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 rebuilt 6 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 panels were 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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