Step back in time and own a piece of American automotive history
with this undeniably cool 1963 Chevrolet Impala. While it boasts a
commanding presence, impressive upgrades, and the legendary style
that makes '63 Impalas so sought after, let's be unequivocally
clear upfront: this car is affectionately, yet accurately,
described as a "beautiful rust bucket." It is a substantial project
for the enthusiast ready to invest the time and craftsmanship to
bring it back to its full glory.
St # DGC3912. VIN 01837S103912
A Strong Foundation of Performance and Modern Upgrades:
Beneath its classic sheet metal lies a surprisingly capable and
upgraded mechanical package:
Engine: Powering this Impala is a 327 cubic inch V8 engine, known
for its spirited performance. It's enhanced with a performance
Holley double pumper carburetor and Headman headers, ensuring a
robust sound and improved breathing. An aluminum radiator has been
installed to manage cooling efficiently.
Drivetrain (Believed): We believe this Impala has been upgraded
with a 700R4 automatic overdrive transmission. This is a
significant improvement, offering four gears (including overdrive)
for much more comfortable and fuel-efficient freeway cruising
compared to stock transmissions. Buyers are encouraged to verify
transmission type upon inspection.
Brakes: For modern stopping power, the front end has been upgraded
with power disc brakes, a crucial enhancement for safety and
driveability.
Suspension & Steering: The front suspension has received
considerable attention with new springs, new tubular control arms,
and new tie rod ends. These components aim to significantly improve
handling and ride quality.
Wheels & Tires: The car sits aggressively on 20-inch five-spoke
cast wheels wrapped in like-new tires, giving it a contemporary
stance and immediate curb appeal.
Known Mechanical Considerations (Per Recent Driving
Experience):
While significant upgrades have been made, Andrew's recent drives
indicate areas that still require attention to fully optimize
performance and feel:
Front End Play: Despite new suspension components, there is a
perception of "a little bit of play in the front end." This could
stem from the steering box, pitman/idler arms, or require a
professional alignment to fully tighten up.
Engine Performance: The engine, while strong, is "not performing as
well as it should." This suggests it likely needs a thorough
tune-up, carburetor adjustment, timing check, and potentially a
deeper dive into the ignition or fuel system to unleash its full
potential.
Exterior & Interior Notes:
Doors: Both doors close very well, indicating relatively solid door
jambs and good body alignment for its age.
Rear Bumper: The rear bumper shows some wear with missing
chrome.
Audio: An aftermarket JVC CD player (which appears recent but is
currently not working) is installed, along with dual speakers in
the kick panels. The original stock radio is also present but not
functional.
The "Beautiful Rust Bucket": Let's reiterate this key point. While
the car presents nicely on its custom wheels and with its iconic
body lines, it does have significant rust issues. Expect to find
rust in common Impala weak points such as floor pans, trunk pan,
rocker panels, and potentially other areas. This is a car that
requires serious bodywork and restoration to address these
structural and cosmetic concerns.
History:
This Impala was a cherished possession of the previous owner for 22
years, having owned it since 2002. It was recently acquired from
the widow, speaking to its long-term care and sentimental value
within its previous home.
A True Project for the Passionate Enthusiast:
This 1963 Impala is being sold as a project car, strictly AS-IS,
WHERE-IS, with no warranties, express or implied. It offers a
unique opportunity for a dedicated restorer to acquire an iconic
classic with a strong, upgraded mechanical foundation, but with
known body and refinement needs. If you possess the vision, skills,
and passion to tackle a rewarding restoration, this "beautiful rust
bucket" could be the canvas for your next masterpiece.
Serious inquiries and pre-purchase inspections are highly
encouraged.
If you'd like to see a lot more photos about 200 photos go to our
webpage dragers.com
If you would like to make the drive to Burlington to see this
vehicle I think you'd really enjoy seeing Drager's Clubhouse
firsthand We have a lot of interesting things on display besides
cars and trucks. We have 25 display cases full of all sorts of
amazing things. We have 100 motorcycles on display. Most people
tell us we are like a museum.
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