Corvette V8! 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS
While the Impala was in its sixth model year in 1963, the Super Sport was only in its third outing and its second as a mainstream offering. The car-buying public liked the option of purchasing a full-size car with style and pizzaz and more than 153,000 Impala SSs were built in ’63. This example wears multi-colored sheet metal where Autumn Gold may be the predominant choice. It also has a 300 hp 327 cubic inch V8, described as a Corvette motor. Located in a backyard in Camarillo, California, this project is available here on craigslist for $14,999. Another cool tip from Barn Finder Larry D!
In 1961, Chevy did a limited run of Impala Super Sports, and they were plenty super at 453 copies and many of those had the soon-to-become legendary 409 V8. In 1962, the Bowtie Brigade widened the appeal of the car from an aesthetic point of view, making it available with any drivetrain, including an inline-6. As a result, more than 99,000 units were delivered, making the machine a bonafide hit. In 1964, the Impala SS was promoted to its own series.
For 1963, the SS package cost just $161 extra and was listed as RPO Z03 on the order sheet. That reasonable upcharge got you “swirl” side moldings, red “SS” emblems beside the Impala name on the rear fender, vinyl front bucket seats, bright dash inserts. and a center console when the floor-shift Powerglide or four-speed manual gearbox was ordered. We don’t know how original the seller’s SS is because of all the different sheet metal deployed, perhaps changed out as part of a stalled earlier restoration to rid the car of rust.
If the numbers match, the 327 with a 4-barrel was $245 extra and the factory air conditioning ran the first owner another $364. This appears to have been a well-optioned Chevy when new. No mention is made if the automobile runs or how long it may have been sitting out back with some other cars, including a 1958 Impala which is also for sale and equally forlorn in appearance. If you need parts for a Chevrolet built between 1958 and 1964, the seller also has those and may consider a trade for the ’63, the ’58, and maybe anything else lurking on the backlot.
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Comments
My first car was a near twin to this one! I bought it in 1995 for $1,200 with a parts non ss. We got it running and I drove it around for a while, but being in south Alabama and a young man the rust was beyond my ability to fox or pay to have fixed so I sold it. I have regretted getting rid of that car ever since.
my second car after high school was a 1963 Impala SS Z11. i caught an airman at the airbase where i lived that was in dire straights and made him a deal. totaled it 3 weeks later. i am still sad today and that was in 1969. my very first time on a drag strip and i turned a 13.01. this car only had a single pull axel too. what a car that was. :-) i have an exact copy (picture) on my computer for memories. :-)
If the center console is original this was a
4 speed car.
Doc
Love the multi color, when I bought my 57 2 door post ,Bel air it was a white top ,a light yellow hood,doors, front fenders and rear quarters red oxidized primer,it was beautiful.
Don’t know why this is called a Corvette engine since it was an option in the full size Chevy starting in 62 same as the Corvette. The 250 hp 327 was the standard 327.
Swap on some ‘vette valve covers, and ta da, a ‘vette motor. It may have impressed some people at some point in time.
Definitely 3 times the number of “vette” motors out there than Corvettes ever produces.
And the 300hp did not have an aluminum intake. It had a cast intake with an AFB Carter carb
Keep it exactly as it is, paint ‘Love Machine’ on the rear quarter window, and have yourself Cheech’s car from ‘Up In Smoke’!
Hey that’s the love machine homes!! 😂 😂 😂.. That’s definitely a project worth potential.. If you have the funds
Love Macheen was 64 Vato.
-Anyone who would pay $14,999 FOR THAT has to be on or went off the deep end
I think he bought it one day at a time and it didn’t cost him a dime….
Hey Alex, well my first car was a 1963 Impala SS 327 Power Glide ,bronze with tan interior , I bought the car for $350.00 and our milk man his name is ( no joke ) Willie Maes talked me into selling it for $650.00 my parents told me to sell it and I still regret it
Autumn Gold?? More like Autumn RUST!!
Took a lot of parts cars to make this one into a “complete” SS. Judging by the firewall the more likely original color would be red, not Autumn Gold.