Chevrolet’s Third Generation Impala was undeniably a showroom hit, with 832,600 buyers taking one home in 1963 alone. One of those cars was this Impala SS, which wears most of the paint applied at the factory. However, the engine bay is the undoubted highlight, with the numbers-matching 409ci V8 waiting to provide a new owner with an exhilarating motoring experience. The SS is listed here on eBay in Greenville, South Carolina. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve, sitting at $40,100 at the time of writing.
The Third Generation Impala appeared on showroom floors for the 1961 model year, and Chevrolet’s latest offering didn’t merely bring new styling. The SS variant joined the range, remaining available until 1969 before the company revived the badge in 1994. The first owner ordered this SS in Ermine White, with the seller claiming that apart from minor touch-ups, its paint is original. It shines nicely for its age, with no significant flaws or defects. The car has no history of repairs, restoration, or accident damage, with the underside shots confirming it is rust-free. That is a serious consideration because this classic hails from an era when manufacturers weren’t particularly effective with their rust prevention strategies. The glass looks flawless, the chrome sparkles impressively, and the spinner hubcaps and narrow whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch.
Many readers will consider the engine bay the highlight of this Impala. It houses the legendary 409ci V8, which sends 360hp and 420 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The Powerglide typically saps some performance potential, but with so much power and torque on offer, this 3,730 lb classic is surprisingly energetic. It should cover the ¼-mile in 15.7 seconds while keeping the pedal to the metal will reward the driver with a top speed of 127mph. The first thing purists will appreciate is the fact this classic is numbers-matching. The odometer shows 24,700 miles, but the seller admits that with no verifying evidence, that figure may not be genuine. This SS runs and drives perfectly, ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
The seller has been this car’s custodian for five years, treating the car with total respect. This is reflected in the interior condition, which supports their claim that it is always ready to head to the nearest show. The Green vinyl upholstered surfaces look virtually perfect, and like the carpet, there is no wear or physical damage. The pad may have some developing wrinkles, but making a definite call on this could only be made with an in-person inspection. The dash is excellent, and the bright trim pieces show no problems. Any journey inside this classic would feel special because it features bucket seats, a console, power windows, a factory tachometer, and a pushbutton radio.
Chevrolet struck a chord with the Impala SS, which was reflected in its sales success. Of the 832,600 Impalas produced in 1963, an incredible 153,271 were the SS variant. Buyers liked what they saw then, and time hasn’t diminished that enthusiasm. This car has attracted eighteen bids, and with the reserve met, the intensity could increase as potential buyers realize that the highest bidder will be taking this classic home. Is that thought enough to tempt you to throw your hat into the ring? I wish you luck if you do.
Unfortuanate that it’s a powerglide, but I like the options, especially the power windows. Nice Car, and Greenville, SC is a coll area.
Can’t believe anyone would order a 409 with a Powerglide!! Must’ve been someone who couldn’t drive a stick.
This car needs a 4 speed. The 409 is wasted with a Powerglide. My dad bought a brand new 64 Impala SS with a 283, a Powerglide and one of the first with a vinyl top! With that roofline, it was mistaken for a convertible (which is what it was meant to do). $2300 out the door! My mom totaled it five years later with 39K on the clock! Chevrolet in its peak!!
the power glide 409 would out run the 4 spped cars
thru the 1/4 mile in stock form
This is the hydraulic lifter, 340hp 409, often referred to as the station wagon engine, so the Powerglide isn’t too out of place behind it. By the way, the original, 1961 version of the 409 was rated at 360hp, but that was the only year that rating was available. ’62 went to 380 and 409hp (dual quad version); ’63-’64 was 340, 400, or 425hp.
all very true Robert was going to say that it was a 340 HP the 360 HP was the first 409 which if I remember was just a bored 348 and had problems because of the water jackets and thin walls 1962 was a new block design moving water jackets
Love the green interior! I was expecting red or blue. The Powerglide doesn’t deter me from wanting it.
Four -speed, dual -quad, positraction 4-0-9 it isn’t but it was an RPO back in the day. Nice to see these preserved to be enjoyed today. Try to find another one.
I’ve never seen one of these with power windows. That is a lot of money, but there’s so few left in nice, original condition, with possibly low original miles, it just might go for that much money. There must’ve been a 3 spd automatic transmission available in those days, I believe the Turbo 400 came out in 63. I hope it finds a good home.
The Turbo 400 didn’t come out in a Chevrolet until 1965. I believe it’s first year was in 64 in some Buicks and Cadillacs.
The Turbo 400 automatic wasn’t available in Chevys until at least 1965, possibly 1966.
Very nice car.
My lord….what a beautiful automobile !
I own a dual quad, 4 speed, positraction 4:11 gear, 409 425 hp. no power equipment, the only thing not correct is the dual master brake cylinder added, people in their 70’s years of age absolutely love seeing the car at shows. But gas economy is not good. If I didn’t own mine I’d be bidding on this one.
Perfect waste of a 409. Should have had a four speed or if someone wanted an automatic, a 327 would have been a better option.
Love it! Yes, I wish it had a 4 speed but I certainly cannot complain too much – just look at it! I really like the seldom seen green interior. I was not expecting that color. Such a good looking car. I am very envious of its next custodian. I only hope that they don’t change anything and just continue being a loving steward of this fine Impala.
I always thought that the style of the hardtop with the creases that mimicked a convertible top was really nice. When this car was built I was drawing pictures of cars every chance I got. And I carefully included this feature in my “new” car sketches. I was like some others disappointed with the Powerglide but was surprised that the shifter was on the floor in an attractive console. I thought it would be on the column. Really nice car and appears to be in excellent condition. I am going to watch it to see what it sells for.
There were quite a few of these set up this way. 409 340hp with a glide. I junked several in station wagons and the two I recall the most was a 64 4ht with this driveline with ac and cruise control. I also junked a red SS with a 409 3 speed on the column. The car had a console that looked just like the normal SS one only smooth with no shifter. Some of those cars should have hung around but who knew or cared. Folks had the same opinion then as some of the comments now.
A world away from my Australian assembled ’63 Bel Air with it’s 283 and Powerglide.
For 200 1981 bucks I can’t complain, and it was the car that started my love affair with American cars
Speaking of 409’s in that era: A Nice Impala is rare enough today but the real rare car is is the 63-64 Biscayne 409 4 speed with zero options and the tiny hubcaps! A real ‘Granny’ looking car but a brute!! I’m 71 and no longer a GM person for decades, but as a kid I knew every Chevy from 53-64 and their options. Lots of odd choices back then but fun to see!!
Worked with a guy in the 80s who’s dad bought a 409 3-speed Biscayne because it was the cheapest car on the lot that day.
Now Nelson… That Biscayne may bring more money that anything else!!
Interesting car market! What nostalgia can do to peoples wallets!!!
Its no biggie to drop a 4 speed Borg Warner in it.