In 1961, the Chevrolet Impala was the best-selling convertible in the USA. Seeing it in action here, it might not be difficult to see why.

In 1961, Chevrolet dominated the full-sized convertible market in the USA, racking up more than 64,000 sales. Trailing a distant second  was Ford’s Sunliner with 44,000 ragtops delivered, while Chevrolet’s rivals at General Motors, Pontiac and Oldsmobile, trailed far behind both. It’s not like Olds and Pontiac weren’t trying. They offered multiple convertible models: Catalina and Bonneville for Pontiac and 88 and 98 for Olds. Chevrolet offered just one convertible in ’61, the Impala, but evidently it was the convertible Americans wanted. It might not be difficult to see why in the original commercial spot below. Even if you’re not a  Chevy fan, a ’61 Impala convertible in Roman Red with a white top cuts quite a figure, you have to admit.

Chevrolet was a presenting sponsor of the CBS television series Route 66 in ’61, so naturally there’s a reference to the popular show at the top of this spot, with a brief glimpse of a Corvette, presumably carrying Buz and Tod, speeding past a Route 66 sign. (See our feature on Route 66 here.) Fun, style, and open-air adventure are the message as a young family of four takes down the folding top on their Impala and goes for a spin. “Take it where you will. A Chevrolet convertible is meant to be enjoyed,” declares Joel Aldred, the familiar voice of the bow-tie brand. “This Chevrolet is a magic carpet to adventure.” Video below.