With classic Station Wagons so popular in the current market, finding a project candidate that is a genuine blank canvas can be challenging. However, this 1963 Impala could represent such an opportunity. It is a two-owner vehicle that has been in the same family since 1976. It is crying out for some TLC, leaving the winning bidder to choose what path to take. It is complete and could serve as a restoration project or the foundation for a custom or ratrod build. The owner feels it needs a new home, listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Chevrolet released its Third Generation Impala in 1961, finding itself with a sales hit. This Generation remained on showroom floors until 1964, with 832,600 buyers handing over their cash to drive one home in 1963. The Station Wagon proved enormously popular, accounting for 198,547 of those sales. This Impala has been part of the same family since 1976, with the owner’s father using it as his daily driver. It is unclear how long it has sat in its current location, but it needs work to regain its former glory. The Red paint gracing its panels isn’t original, with traces of the factory Ermine White emerging in some areas. The exterior has plenty of surface corrosion, although the exterior penetrating rust seems limited to the rockers, lower door corners, lower front fenders, rear valance, and tailgate. The floors have succumbed, but with replacement steel readily available and affordable, addressing those issues should be inexpensive and straightforward. The glass looks good, and desirable trim pieces add to the Wagon’s appeal. The front push bumper with its rubber overriders is in excellent condition, as are the original hubcaps. The chrome roof rack will benefit from a trip to the platers, and the same appears true of the rear bumper. The remaining bright trim pieces look like they would respond positively to a high-quality polish, and the grille looks excellent.
Lifting the hood reveals the original 283ci V8, backed by a two-speed Powerglide transmission. This motor would have produced 195hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. It may not have been the fastest vehicle off the traffic lights, but commuting in heavy city or urban traffic would have been effortless. However, it would have come into its own on the open road, easily consuming the miles at freeway speed. The Impala doesn’t run, and the state of its V8 is unclear. However, these engines are as tough as nails. If it turns, revival might require little beyond a fuel system clean and basic maintenance. Pulling the engine would be an integral part of this build. That would allow the winning bidder to detail everything to a high standard. The finished product would garner favorable comments wherever this classic goes.
The Impala’s interior is complete, but it needs plenty of love. The door trims and some upholstered pieces are beyond help, although the dash and pad look surprisingly good. Harsh UV rays haven’t taken their toll, and a thorough cleaning should restore the original splendor. The front seatcover might be okay, and the back seat has been laid down. That will have protected it from the sun and other factors that could see it well-preserved. It is worth noting that what can be seen of both seatcovers shows no signs of splits or tears. Significantly, that beautiful wheel is crack-free, which is worth mentioning since replacements start at $300. The new owner won’t benefit from third-row seating, but there is room to seat six people comfortably.
The winning bidder faces a long list of tasks, whichever path they choose with this 1963 Impala Station Wagon. It will require time and patience, but it is far from being a lost cause. The growing popularity of these classics is reflected in their values, which have climbed by around 50% across the board in the past year. A meticulous restoration could net a price above $45,000 in the current market. Getting there will take some work, but it would be worthwhile for the right person. Could it be you?
- Location: Maiden Rock, Wisconsin
- Mileage: 129,000 Miles
- Engine: 283ci V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
- VIN: 31835S267009
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- middlemanjw bid $500.00 2023-09-11 09:09:57
- Pearson bid $400.00 2023-09-08 20:40:39
- Jeffrey bid $300.00 2023-09-04 19:53:38
Parts vehicle or demo derby car.
Tim…x frame = death trap demo derby car. Parts car imo.glwts
Looks like it could be a nice cruiser again !
Growing up, Dad had a ‘63 Biscayne wagon. Black with red interior, 283 3 speed on the column with dog dish caps. Needed a wagon to haul his seven boys.
I’d bid fifty bucks but I’m scared I’d win.
I needed a good laugh!!!
🤣🤣
Not worth the cost of gas to go see it 😂
My Auntie had one of these, white, with the same red interior, but with 250 I6 and a “three-on-the-tree” with the third pedal. Unless you plan on a restomod project, with an aftermarket frame and a hotter motor, the cost to restore this puppy could exceed its value by a considerable margin. I’m willing to bet that there are more holes in the sheet metal than you can see in the pictures, which will reveal themselves after either a “hot-tanking” chemical paint stripping or media blasting session. I could see restoration costs going to six figures quickly, with little chance of recovering even a fraction of that money when selling the fully restored example. I hate to say it, but I think that this car has “parts car” written all over it, IMHO.
I miss my 63 S.S. with 409 Flags and double exhaust. Red Convertible It had a 283 in it. Why????? Did I sell it??? 😢 😭 😢 😭 😢 😭
Yea…..nah. Hard pass. Great parts car only. Way too much tin worm to ever make your money back.
Lets see, relatively common car that costs 3x what it would be worth after restoration to restore it. Next.
The rear bumper falling apart should give a clue what’s underneath… or what’s not underneath any more.
What were they thinking? Restoration is out of the question unless dear old dad has money that he can not find a hole for! Haul it to the crusher!
If the owner happens to see this message i would like him/her to please contact me 402-598-5496
The latest bid is at $500 and that’s about what it’s worth. If it goes over $1000, I’ll be very surprised.