Ashanti Surprises Nelly With a Restomod 1962 Chevy Impala Convertible for His Birthday

When Nelly says Ashanti outdid herself for his birthday, he’s not exaggerating. The singer and rapper unwrapped what is, by most enthusiast standards, one of the more impressive celebrity car gifts in recent memory: a fully restored and modernized 1962 Chevrolet Impala convertible, custom-built to celebrate a vehicle Nelly has described as his dream car since childhood.

The Build

The 1962 Impala convertible arrived in a striking shade of blue with chrome and gold trim accents — a combination that complements the car’s long, sweeping lines and draws out the chrome detailing that makes this generation of Impala one of the most visually compelling American classics ever produced. The interior carries custom work that includes a sound system bearing Nelly’s own logo, a personal touch that goes beyond the typical celebrity car commission.

Under the hood sits an LS3 V8, the modern General Motors small-block that has become a benchmark for restomod builds. The swap gives the Impala significantly more power and reliability than the original drivetrain while preserving the classic look and feel that makes these cars so desirable. It’s a well-chosen combination for a car that will see real-world use rather than garage storage.

The Reaction and the Price

Nelly’s response on Instagram — “Dammm mama you did that… Bday gift overkill!!” — captured the moment well. The build reportedly cost Ashanti upward of $100,000, a number that reflects both the quality of the work and the current market for well-executed restomod builds on desirable classic platforms. Demand for quality 1960s Chevrolet restorations has been climbing steadily, and a clean LS-swapped Impala convertible commands real money.

The 1962 Impala holds a particular place in American car culture — the convertible body style, the sweeping design, and the cultural associations built up over decades have made it one of the most recognized and coveted classics from the era. For Nelly, who grew up wanting one, finally having a custom-built example with modern power is the kind of full-circle story that resonates well beyond celebrity gossip.