Only 453 1961 Impalas were SS optioned in 1961 under RPO 240. The Super Sport (or SS) option required a number of mandatory options. Not all 1961 Impala Super Sports were 409s, the Super Sport option did require a W-engine with a minimum of 305hp rating however. The 348 cid engine rated at 305 hp with a Carter AFB carburetor was the 'base' engine for the Super Sport. A new 409 cid engine was introduced late in the model year rated at 360 hp but only 142 were sold at a MSRP of $484.50. Along with the 305 hp 348 cid engine, the Super Sport required optional higher rate springs with heavy duty shocks. Power steering along with power brakes with sintered metallic linings and 8.00 x 14 1-inch wide white walls were also mandatory. All have a Sun tachometer; some call it a 2-piece, some a 3-piece unit. It consisted of a special transmitter that was mounted to the inner fender on the driver side, the tachometer head and a chrome mounting cup.

The Super Sport has SS emblems on the trunk and quarters, 3-bar spinner wheel covers, 14 x 5-inch wheels, padded dash, and passenger side grab bar. The Super Sport option was available on the 1800 series Impala with any body style except the Nomad wagon.

There was also a Super Sport trim option package that many dealers installed to dress regular Impalas up to help sales but these are not true Super Sport (SS) Impalas.