It seems to me, by observation, that 1960’s vintage Chevrolet Impalas are becoming more popular than ever. There’s always been an interest, in the late ’60s the ’62-’64 versions often found themselves set up as hot-rods. From a value perspective, any example equipped with a 409 CI V8 engine is always a hit as are the ’67-’69 SS427 variants. And let’s not forget the first, the chrome-laden 1958. Shunned for a while, they have really come into their own at big-dollar auctions. Old Impalas are no strangers here at Barn Finds either, the 1963 vintage in particular, and today’s find will add to that growing list. Found in Las Vegas, Nevada, this Super Sport-equipped example is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $20,100 with the reserve not yet met.
If you remove the collectible versions of the Impala that I referenced above, we still find more generic versions doing better and better in the marketplace these days, why? My theory is that the smaller more desirable cars like the Chevelle, Camaro, and Nova SS models have gotten so stratospherically expensive, that the Impala is now filling the demand gap. It makes sense as it’s a similar car to the Chevelle, just bigger, but was still available with the high-performance pieces that made the smaller bowtie family members popular.
Our subject car is a Super Sport version which means bucket seats and a center console, unique trim and badging, and its own wheel covers. The questionable “sporting” aspect occurred under the hood as a ’63 Impala SS was available with anything from an in-line six-cylinder engine to a thundering 425 HP, dual quad 409 CI V8. This Chevy appears to have originally come equipped with a 250-gross HP, 327 CI V8 (RPO L30 according to the window sticker.) Unfortunately, the original mouse motor is lost to the ages and has been replaced by a generic 350 CI motor, one of about a zillion assembled since 1967. But, the four-speed gearbox is still there and available for rowing. Nothing is said about this Chevy’s operating prowess but the seller mentions, “Early original owner used to take this car to the drag strip in the 1960s, I have some old receipts from speed shops in Southern California on this car”. Yeah, maybe so and that’s what happened to the original engine”.
The interior shows pretty well and the fact that the seats have been reupholstered is probably the reason why – and the replaced carpet helps with the presentation too. Of note, this Impala was originally air conditioned ($363.70 option) but it appears that the compressor is long gone.
The seller refers to the exterior hue as, “lagoon aqua color” but I believe that it is officially known as code 919 “Marine Aqua”. As stated in the listing, “Paint being 60 years old has plenty of patina scratches dings, etc.“. Yes, that’s for certain, the finish is flat and there is evidence of horizontal surface rust. That said, the body shows as sound and I don’t see evidence of rust-through. The chrome looks surprisingly nice and the stainless trim is all still attached. One unexpected discovery is the original Super Sport wheel covers – they often get tossed for something more sporting.
The four-speed manual transmission really helps to make this car, it would be nice to know how it runs and drives, however. The replacement engine doesn’t look like any great shakes – but, I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The bidding surprises me, the reserve hasn’t been met and my thought is that it’s already beyond where “normally” it would be. But what’s normal anymore, this Chevy’s bidding lends credence to what I posited earlier, cars like this Impala SS are filling in the open gaps in an unaffordable collector car world. Next steps? I’d want to know more about the engine, it may be OK as is but it won’t, from an originality or collectibility perspective, replace the original 327. Beyond that, some new paint and you’ll be good to go, right?
Nice car. This is the same seller that often has his listings for late-70’s and 1980’s Bronco’s featured on this site, he currently has 3 listed on eBay. This is a really solid looking car and will be a nice project or driver for someone willing to pay up.
Steve R
The seller ending the listing, he took an offer.
Steve R
With the fan shroud being that rusty I wonder what the underside looks like?
Nice car! But definitely go with “some new paint” as suggested above! I just can’t understandwhy the seller would say “Plenty of patina, scratches, and dings” as if that’s a good thing! To me, “Patina” is just another word for “Years and years of neglect”. Why so many people nowadays like that look, some enough to fake it, is beyond me. This is a nice car with a ton of potential. It deserves to be restored, or even restomodded, right.
I agree with you 100%.
I am tired of the whole patina thing. The dictionary needs to redefine patina as “badly needs body work, budget $20k”,.. Maybe I’m stuck in a time warp where classic cars are supposed to be classy. But , each to his own.. ership
A nice ’63 Impala survivor ! This car would be even better restored to original stock or factory specs. I think ” modifying ” one of these really ruins the originality of the vehicle . If I was looking to buy an old Chevrolet Impala , I would put the highest value on one that looks as if it just rolled off of the assembly line !! Those beautifully restored classics will always go up in value . Happy Motoring !
15 thousand car , front seats need a do over or new foam to get the wrinkles out, missing the 327 is a biggie, but still a nice car
Bidding is strong for the condition, especially missing the 327. 4 speed with air is rare though. Curious about the trans, most had the T-10, last few months of production Chevy had moved over to the Muncie and never looked back.
This car is well worth searching for a period correct drivetrain, along with the AC system and restore back to original, color and all. It’s just too nice to do anything other. And the value will only continue to increase.
Totally agree with Cooter. This car seems to have great bones, and the 4-speed with A/C alone make this car a good candidate for restoration. That said, sadly, the high purchase price may render that a poor choice from a $ standpoint.
Good find Jim. I agree with the previous post.
The thing that I like about this look is, you can see what you are getting… no hidden surprises.
It’s really not any harder to do body work(paint etc) from this stage than it is one that was recently hacked with some cheap paint job.
It’s actually easier.
Paint it and find a period correct motor, then replace the AC unit.
This AC option seems very rare to me?
I had a black,1963 SS with a 4 speed, no AC. I didn’t realize what I had until years later, after it was gone.
Just my oponion!
I actually have a nice set of dog dish center caps off my oldest brothers 63 Impala that would look great on that car. I’d be willing to sell them for $100 to whoever buys this bad azz ride!
25K+ doesn’t surprise me. Supply and demand is the capitalist way. I thought an unmolested 63 impala was a thing of the past.
Thanks Jim.
Soory but a no go! Way past the realistic price since lacking original 327 engine and a/c compressor! PLUS loads and loads of hours of body work and who knows what is hiding “under the patina!” IMHO, patina =ran out of money to either finish the vehicle or can’t be interested to finish it! Oh well…..markets are crazy these days so somone will certainly buy it/likely restore it close to factory and then either drive for years or re-sell it! My friend has a 64 Impala SS w original 327 and console…..he had body/paint done 3 yrs ago and it is beautiful!
My older brother had a new 64 SS 300HP and a 4 speed, it was black w/ silver interior with factory A/C and power everything including windows. Have not seen another one like it since. It was pretty quick for a full size ride.
Im not sure its an SS, it doesn’t have the SS rear end or side spear machined inserts. Invoice shows it is a Sport Coupe as well. Really easy to swap an SS badge on the sides… am I wrong?
Yes, you are. Look at the included window sticker, it references RPO Z03 “Sports Equipment” which is the SS option. The bucket seats and center console are a dead giveaway.
JO
Pic quality is not good enough, but if you really look closely the rear panel is the correct machine-swirled material.
Good to go for close to 30 k at this point.With the paintwork,non OEM eng.,and all the unknown “little” things save some money and buy a done example. Amazed at the prices being paid for these type of vehicles still needing completion/work. Makes me realize I sold a couple of my hot rods much to cheap (word of mouth) vs.action format.
Agreed! The unfortunate thing is that buyers keep buying such cars/trucks so prices stay high and often unattenable for many would be buyers or those interested in classic cars/hot rods! When u have “clones” of vehicles selling for $70-80K……something has to give! Oh well……I will hold onto my cash for now!
I do find the wealth of info from “those in the know” fascinating re very small details that confirm or refute someone’s claim about a vehicle. It is amazing to me that so many people are able to distinguish such nuances! I learn stuff every day I get my BarnFinds feed!
Cars from this part of the country are usually pretty solid body condition plus it’s a 4 speed. I owned a triple black SS Impala 409 /425 .years ago great car
Way more than it’s worth to me. And I sick of hearing about great patina. I think that means I can still get big money without taking care of the paint.
I’m trying to remember when the “patina” word started showing up in old cars for sale descriptions. If I recall correctly it was maybe 6-8 years ago. I remember that the original intent was to describe a completely original car that had some wear and tear on it but nothing significant. Then the opportunists jumped in and gerrymandered the word to make any rusty, seriously needs a paint job car something special instead of a money pit to properly restore. Put me in the bye bye patina column.
I picked up on it about 10-12 years ago on a couple annoying reality teevee car drama shows.
Looks like a great car, but one thing in the description is pretty annoying —
“an all original unmolested 1963 Chevy Impala Super Sport”
If the original engine has long ago departed, then it is far, far from “all original”.
The suspension is pretty well shot. The car is original alright. The springs are sagging to the point it looks like a lowrider. The whole suspension needs to be overhauled. In its present condition it would handle like a water bed on wheels. On top of that, it is missing the original Powerplant. Car is worth $10,000 less than asking price.
100% agree! If it sells for $30k….will it require another $40-50k to restore to close to original but not truly original dince engine etc ate long gone. Body/paint could be $25 alone!
I agree with you. To find and overhaul a camel hump 327 would cost 30 alone.
Car is at $25,500 with reserve lifted and 24hrs left on the auction a new owner is going to own their very own money pit.