1963 Chevrolet Impala

1963 Chevrolet Impala 4 Door Sport 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, restomods, lowriders and of course, stock configuration. They're just the right size and there's a huge enthusiast community that keeps the legendary 60's Impalas alive. Every once in a while, an original, low mileage example graces our Hallowed Halls. For consignment, a 1963 Chevrolet Impala 4 door sport sedan with a title verified 49,135 actual miles. 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. Originally purchased in Millville, New Jersey, this low mileage survivor has remained on the East coast its entire life. Exterior Azure Aqua paint coats the car with a satin finish giving it an authentic, original appearance. The chrome bumpers and other metal work are in great shape, sparing the next owner from any expensive replating. The rear fascia, backed in silver paint and housing triple lights, is a styling element of this car that is distinctive and timeless. Color matched 14-inch steel wheels with wheel covers add the period correct aesthetic while a trim spear hugs the lower panel, taking in the Impala name in the expanded rear section. Additional decorative trim includes the Impala in a circle on the rear fender, two pieces running parallel on the front fender and the elongated Chevrolet crest over the grated grille. With no B-pillar and the windows down, a nearly open air experience awaits, while clean drip rails help keep the interior dry. Imperfections include some paint runs, chips, and areas of filler underneath. Interior The door panels are textbook 60's with geometric patterns and grommets in Teal vinyl enhanced by silver window cranks, door actuators, and ever present ashtrays for rear passengers, and all four are in nice shape. The patterns continue on the Teal bench seats made of vinyl and cloth, repeated on the back bench and both are just about flawless. Two shades of blue adorn the plastic steering wheel, skinny by today's standards, with 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, knobs, and AM radio. A Nordic AC unit is mounted under the dash and per our consignor, has been converted to R134a. A one piece vintage plastic mat covers the Teal looped carpet and while it's yellowed slightly with age, the carpet has remained protected and clean. The headliner and visors are in excellent shape. Drivetrain Super clean and original looking under the hood where we find a 283ci with a 2-barrel carburetor and rated at 195 horsepower. Power is routed through a 2-speed Powerglide transmission, terminating at 3.36 gears in the rear axle. The car is equipped with drum brakes on all four wheels. Undercarriage Clean and consistent with low mileage, there's only minimal surface rust and just a drop of oil on the flywheel cover. The knuckles are clear, floor pans free of rust, and the single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler before exiting via a chrome tip behind the right rear wheel. Suspension consists of coil springs up front and a 3 link with coil springs and a panhard bar in the rear. Drive-Ability A quick lap around the loop yields a ride that exhibits good acceleration and braking with straight tracking and typical pedestrian handling of a common commuter and family car of the times.