Chevrolet struck gold when they introduced the Super Sport in 1961. It caught on quickly as an appearance package and later dominated most of Chevy’s nameplates with big-block engines. This 1963 Impala has SS markings, so we assume it’s a genuine Super Sport and has a matching-numbers 409 cubic inch V8 under the hood. The seller bought it to restore but doesn’t see that happening now under his watch, so it’s available here on eBay. The bidding has reached $15,500 and the car is in Kiel, Wisconsin. A tip of the fedora to Larry D for another neat piece of ‘60s iron to review.
At first a trim package on the Impala, the Super Sport saw just 453 copies ordered in 1961, then 99,311 in 1962 and 153,271 in 1963, enough to make it a series of its own beginning in 1964. When you went into the Chevy showroom in ’63 and asked for SS option Z03, they requested an additional $161.40. For that nominal charge, you got your choice of a 2-door hardtop or convertible with any engine and transmission combination. You also got special wheel covers with simulated knockoffs; “SS” ornaments, emblems, and moldings everywhere; all-vinyl bucket seats with a console and floor shifter; and heavy-duty coil springs. Not a bad buy especially since that adds tremendously to the resale value of the cars today.
When this Impala was ordered new in 1963, it was targeted at a buyer who wanted sporty good looks and plenty of power at his/her disposal. So, it came with the 340 hp version of the 409 (two others produced even more gusto). 48 years and 82,000 miles later, both the engine and its 4-speed manual transmission are still in place. The motor has plenty of oil pressure and runs well, while the transmission is fine in all the forward gears, but we’re told it grows when placed into reverse. It’s a drivable car, but probably for short distances only, and the seller recommends getting in thoroughly checked out before venturing far from home.
The body is okay but does have some rust in the floors, trunk, and at least the passenger side rear quarter panel. The body looks straight and there are no giveaways of any prior damage. Both the glass and the chrome trim have held up well. Inside the car, the driver’s bucket seat will need recovering and the carpeting replaced, while the rest may clean up, at least for now.
The seller got as far as putting in a new gas tank and Flowmaster exhaust, and the engine looks as though it’s been detailed will chrome valve covers and air cleaner added. Hagerty and NADA are both positive on the resale value of the ’63 Impala SS. $40,000 may be achievable for a top example and the presence of a running 409 should add a premium on top of that. If the rust isn’t any worse than we can see or are told about, this Super Sport could be a diamond in the rough.
After making sure it was safe to drive, I’d have to drive it a couple years just as it is. While I was gathering the needed parts for a full resto, it would be fun to cruise it around like this. The money will probably get crazy so I’m sure I won’t be a buyer.
I’d say 58 years, rather than 48.
My friend owned one. Most Muscle of any car I drove back then. More potent than my 64 Dual Quad Wildcat Cpe.
Easiest way to distinguish a pre’64 SS from a non-SS is to decode the ‘trim’ code at the cowl tag. Apart from revealing info on material type, more important this code will also tell you whether the seats installed at the factory were bench or buckets
In 1963 I was a taveling auditor. I drove about 1,500 miles a week. Ihad a 1962 Chevrolet withthe 350 300 HP engine. Iwas onlygetting about 9 miles per gallon. I took it in for a turn-up and there was a1963 Impala 2 door on the showroom floor. 6 cylinder automatic, dark red withblack interior. Two hours later I was driving inthis car. In 13months Ihad 74,000 miles on it and then traded for a 1964 Buick. I did not like the 1964 Chevrolet styling. I now got promoted where I was working inan office and traveling only a few days per month now. In these Chevrolets youhad to be careful when pulling out from parking on a street. The tail could hit a street sign.
350s weren’t around in 62 it was probably a 327*
The Chevy 350 did not come out until the 1967 MY and was only available in the Camaro that year. It had 295 hp.
What sweet memories. My first car was a 63 Chevy Impala SS Convertible. I bought it used in 1967. 327/300HP with a four speed. Red paint, white convertible top and black vinyl bucket seats. Loved that car and wished I had kept it! Too old to tackle this one. I hope someone does a complete restore.
plz call me , interested 206-595-5845
The seller placed his phone number in the description. There is little to no chance he will see your phone number, if you want the car you should call him.
Steve R
Nice Car, well worth the resto:
Joe Mopar. You are right. My 1962 Chevrolet had a 327 / 300 HP. I also had the poss. rear end with a 4.11 ratio I believe. I was fast off theline but too may engine revelotions at highway speeds. I stand corrected and thank you for your comment.
I would be a player on the old Chevy pickup!
Ray, You are correct. After thinking about those days a bit more I remember that the 1962 Chevrolet came in several different engines and the 327 came in two horsepower versions, a 250 and a 300. I had the 327 300 HP with a highratio rear end. Iwas good at racing from red light up to the next light when going down Woodward Ave. in Detroit in the 1962 Chev. Impala. I only put about 17000 miles on it when I traded for the 1963 Impala 6 cylinder hard top.