multiple 1967 Impala SS models, C-10s, and Chevelles, Rob Johnson is a builder who lives and breathes performance. “LIVN LO” is a rolling testament to that passion, proving that some cars aren’t just built to be seen—they’re built to be driven, hard and fast.

Photos by : John R. Mumaw