If a buyer had a fat enough wallet in 1963, they could turn a meek and mild Chevrolet Impala into a firebreathing monster. That’s what the original owner did with this classic, and it should provide enough power to satisfy all but the most hardened performance enthusiasts. The owner doesn’t supply many photos of this classic, but he does give enough information to suggest that it would be an entertaining beast to own and drive. He has decided to part with the Impala to fund a Mopar project, so he has listed it for sale here on Facebook. The Chevy is located in Mooresville, North Carolina, and the asking price for this slice of automotive magnificence is $55,500. Barn Finder Larry D has had his radar functioning well to spot this gem for us, so thank you so much for that, Larry.
If we were relying purely on visual information to assess this Impala, we would fall short with this listing. We receive a single exterior photo that suggests that the Ermine White classic is in respectable condition. The owner describes the paint as “a good 20-footer,” and there are no signs of dings, dents, or rust. Of course, this assessment is based on what we can see of one side of the vehicle, so we can only make an educated guess about the other side and the condition of the floors or frame. He also provides this single shot of the engine bay, revealing what makes this vehicle such a potent beast. The original owner ordered the car with a 409ci V8 equipped with the iconic dual-quad intake and carburetors. This monster should be producing 425hp, which finds its way to the road via a four-speed M20 transmission and a 3.08 Posi rear end. At more than 3,800lbs, the Impala isn’t the lightest car on the block. However, a 14.7-second ¼-mile ET remains mighty impressive. The seller is the car’s third owner, and one of the previous custodians replaced the short block for unknown reasons. The cylinder heads and the ancillaries are original, so while it isn’t a numbers-matching classic, it is as close as we can get in these circumstances. The current owner replaced the brakes on all four corners, so the middle pedal should feel reassuring when the driver hits it. He says that it runs and drives well, although he has only clocked around 100 miles behind the wheel since he purchased it. He provides some desirable documentation in the sale, including the Owner’s Manual and the original Window Sticker.
If potential buyers view this Impala as an original survivor, they could leave the interior untouched without feeling any shame. The upholstered surfaces look respectable for a vehicle of this vintage, with no rips, tears, or other physical damage. The same is true of the dash and pad, and the single interior shot suggests that the only thing that it might require would be a new carpet set. This is not something that would be considered essential, but spending $200 on this aspect of the car would provide a significant visual lift. Optional extras in this classic include a console in excellent order, a factory tach, a pushbutton AM radio, and an under-dash eight-track player.
I always find it frustrating when a car like this comes onto the market, and the owner supplies limited photos. I’m sure that most of them have heard the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, but they leave us wanting more. This Impala isn’t a full numbers-matching car, but it comes close to the mark. With what you’ve seen and read, is this a classic that you might be tempted to pursue further?
Could be some hidden rust under that paint job just A question?????
It’s a beauty, that’s for sure. And the 409 adds some value…
The cost of the dual quad 409, 4 speed, and positraction was about $600; or 25% of the base price. Money well spent…
I’m surprised that there is no mention of the fact that this is an SS. It’s missing the unique SS wheel covers, but that appears to be all.
Good point, CCFisher. Which leads to another question: there is an old adage that there are more 1932 Ford Roadsters on the road toady than Henry Ford Ever built. To that point, I find it interesting that there have so many 409 Impalas between 1962-1964
suddenly appearing as well. Chevrolet’s VIN numbers began more disclosure beginning in 1963, and without a build sheet of other form of verification I am very cautious of every 409 billed as ‘the real deal.’
If the VIN matches the window sticker, you’ve got your born-with provenance.
i thought it was 32 ford coups, could be wrong
Seller says he has the window sticker, so that should help determine what body style it is as well as if it came equiped with the 409.
Didn’t need to be a SS to get this drive train. Sure is sweet ride and priced, not leaving too much on the table. Must be looking to buy or build one of them rare MoPar types. Hard to believe he only drove it 100 miles, that’s not even a tank of gas!
Cadmanis – correct you are. The real hot-rodders/racers bought this package in either a BelAire or Biscayne for additional lightness in their “bracket” or class. Not sure if this could be had in the wagon for even better traction. My “twin from another mother” bought one of those rare 427’s and blew the engine by missing a shift going over a bridge in town late one night in ’66. He took out his frustrations by joining the Air Force !
Seller needs to post more photos, to help build excitement in bidding.
Wow!
55 K and 2 pics of the car? Something sounds amiss. For that ask, one would expect a ton of pics.
Never seen an ad at this price point so poorly represented.
She’s real fine, my 409..
Sweet!! Only two photos of the car?
That is a beaut but these are forever out of my recess money range. Nice to see though.
Short block……..hmmmmm…wonder what happened there..not much info……few pictures….I dont know what goes on in seller’s heads. I guess they think a real buyer would just call and show up.
But I got to admit I like it.
The usual culprits for the 409 would be a rod through the block or a frozen block. The 409 wasn’t exactly a high rpm engine as most GM big blocks were with exception of the 427 with solid lifters. It wouldn’t be hard to put a rod through the block if you got carried away bangin through the gears with that 4 speed.
Surprised no one has mentioned the Beach Boys song, “409”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKKP_cZuk54
“My four speed, dual quad, Positraction 409!”
F*** it. I’m old.