Vehicle Description
This is as about as good as 1963 Chevrolet Impalas get, when
they're dropped, covered in slick paint, and given the full
resto-mod treatment. Built by the pros at Murpho's Rods and Customs
in Texas, this slammed Imp features a powerful 6.2L LS3 V8, a
6-speed manual gearbox, and killer red-on-black color combination
that's to die for. We can't seem to keep restomods in stock and
this one gets so much right that we expect it to disappear just as
fast as the others.
Nicely repainted in what appears to be Garnet Red (with maybe a
little Cranberry Red mixed in), it's pretty darn close to what most
Impala enthusiasts imagine when they think of one of these classic
luxury/muscle coupes. Bodywork is straight, with a big investment
in all that expensive hand labor that delivers the best results,
even in those giant quarter panels. Aside from a few very minor
signs of use, this Imp still looks like a million bucks in person.
The finish is deep, lustrous, and has a wonderful shine that really
pops out in the sunshine, which is great because you're going to
want to show this beauty off as often as possible. Details like the
crease that runs the length of the body remain sharp, and on a car
that is as restrained as this Impala, it's important to get these
things right because there's not a lot of trim to hide behind.
Fortunately, the trim that the designers included has been equally
well restored, including the beautifully ornate grille, and the
stainless strips that run the length of the body and surround the
glass and roof. Correct SS emblems have been fitted, and it appears
that the bumpers and tail panel are nicely preserved original
pieces that were also neatly restored, providing a nice contrast
that helps the red paint really POP.
The only way to tell for certain if a 1963 Impala is a real SS is
to check the cowl tag and verify that it has factory bucket seats,
and this one did indeed sport a code 812 black bucket seat
interior. Today you will indeed find a pair of correct black
buckets flanking a center console with more of that SS-grade engine
turned trim. The seat covers are duplicates of the originals and
show off Chevy's commitment to their luxury customers, with ornate
button-tufted details on the seatbacks and door panels. This Imp
also carries an accessory tachometer mounted in a pod atop the
steering column, just like it should, and there's a trio of
auxiliary units under the dash that help keep a more accurate eye
on the upgraded motor. Options include a retro-style AM/FM/AUX
stereo head unit in the center of the dash, which sounds great
thanks to upgraded speakers stashed throughout the cabin, there's a
set of cup holders inside an engine-turned box that matches the
dash bezel and center console, and the factory A/C unit was
upgraded with R134a refrigerant and modern components. Controls for
the AirRide system were mounted on the dash, a thick,
leather-rimmed steering wheel was added at the helm of the cockpit,
and a short-throw shifter manages the Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox
below. Things like the headliner, dash pad, and carpets all look
great, and the overall presentation is of a car that has had a ton
of money invested in making it right. Even the trunk was finished
with custom panels, and the AirRide system neatly tucked away to
the side so there's still plenty of storage space.
The high-powered, Chevrolet Performance 6.2L LS V8 under the hood
obviously wasn't factory-issue, but it's a neat fit in the engine
bay nevertheless. Fuel-injected and packing huge horsepower and
plenty of torque, the entire drivetrain was professionally
installed and wired using modern controllers and a Holley EFI
modern wiring harness, and it runs superbly with the accessories
managed by a Holley serpentine system. Performance goodies include
a Holley low-ram EFI intake with cold air induction, a 92mm
throttle body, and pushrods, lifters, titanium retainers, dual
springs, and a performance camshaft all from Texas Speed and
Performance. Keeping the block nice and cool under all
circumstances is a giant aluminum radiator with electric fans up
front, while modern accessories keep this baby running like a new
car. The Tremec Magnum 6-speed manual transmission is backed with
aluminum hardware and seems immune to the torque twisting through
it, and there's a heavy-duty rear end that's more than capable of
handling all that added power. Underneath, there's a custom dual
exhaust system that exits under the rear bumper and sounds
spectacular, but it's not so overpowering that your neighbors will
want to move away. It handles superbly with an upgraded suspension
that features newer control arms up front, big sway bars fore and
aft, and a fully adjustable AirRide system that sets several
killer-looking stances, while power steering and power 4-wheel disc
brakes ensure this Imp drives like a dream. A flashy set of Torque
Thrusts finish off the build perfectly, and they come wrapped in
205/60/16 front and 225/60/16 rear BFGoodrich radials at all four
corners.
Finding clean Impala SS hardtops is getting harder all the time,
and this beautifully finished restomod is 100% ready to enjoy
today. Call today!
