From its introduction in 1958, the Impala would grow in popularity year after year. It would quickly dominate full-size Chevy production and more than 832,000 of them were built in 1963 alone. This convertible from that model year will be an ambitious project, including the interior which is missing besides a rather clean-looking dashboard. Once restored, you could drop the top and cruise around in style (with what’s left of your hair blowing in the wind!). Located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, this old Chevy is available here on eBay where the bidding stands at $9,400 with plenty of time left on the clock.
As an example of how popular the Impala had become in five short years, the nameplate would comprise more than half of Chevrolet’s total output in 1963. And 10% of those would be Impala convertibles at more than 82,000 copies. While it would be nice to think of the seller’s car as being rare, it only is in terms of how many may have survived after 48 years. This one has had a rough life and its return to glory won’t be easy or inexpensive to pull off.
Though crusty looking, the frame on this Chevy is said to be solid. The floorboards have been replaced once before and might need to be again unless the rust we see is only surface. The grille is missing as is some of the brightwork and the trap door for the gas tank filler is gone. And, strangely, a square hole has been cut into the side of the right rear quarter panel just below the roll-down rear window. It would be interesting to know why someone deemed it necessary to do that. The seller is sending along some replacement sheet metal, parts, and pieces, of which surface rust is also present.
At one time, this car was painted Silver Blue Poly with a black convertible top and black bench seat interior. The exterior color is now Faded Red, the drop-top material is gone as is most of the interior pieces. Although the VIN suggests this was a V8 Impala at the factory, a replacement 283 cubic-inch motor is there now with a Powerglide automatic. That engine wears some older bling, came out of a ’63 Chevy pickup and does not run. The odometer reading is 95,000, but that doesn’t mean a lot given the condition of the remaining car.
According to Hagerty, a sharp 1963 Impala Sport Coupe can be worth north of $40,000. A convertible would add more as would a SS package if this car had one. It looks as though the acquisition cost of this Chevy will end up in the low five figures, so can you do the necessary magic on this auto for $25,30,000 for it to be a sharp weekend Cars & Coffee contender?
If you have the TIME and money this would be a good place for both. Beautiful car in beautiful original color
Once again a major project with endless amount of time AND money required. Seller is dreaming, it’s a $500 car in present condition.
Had one of these in white only with power brakes and a 327. Would love to have another one, the 63 is one of my favorite Chevy body styles but I wouldn’t dream of starting a restoration of one unless it was in much better shape than this one. I agree with JimZ, the car is overvalued but I can recall only a few cars shown on BF in 2021 that weren’t. I’m afraid that it’s a trend we are likely to have to get used to.
Some one will replace parts with cheap China junk and sale it high. First thing you want to know when buying one already fixed up. Where did the parts come from and LOOK at the receipts and the car over really good. Alot of scammers out their and pictures do NOT always tell you what you need to see or believe. This car is way over priced. For all the work it needs done to it and the American made parts put on it. Our neight had a black and white convertible like this.Black interior. Black top. Nice looking car it was .
Omg. I owned that car or an exact copy of it. Wish i still had it. One that got away.
Jim, evidently you must still be dreaming of paying 50 bucks for these cars from the 70s? You can find a way of devaluing these cars all you want! However, it will not change the reality of how rare these cars are and the true value of a very true limited resource in the market today!
Danny-
Not dreaming at all.
Apparently you’ve never felt the financial pain of doing a proper restoration.
I’ve been through it more than once. Many times more than once in fact. The key is to start out with a vehicle in overall decent condition, which this one is not.
Jim, please do not lecture me on the assumption regarding “feeling the pain” of doing a proper restoration. I have completed frame off top down restoration on any numbers of these cars from this era. I just completed a total restoration of a 1968 Chevelle SS (138), from the frame, pans, quarters etc. The key is NOT to look for a vehicle in overall descent condition, because the are not AVAILABLE, do not waste your time! You are talking about vehicles that are over the age 0f 50 years old! People who make those kind of statements are really not interested in these cars, they just want to find a platform to whine about what they cannot have, or the ability to repair themselves.
Not every car 50-60 years old is trashed. It depends a lot on WHERE you look. If you’re in the Rust Belt (or probably just about anywhere East of the Rockies), you need to recall Horace Greeley’s statement (from about 150 years ago!) to “Go West young man”. Cars which are not subjected to salt on the roads generally do not rust. Where I live in the PNW, cars easily last this long (and more) w/out showing those rigors of time.