Hiding in this garage is a classic carrying all the hallmarks of a car that has led a sheltered life. This 1963 Chevrolet Impala presents well at first glance, an impression heightened by the seller’s claim that it retains its original paint. However, it is more than a pretty face, with its engine bay housing the mighty 409ci V8 that provides excellent performance. The Impala is set for a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They indicate they are pretty firm on their price of $55,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.
Chevrolet’s Third Generation Impala emerged for the 1961 model year, with the latest offering featuring a radical shift in styling. Gone were the “eyebrow” fins that had been a distinctive feature of the predecessor, with a “squarer” appearance evolving during its four years on showroom floors. The original owner ordered this classic in 1963, electing to coat its flanks in subtle and restrained Ermine White. It gives the car an understated look, and the paint on this car is particularly noteworthy due to the seller’s claim that it is original. It holds an impressive shine and will garner plenty of positive comments when people learn it is a genuine survivor. Flaws and defects are few and far between, while the panels show no signs of significant dings or dents. I can’t spot evidence of rust in the supplied photos, and the underside shots confirm the floors and frame are solid. The trim, including the damage-prone spinner hubcaps, is in excellent order, and there are no glass issues.
One addition to the Impala range for 1961 was the 409ci V8. It remained available during the Third Generation’s entire production life, with Chevrolet offering the powerplant in two forms. This car features the more mild version, but that term is relative. It churns out 340hp and 420 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the road via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. The self-shifter hampers outright performance, although the ¼-mile ET of 15.7 seconds was still considered impressive in 1963. The seller supplies limited information, making it unclear whether this car is numbers-matching. They also keep us in the dark about how the Impala runs and drives. However, the visual indications are that the news should be positive.
The positive vibes with this Impala continue when we focus on its interior. We can often learn much about a car’s life by examining its interior, with abuse or neglect typically obvious. However, there are no such problems with this classic. The Green vinyl upholstered surfaces show minimal wear, with only a few wrinkles on the seats worth noting. The carpet is excellent, although the pad may have cracking issues. A column-mounted tachometer appears to be the only addition, and this interior features a few welcome touches to make life aboard this Impala feel more luxurious. The shifter for the Powerglide pokes from a factory console, with the original owner also equipping the car with power windows and a pushbutton radio.
I rather like this shot of this 1963 Impala because it is a view that many of its competitors may have received courtesy of the V8 under its hood. It is a stunning survivor, and if the seller’s claims are verifiable, it is genuinely special. I always recommend an in-person inspection before any purchase, but the photos suggest the process won’t unearth any nasty surprises. The seller’s price is heading toward the top end of the market, but with values rising sharply in 2023, that figure seems justified. Would you consider pursuing it further, or will you sit back and dream about what might be?
I prefer 64s as I had one more than 40 years ago. But this is a beauty from an Era I can surely say we will never see again. Like everything else, new vehicles are totally overpriced garbage. He will get his price. 60s Impalas are bringing more money today than many older Corvettes.
I love the ’64s myself but I would not kick this out of my driveway. Such a beautiful car.
The ’63 & ’64 Chevrolet Impalas were simular in body styles and have long been a favorite ! My parents owned a ’64 Impala for many years , and it was a well built car that traveled many miles . They were $2,700 to purchase ( base price) Today , that’s not even a down payment ! My how times have changed . That featured ’63 Impala will sell in a reasonable time frame . Happy Motoring
Best looking Chevy since 58. BUT asking price puts in Cadillac territory. Chevy was often referred to as the Baby Cadillac. Guess Baby has grown up!
All white seems too boring. I would be ok with a white top, but SOME color other than white for the body. Dash pad needs work. I suppose Chevy guys are loaded, but that 409 must have lousy mileage. I gladly give it a miss.
Considering the dash is 60 yrs old, and original, I think it looks outstanding! As for the 409, 100+ octane gas cost 30 cents a gallon, mileage wasn’t a consideration.
Pretty positive this Impala was featured on BF a few months ago. The green interior is what stands out in my mind as you don’t see that interior color often. I could not disagree with Billyray more, the ermine white with the light green interior looks classy and clean. Nice Impala.
Beautiful car, little pricey
You know how many time I say to myself damn I had one at one time
If the seller is really looking to get close to his asking price, he would’ve listed it on Hemmings. Except for the slushbox, this is a beauty. My preference is for the 62s in regards to x-frame Impalas but there’s no shame in owning this one.
A little confused about the transmission.
A “self shifter” powerglide ?
Not familiar with that.
“Automatic”
Looks like a nice car but an ‘09 with a powerglide? Pass.
LOL. If you go to the drags some Sunday ACZ, you will find a lot of Powerglides making passes. They are tough, light weight, very efficient and can be built to handle as much power as you can feed it. If you have lots of torque and don’t need a bunch of gear changes the old 2 speed PG is a good choice. :-) Terry J
Ive read, and re-read the description several times, yet the seller or description mentions zero about this being a Super Sport; more like an ordered NON SS, yet has bucket seats (non negotiable for a ’63 Impala vs SS) yet has rear 1/4 panel SS badges as well as on on the lower right of the trunk lid. Am I missing something?
Absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. This makes no sense whatsoever?
I had a ’63 SS ragtop with the 283 “stick” automatic.
It reminds me of the later foriegn cars .
Instead of , like on a column shift, the detents, pulling to you in and out with different gears.
Only on the floor version, the shifter moves left and right depending on which gear it’s in-like a Mercedes and other foreign cars later..
In 1964, the automatic shift was changed to a straight forward to rear shift, with the shifter “T” adjusting up or down depending on which gear it’s in.
A real looker for sure I had a 63 and a 64 both very nice riding cars the 64 had a 3 speed on the column with overdrive a button beneath the gas pedal and a chrome overdrive lever on the lower dash 283 V-8
Ad is deleted. The front clip looks like it was off at one point and not put back on correctly. Anybody notice that?
I didn’t like the styling in 1963, the front and back sides, look the same, I’ll take the 1962 in red exterior and white interior.
There was no white interior in 62.
64s are my favorite but this would do.
I thought all Powrglides were either column shifted or via a T shifter in the console. That looks like a four speed (goes along with the tach)- doesn’t correspond with the seller’s ad.
I have had both, 63 + 64. I like the 63 more. That’s a pretty Impala. People picking it apart. How many are left looking like that ? That haven’t been restored. Wish I had some money I would put it in my garage and wax it.lol.
I’ll bet that hydraulic cammed ’09 with power glide is a real “slug”!
Rex: You’re joking right? Pal of mine had a ’64 Impala with a 283 & PG and it was a smooth powerful car to drive. Bob’s grandma bought a new ’63 4 door hardtop with a 327 and a P.G. that was a screamer on the street. Never forget one Saturday night in Pendleton in ’65 dragging the gut with a hundred other cars, we were at a stop light and another car came alongside. I was riding shotgun with all the windows down. I heard the guys next to us discussing blowing our (4) doors off when the light turned green. Then the driver noticed the little chrome flags on the front fender. Uh Oh he mumbled, it’s a 327. He passed on the challenge. A 409, any 409 was a force to be reckoned with. :-) Terry J