Story: Michael Crenshaw

Photography: Andrew Link

The owner of this pristine 1971 Chevy Impala Coupe, K, is growing tired of flames and flags on Donks. “I was about to take it all off,” he explains. “It seems like it’s overdone and overboard.” However saturated the scene may be with flame wars, this flagged Impala stands tall in the Donk game with a golden ticket that puts it ahead of the line.

“A lot of people still tell me it’s the hardest Donk down here, even though they might have a convertible,” K modestly admits. Though somewhat of an enigma, there are reasons behind the constant praise this Donk receives. A custom Sherwin-Williams hue combined with real 24-karat Italian gold leaf offers a combination of rare and extreme elegance not seen elsewhere, giving the ’71 constant praise, admiration and downright respect. “You got the older crowd, the younger crowd, older women, younger women and kids: They all take pictures and go crazy.” The prevalence of chrome and new 26-inch Forgiato Mistos finish off the exterior by contrasting with the gold leaf.

If you’re questioning the relevance of this Imp, one look at the craftsmanship inside—immaculate stitching, straight panels and attention to detail—reveals this is no one-trick pony. Also in the cards is a totally restored 421 stroker completed by Restoration Engines.

Though he once questioned the need to keep the Impala in the family, K now admits he’s glad he made the choice to continue flaunting it. “I almost sold it and ended up changing my mind. And I’m kind of glad I did, because I put a lot of work into the car as far as chroming and other little stuff,” explains K. As for what’s next, a big-brake kit is needed, ’cause a car weighed down with this many karats needs major stopping power—and we’re not just talking about stopping people in their tracks.

Spec The Technique:

Performance: 421 stroker; Moser axles; shortened rear end

Interior: Chrome moldings; lavender and cream leather; Colorado Customs Fire steering wheel

Exterior: Custom Sherwin-Williams paint with 24k Italian gold-leaf checkered and ripped flags; billet grille

Ice: Four Kicker Solo-Baric L7 subwoofers; Pioneer AVH-P7500DVD head unit; four Optima YellowTop batteries

Wheels/Tires: 26-inch Forgiato
Mistos; Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, 275/25/26

Shout-Outs: Restoration Engines; Audio Illusions