In 1963, Americans were still enamored with the Impala as a way to “See the USA in Your Chevrolet”. The GM division sold nearly a quarter more Impala Sport Coupes in ’63 than in ’62, which was also a good year. And that didn’t include the Impala Super Sport which had come of its own in 1962. This 1963 Impala is said to be a true survivor with its original paint and interior. Looking ship shape everywhere you look, this Chevy can be found in Rowlett, Texas, and is available here on craigslist for $63,000.
As sharp as this Chevy is, it came with a short list of options. No automatic transmission, power steering, or power brakes. The original owner did go with a Turbo-Fire 327 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. But was content with the standard “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. We’re told the Impala is documented, though we’re not told in what respects. It’s had four owners in its 62 years, covering less than 1,000 miles on average per turn of the calendar.
The paint and matching bench seat upholstery are from the factory and look hardly used. The drivetrain is said to be numbers matching, perhaps part of the documentation the seller says exists. The Chevy runs and drives flawlessly so it appears to be a true “preservation-class” vehicle that may need nothing more than a new home.
Buyers considering this Chevrolet will have to ask themselves, ”Is it worth $63,000?”. This is not a case of a frame-off restoration where the seller is trying to recoup some (or all) of the cost. I could be wrong, but it looks like the car is wearing Impala SS wheel covers from 1962. Were these “hub caps” offered in 1963 as well? Thanks for a swell tip, Tony Primo!
Beautiful car but this is priced in SS 409ci 4 speed territory. Good luck with that.
Normally I’d scream and holla about a Chevy Impala like this but the only reason I am for this one is its price
Any car with a three-on-the-tree is fine with me. I’m even okay without power brakes. Power steering, well, for me that’s another story. My first collector car didn’t have power steering, and frankly it became a chore to drive.
In any case, this looks like a sharp Impala.
Beautiful, very clean, I’m with Bob, a 3 speed stick on the column is absolutely ok with me…. Power steering, yep, I’m not 20 anymore, been there, done that, got the t shirt, wore the t shirt out, got another one. I’m pro power steering at this stage in life.
Very nice Impala. The price, we’ll see what happens. You never know, it seems steep to me, but someone just might step up with money.
“Okay Ms. Shore, hit it, for the 1200th time,,,See the USA in your Chevrolet, AMERICA THE GREATEST LAND OF ALL,,wait a second, hold on( sound of needle screeching across record) who ordered this car with a stick?”
Well, not everyone made her kind of money. I heard GM gave her a new Chevy every year for the entire campaign, that ended in 1964, I think. Whoever ordered this car, sure didn’t skimp on the trim( $161 for the Sport Coupe package) or the motor. I read the 327/4 barrel was a whopping $349 bucks over the standard 6 cylinder. The P/S was $75, the P/B $43, and the Powerglide was another $200 bucks. On a car that had the base price of $2741, options easily sent the car into Olds/Buick money pretty quick, but they weren’t ’63 Impala Sport Coupes. What a nice car.
Lot less USA to see – today. Drab all lookalike buildings replacing the space age googie architecture.
Those aren’t SS wheel covers, they’re accessory wire wheel covers available in 1962 and 1963 for a variety of Chevrolet models.
The girl I was hot for in high school drove a ’63 Impala SS, in this same color. By then, it was a $200 beater, and to her, it was A to B transportation. If the truth be told, I think I wanted the car, more than her.
With no power steering, it’s not a problem if you’re a weight lifter or a refugee form WWE. Otherwise it’s a big deal.
I got my first 69 Z/28 in 1982. Not only no power steering, and a quick ratio steering box that made it worse. I was 29 at the time, hurt a little from racing dirt bikes, but it wasn’t a problem.
Then in my 30’s I decided that power steering was a good thing. I looked in Dad’s junkyard Hollander’s Interchange Manuals and discovered that an early 1980’s variable ratio steering box would interchange if you used the associated Pittman arm.
I was doing stupid stuff with the first (low mile original) car, so I grew up and found another 69Z/28 20 years later, it didn’t leave the garage without power steering.
What was the “stupid stuff”? Sounds interesting!
Look at at the size of the 64 steering wheel,it ain’t a problem to drive…
I think people that say no P/S isn’t a problem, haven’t driven an “Armstrong” steering in a while. Gal in my apt. complex has a 1980 Ford F150, she never drives. I said why? She said no P/S. I said, oh come on now, how bad can it be? I took it for a ride, and couldn’t believe what a hassle it is. Reminded me of my old Pete.
Again, we have to remember, it was 1963, and many people were still well used to manual steering and brakes, even the manual shift was something this person was used to. Some said P/S and brakes gave the car an unfamiliar feel. Automatics were still only about 10 years old and not fully proven, or so they thought. The real biggie in options was the A/C. Almost $400 bucks. This car will be a turn off simply because it doesn’t have those options. Since the cost apparently isn’t an issue, heck, a 4 speed would be better. This person isn’t too clear on what many people today want in a classic.
Interesting. Not all classic car buyers are 80 years old. And they can handle the things they have dealt with their entire lives. Stick shifts, manual brakes, no a/c, and “Armstrong” steering. BTW. I’m in my 60’s, and yep, I might (well, my wife does, so..)prefer my dailer drivers to have the power everything, etc. But I’m not daily driving my classic.
Way overpriced for a non SS 63 Impala with no PS, PB, or AC. And running on manual drum brakes. The manual would be better if it were a 4 spd. They say there’s a sucker born every minute, right?
So in 64, my dad drove off one evening in our gorgeous MK VII Jag and returned with a brand new Chevelle wagon. It was red just like this with the same color interior. It had the 327, 4 barrel and 3 on the tree. Learned to drive in that car. So this brought back memories, but not $63k worth!
My first car was a 63 SS same color as this one 327 4speed factory tach
I still own a set of ‘62 SS wheel covers, and those aren’t them.
Price is high, yes, but your choices are limited when it comes to finding one in this condition. At least, that’s what the seller is hoping.
A clean 63, but I agree that it’s priced in 409 territory. It looks to have been sold by Feld Chevrolet, a long time St. Louis Chevy dealership that closed in 2008.
Nice Car but what is the FELD on the trunk above the Chev emblem & what is the white circle on the front mats?
Thanks
kenzo
Feld Chevrolet was a dealer in St Louis
Nice Car but what is the FELD on the trunk above the Chev emblem & what is the white circle on the front mats?
Thanks
kenzo
Feld was a longtime St. Louis MO Chev dealership that closed up in 2008.
A nice car for sure. Just not worth the money asked.
Upon close up examination of the pics, it appears the engine has had a rattle can touch up at some point. One of the hood rubber bumpers has also got overspray on it. Very nice looking car though. I thought that 327 and above engines had a chrome call out on the front fenders above the twin checkered flags. But then again, I’m old and memory doesn’t serve me as well as it used to.
@ Azzurra…the SOLE numbered ‘chrome call out on the front fenders above the twin checkered flags’ emblem was the 409. Either an L30/250hp or an L74/300hp were the 2 choices for a 327. Crossed flags above the V is the correct 327 emblem…although a ’63 Z11 used those emblems as well. If you look closely @ the heads, this appears to be an L30 which. like an L74, had factory duals in ’63.
Too expensive if it was a lot less you could slap in a 4 on the floor and make a nice cruiser
So that makes my 56 chevy worth $100.000 Loi
Nothing @ all wrong w/armstrong steering. Those wire wheel covers are correct ‘for ’63. BTW…you didn’t order stick…if you didn’t opt for a ‘Glide, this is what the factory sent.
I bet you could get this for less than the asking price. Whoever nabs it, tell us truthfully what you paid. =D
My Mom & Dad were the first owners of this car in Kansas City, MO. The gentleman I sold it to replaced the original wheel covers, added rear bumper guards, and a second radio antenna. Those are the original rubber floor mats. I’ve still got the original owners manual from the glove box.
My friend bought this exact same car brand new in 1963. 327, 250 hp 3 0n the post. No power anything just an AM radio. Back then is was a pretty fast car. Manual really wakes us the 327.
Had a 63 with these hubcaps when 17 year old teenager. Would love to have a set of these hubcaps now. Anyone have some I’m a buyer. Great Car no garage space and no money. Good luck to the seller.
I find it odd that there was an optional tachometer available for these big Chevies, but no factory water temp, oil pressure, or ammeter gauge(s) offered.
63’ has the nice pointed ends.
Power steering you have to know how to drive without it. But it will build your arms up no joke. Drove a 76’ olds 98 without it and the gearbox wasn’t available or interchangeable it was a one year only. Someone finally extended the gearbox and made it work. Coworker said if a monkey can build it a monkey can fix it
Delivery Date 8-20-63
Feld Chevrolet Co. Inc.
812 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KS
This seller understands that “Presentation is Everything”. Nicely Done!
It’s a beauty! But I wouldn’t shell out $63k for it given the drivetrain and lack of PS and PB. I learned how to drive on a ’68 Nomad Custom with 3-on-the-tree, Armstrong power steering, and Flintstone power brakes, so I’d have no problem cruising the boulevard behind the wheel of this Chevy!