Two-Tone Survivor: 1963 Chevrolet Impala
In 1963, Chevy’s mainstream Impala may have been the best-selling car in America. They comprised 50% of Chevrolet’s overall production and 88% of them had a V8 engine like the seller’s car. This ’63 Sport Coupe (not an SS) looks like a solid car that presents well, although the seller indicates the floors are weak and may need attention. This is a shame as it presents as a turn-key car ready for the regional car show circuit. Located in Winchester, California, this auto is available here on eBay where bidders have raised the ante to $7,825 – so far.
The styling of the 1963 full-size Chevys was an evolution of that of the 1962s, with a “pointy” appearance on both ends which would (sadly) be replaced by a bulky, slab-like look in 1964. The public loved these cars and bought more than 832,000 Impalas in all body styles that year, with the Sport Coupe being one of the best sellers. This would be the year before the Chevy portfolio would be expanded once again to include the new mid-size Chevelle.
This may be a 2-owner vehicle that’s spent a lot of time indoors and protected from some of the effects of Mother Nature. We don’t know if the Ermine White over Ember Red paint is original, but it would be hard to fault the seller if it has been resprayed at some point. Though the wheels are chocked suggesting this Impala doesn’t venture out very often, we’re told the California registration is current and not in arrears.
The matching interior is said to be from the factory, and the photos show few if any flaws. Apparently, the floors below the red carpeting may be soft, so I’d want to put this up on a lift for inspection before handing anything over more than the deposit. The 283 cubic inch engine was the basic V8 and may have gone into more Impalas than any other. We’re told it runs and drives, but the seller doesn’t describe how well, implying some TLC may be needed if you plan to drive it much. All that being said, this Chevy looks like a real sweetheart.
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Comments
At anywhere the current bid I’d take it with Flintstone floors.
I’d preserve it and enjoy it for what it is, repairing the floors and only what it needs, but someone will buy this nice original car and turn it into a ridiculous hotrod, lightyears from it’s nice original condition.
Surprising that an original example like this still exists in California. I recall when basic Chevies like this were everywhere. 283,glides, with power steering and am radio. The lack of rust is always a million dollar plus on ANY old vehicle. I always gravitated to high optioned versions and where I lived most were rust buckets by their tenth birthday. Great running cars with excellent interiors but huge amounts of body rust. This is a real beauty here.
Russ is spot on with his comment about the great looking 63 compared to the boxy 64. Although IMHO there were very few good looking cars in the mid-sixties, except Mustang and Pontiac (and Chevy in 65+) It seems weird that the floors would be bad with the rest of the car looking so good.
I would take a 64 over a 63 any day!
Sweet! My first car at 17 in 1968 was this 1963 Impala Sport Coupe w/ the 283 only mine was solid Ember Red w/ black interior. Took it on many dates, and the great part was the bench seat, no center console to get in the way!
I agree with Zen, repair what’s needed, but leave it original, and don’t destroy this beauty.
Me too. Had 3 of them, two of them Super Sports.
Me too same way. I had 2 64 Impala SS while I was still young and dumb. Sold them both when life got real, and have kicked myself many times since.
The ’63 & ’64 Chevrolet Impalas were nearly identical in design with only minor differences in the grill and softer corners on the body ! The interiors were virtually the same , ” insterment panel and dash . Side by side , the overall body is the same w/ only minor changes . The new Impala for 1965 is totally different .
This makes me miss the one I had. I wish I had kept it.
Embarrasing to say now but I had a1963 Impala wagon that had rusted out floors. Me and my buddys would each get a six pack to drink and if we got pulled over we would put the beer though the floor onto the pavement until the cop got back in is car and then retrieve the beer. It payed to have a rusty car!
I have the exact 63, white over Ember Red, with a 283, but totally rust free. . Mine has white in the side moulding. A beautiful Chevy to own and drive.
Only white cars had black inserts, so either the moldings or the car have/has been color changed.
63 impala super sport my dad‘s best friend in West Virginia bought one new that left and impression on me and I never forgot it was a red car with a black interior and a black vinyl top the first year of vinyl top was offered it was a 409 car motor was loaded with chrome I’m pretty sure it even had an additional Chrome package on it That he had installed at the dealer there was chrome over the generator the dipstick was chrome unbelievable car power when does dual antennas on the back fender skirts which I would’ve won it off for my personal use I have never said a word loaded and beautiful 63 impala in my life even to this day I was only 13 years old at the time I had a few years away from getting my drivers license would it give anything to drive that car every two years he will get a new Chevy loaded so I didn’t get to drive his 65 super sport convertible sadly it was just a 327 but a great card nevertheless
Damn son, that was one long sentence.
My second car in high school was a 63 Impala convertible same blue as this one and blue interior. was a good car till my future wife wrecked it while i was in boot camp.
And you married her anyway. Love is the Drug (RoxyMusic).