Vehicle Description
1963 Chevrolet Impala 4 Door Sedan
More than 700,000 V8 Impalas were built in 1963 making them one of
the most common cars on the road at the time, especially if you
consider that they had big numbers in '62 and '64 also. And it's
probably why it's one of the most popular "hobby cars" sixty years
later. We've seen every iteration, from autocross, drag cars,
resto-mods, low-riders and of course, stock configuration. They're
just the right size and there's a huge enthusiast's community that
keeps the legendary 60's Impalas alive.
For consignment, a 4 door version of the model with that
distinctive and familiar front fascia and those epic triple tail
lights. A quintessential 60's car with lean, low panels in a
straight line and the symmetrical layout of hood, roof, and trunk
being basically the same length. The teardrop rear wheel cutout,
asymmetrical to the front opening, aids in the sleek profile. This
one is a driver with a rebuilt front end, new body mounts, and is
ready to go as is or is an open palette for your own vision of how
it could look.
Exterior
Crystal Turquoise paint surrounds the car and the single stage
paint has more of a satin finish giving it an authentic, original
appearance. The chrome bumpers are looking good, so you can scratch
that expensive job off your list right away! Other brightwork is
nice or in driver condition and the rear painted valance looks
great and is a styling element of this car that is distinctive and
timeless. The American Racing Torque Thrust wheels add just the
right flair to the car without being too "blingy" and the
appropriate emblems are all in place. That said, there are rust
bubbles and other inclusions in the paint in various places
including fenders, door sill, A pillars and others. Our consignor
states paint was done 17 years ago and it's starting to show its
age. Some rust in the seams at the door bottoms was noted. Overall,
great bones here and one you can drive without worrying about
getting that "first scratch".
Interior
The 15-year old restoration of the interior is holding up pretty
well. The door panels are textbook 60's with geometric patterns and
buttons in black vinyl enhanced by silver window cranks, door
actuators, and ever-present ashtrays. The patterns continue on the
turquoise bench seats made of vinyl and cloth. The front shows some
discoloration that could use some detailing, while the back looks
barely used and has lap belts for two. The black plastic steering
wheel, skinny by today's standards, has a silver horn half ring and
that epic Impala logo on the center cap. The big opening through
the two-spoke wheels allows us to view the horizontal speedometer
and other gauges that carry on the theme of rectangles. A metal
plate runs below the gauges and houses all the necessary buttons
and knobs. An upgraded but stock looking AM/FM radio looks right at
home in the dash, which is mainly constructed of metal painted
black, no soft surfaces here but plenty of real estate to polish
and wax! The black loop style carpet is in fine condition and the
turquoise headliner is starting to sag. We also note that the
visors show some flop, but are presentable. The large trunk is
super clean.
Drivetrain
A Chevy 350ci V8 with the top end rebuilt6 years ago is in place
topped with an Edelbrock intake and Holley 4-barrel carburetor
rests in the cavernous engine bay. Power is routed through a
2-speed Powerglide transmission, terminating at 3.36 gears in the
rear axle. The engine bay is clean and is consistent with the car
in showing its patina. Stock exhaust manifolds are here and are the
origins of its true dual exhaust. The car is equipped with drum
brakes on all four....and there's no booster present.
Undercarriage
The consignor states the front end was rebuilt and new body mounts
were added, and the bushings do look good in this area. Surface
rust in the usual places is present and not of major concern. The
exterior rocker panelswere replaced per the consignor and it does
contrast with the rocker frame. Some oil is noted on the oil pan
but more of coating than an active drip. Coil springs front and
rear, tied into a 3-link configuration in the back. The exhaust
system looks good, no complaints here as they enter and exit stock
style mufflers.
Drive-Ability
A quick lap around the loop yields a ride that exhibits good
acceleration and braking and an exhaust note that's virtually
unrestricted. The car pitches and yaws a bit on the stock style
suspension but unlike 50's cars which are tall and bulbous, the
sleek Impala feels more planted on the 225/70/14 tires. Again,
we're not comparing this to a frame off, resto-modded car and for a
stock-configured car with a 350ci V8, this has a lot of enjoyment
to offer. We noted that the odometer is not keeping track of
miles.
At some point in every car guy's life, he wants a 60's Impala. It's
one of those cars that is so recognizable and malleable, it makes
for a great hobby car for the "first timer" or for the seasoned
collector. This car has great bones and presents as a great driver
with a mix of show and patina qualities that you could easily take
this to cruise night and feel right at home.
31839T194663
3-1963
18-Impala V8
39-4 Door Hardtop
T-Tarrytown, NY Assy Plant
194663-Sequential Unit Number
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