We’re probably not at the same level of collectibility for ’62-’64 Chevrolet Impalas as we are for the tri-fives (’55-’57), but they seem to be gaining ground. Today’s 1963 Impala sports coupe subject illustrates why. It’s a nicely styled two-door hardtop, but it is its exemplary condition that makes it such a standout – and a collectible Chevy certainly worthy of a review. Discovered in Milford, Ohio, by Pnuts, this black beauty is listed here on Facebook Marketplace, where it’s available for $49,500.
Chevrolet had an outrageous year in 1963, knocking out 2.2 million automobiles and putting itself in first place in the great domestic automobile production race. For some perspective, Ford was a distant second with 1.5 million vehicles; still a very healthy volume. In ’63, Impalas were available as two-door hardtops and convertibles, as well as four-door sedans, hardtops, and station wagons. The total Impala headcount was about 953K units, including station wagons, – an enormous single model number! And of that total, 399K were Impala two-door hardtops like our subject car. The seller states, “Excellent paint and rust-free body.” It does present beautifully; the finish is exceptionally deep, which makes me think it’s likely a repaint; the chrome and trim are all sound too. The doggie-bowl hubcap look has become popular in more recent times – it’s an attempt to project a “sleeper” vibe, but that’s something this Impala isn’t. Regardless, they work fine on this car. Speaking of those hubcaps, a nice foursome will set you back about $400!
The engine room is occupied by a 250 gross HP 327 CI V8 engine, making the rear-wheel connection via a three-speed manual transmission (three-on-the-tree). The seller claims that with its matching-number powerplant, this Impala “Runs and drives excellent.” A nice update is the conversion from drum to front disc brakes.
The interior is claimed to be original, but unfortunately, this image is the only one provided – and it’s hardly comprehensive. The cloth and vinyl upholstery looks fine, but a complete photo display, including the instrument panel, dash, carpet, headliner, door panels, etc., should be made available for viewing – especially at this price point.
Here’s another sorta view of the interior, but it’s more a shot to reveal the cleanliness of the door bottom than to shed any light on the interior. One thing we do know is this is a non A/C equipped car.
Speaking of price points, let’s consider that for a moment. This is not an Impala SS. The 250 HP engine is fairly pedestrian; there’s nothing special or uncommon about it, number matching or not. The three-on-the-tree shift lever is more a curiosity item than anything else; it’s doubtful it would be a sale enhancer, and certainly not in the way a 4-speed manual would jack the market value. So, what’s the deal here that warrants the $49,500 ask? Search me fish. This is a very nice 1963 Chevrolet Impala two-door hardtop, but in my book, it’s not $49,500 worth of nice. That’s my take; what’s yours?
This is one nice car, not too much to nitpick here. Price is high, but where would you find another this good? $400.00 bucks for a set of those dog dish hub caps? In ’75 I bought a set of these off a ’63 that was going to the junkyard for ten bucks. I put them on a ’62 I was driving at the time. I junked that one not long after, but I forget if they went with it or I left them in my parents’ garage and my father tossed them.
I am more of a 62 guy but this 63 looks really sharp in black. Though I agree with the author, not near 50k nice. It’s a regular Impala with a 327 and a three speed…while cool, not a particularly sought after trans. Looks like a clean car but mid-thirties is what I am seeing.
I agree with Jim. Non SS, column manual instead of a 4 on the floor and a so-so V-8, doesn’t equate to $49,500! Now if it was an SS with a 4 on the floor and a 409 in it, I definitely would see it being worth the price and more.
I,personally would love to have a mid 60s full size Chevy, especially a 65 with a 3 on the tree.fun to drive and probably a great theft deterrent!