1963 Chevrolet Impala

Description

We sell a lot of these early '60s Impalas, but few can make your heart race like this brutal 1963 hardtop. Packing a built 454 cubic inch big block and a 4-speed, it's the essence of early muscle car, yet offers creature comforts like A/C and a gorgeous bucket seat interior.

If you want a totally correct, original Impala, this one isn't for you. But if you want one that more than lives up to the legend and delivers the performance and attitude that you've always hoped they all had, then this might be an excellent choice. Dressing it in Tuxedo Black is never a mistake, as the trim Impala shape looks best in dark colors. Paint and bodywork are quite good with a glossy surface, and the impact this sucker makes is more due to the baritone exhaust note than the glossy paint. The hardtop body style is second only to the convertible in terms of desirability, and it's great to see that they didn't take any liberties with the original design. All the proper trim was buffed and reinstalled, the gorgeous Impala emblems are proudly displayed on the quarters, and it takes a keen eye to spot the '454' badges on the side, which almost look like they were born there. The chrome is in good shape, too, and nothing looks better against that inky black paint than shiny bumpers.

Buckets and a console were usually reserved for SS models, but I'm pretty sure this car wasn't built to compete in concours competition. Instead, it was created to be the ultimate expression of the Impala and bucket seats are a big part of that. The seat covers are very nice reproduction that match the door panels, and new carpets were installed at the same time. Factory gauges plus an accessory tachometer on the column work in conjunction with a trio of aftermarket gauges over on the passenger's side. It sure looks like this is a factory radio delete car, which is always kind of interesting and makes you wonder about the first owner and his intentions. An aftermarket A/C system was added using discreet under-dash vents and it blows cold, making this a no-compromises hot rod. A Hurst 4-speed shifter links to a freshly rebuilt close-ratio Muncie to deliver that vintage performance feel and with a cavernous trunk, this is a car that doesn't mind a few long road trips.

The 454 cubic inch V8 obviously wasn't on the options list in '63, but it sure looks at home in the Imp's engine bay. Impressive with all that chrome and aluminum, the Chevy Orange big block features beefed up internals and a Comp Cams 274 camshaft, oval port heads, and is fed by a dual-feed Holley 750 carb. Hooker headers and 2-chamber Flowmasters are a no-so-subtle reminder that there's serious blasting powder under the hood, and with 4.11 gears on a Posi, acceleration is downright terrifying. New suspension bushings make it feel almost like a new car and chrome Rally wheels carry staggered 215/70/15 front and 235/75/15 rear blackwalls for a sort-of subtle look.

We love the way this car looks, but even more than that, we love how it moves. If you like your horsepower with a big dose of class, this Impala delivers in a big way. Call today!