Nowadays, the term “409” is thought by many to be a cleaning product. But in the 1960s, it stood for an awesome motor produced by Chevrolet. It even had a Beach Boys song recorded about it, “She’s so fine, my 409!” This 1963 Chevy Impala has a 409 V8 (340 hp) paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, though the seller speculates the date-correct motor could be a transplant. Wearing what is said to be original paint and upholstery, this time capsule can be found in South Jordan, Utah, and is available here on eBay for $42,000 OBO.
Chevrolet continued to be the market leader in 1963, selling nearly 400,000 copies of the Impala Sport Coupe alone. Estimates are that just under 17,000 Chevies had the big-block 409 that year, though installations weren’t limited to just the Impala. So, an Impala with a 409 wasn’t a rare car when new but finding one with a 4-speed manual transmission does help narrow the field a bit.
The seller doesn’t brag much about this car and even suggests it was built with a six-cylinder engine (the cowl tag doesn’t agree with that). The cowl tag also says the paint is 920 Autumn Gold Poly (not black in the listing) and the interior trim is 866 Fawn (not red in the listing). The paint and interior are said to be original, but I’m a bit suspect of that. Closeups of the carpeting show it looking brand new.
An odometer reading of 35,400 miles is claimed as is that the car has only had two previous owners, both of whom must have babied this badass Chevy. We’re also told It has an AM/FM stereo, but was that even available in ’63? If this car is as presented, it’s a great find. And if it isn’t, it’s still a wonderful discovery. Fire it up, hit the highways, and sing along with the Beach Boys on your local oldies station!
Nice factory originial ’63 Impala I have seen in a LONG time :) However, only concern that I have is that car lacks power brake, power steering to handle the BEAST under the hood.
Nice factory original ’63 Impala I have seen in a LONG time :) However, only concern that I have is that car lacks power brake, power steering to handle the BEAST under the hood.
With all of my loves and best :)
David
I own a Duster with a 440,manual steering box and manual brakes. 25 years with no issues. I did upgrade brake pads to street performance grade stop techs.
I doubt your Duster, even with a big block weighs as much as an Impala with a big block.
I think a dual exhaust system would also be a good upgrade.
I looked and i think it has dual exhaust.
Not only that they should have put on the dual master cylinder!
Need good eye lead when piloting this old rocket 🚀 Al Camino 😎
I’d like to take credit for the “409 as a cleaning product”, mentioned on the last one, and the author still has the song title wrong, “She’s REAL fine, my 409”, called out also on the last 409 post. Not that anyone under 50(?) has any idea what 409 actually is. If this really was a 6 cylinder, someone did an awesome job recreating one of the most iconic cars in US history, thanks mostly for the song. It joined a long list of cars in song, Rocket 88, Mustang Sally, numerous Corvette, Little GTO, and Cadillacs, but oddly no mention of Toyota in song ever,,,,
One of my favorites was “Beep beep,” …that little Nash Rambler was right behind…” to “Hey buddy how do I get this car out of second gear!”
Howard, what about that Jethro Tull song “LoCorolla Breath”?
There may be a song that none of us would be remotely familiar with. Closet I can come is Little Red Rodeo, but that’s an Isuzu.
Hot Rod Lincoln
HoA- “Toyota in song…”……..maybe in an Ode to the Toaster….to quote those of an earlier generation….”jap crap” :)
Nice car!
It may be only a 340 horse, but it is an ‘09.
I’m in love with her.
Nice to see a non-SS car every now and then. She’s so fine…
Would I love to have that? YES!
The hydraulic-lifter’d 340hp 409 of ’63-’65 was indeed NO slouch…even when delivered via a powerglide transmission. That L33 had just 5/lb-ft less torque than the 400hp L31.
It makes sense that this non SS Impala originally came with a six cylinder and was definitely, babied. Also explains why it has manual drum brakes, with only a single bowl MC, no power steering, or factory air. On the other hand, it does has a 409 with a 4 speed. That’s the biggest reason seller is asking $42k. Reminds me of the 4 door sedan with a 409 that was featured last week.
Properly priced in my opinion. Buy it , drive it, upgrade if you must. Nice to see a properly priced one for a change.