Now here’s a project with personality! This 1963 Chevrolet began life as a four-door Bel Air but has since been converted into a custom two-door “Impala-style” roadster. Located in the northwest suburbs of Illinois and listed here on craigslist, the seller notes it hasn’t run in a while but believes it “should,” and it comes with a clean Illinois title. This is not a factory build, but for the right backyard builder or rat rod enthusiast, it could be a fun and funky open-top cruiser project with vintage Chevy bones. Thanks for the tip Zappenduster!
Under the hood, the car retains its 230 cubic inch straight-six engine, backed by a classic 3-on-the-tree column-shifted manual transmission. While not running at the moment, the seller notes it’s not far off from being drivable again, suggesting that a fresh battery, U-joints, brakes, and exhaust work would go a long way. Already installed are some important new components, including an aluminum radiator, fuel tank, and master cylinder—nice head starts for a revival.
What makes this Chevy unique, of course, is the custom bodywork. It’s no longer a four-door—this car has been reimagined as a two-door “Impala-style” roadster, completely open up top. The execution appears to lean more toward backyard custom than concours-level craftsmanship, but it wears the spirit of a vintage street cruiser with its own attitude. There’s something undeniably fun about a no-roof classic that you can thrash around town once it’s running again.
The minimal description and low-bar tone suggest this is a budget-friendly entry point for someone who wants to build a one-of-a-kind car. Whether you go full rat rod, patina’d lowrider, or simply aim to turn it into a summer beater with some style, there’s room to get creative here. With its clean title and 1960s GM simplicity, you’ve got a blank canvas.
We’ve all seen full builds start with less—so the question is, does this chopped-up, half-Impala, half-Bel Air roadster have enough charm and potential to be worth the effort?
Roadster: No side glass, no back glass, soft canvas top with side curtains. What a great idea, why didn’t GM think of it in 1963, they probably would have sold like Hot Cakes!
Typically cars like this that had the roof cut off or shortened were not in particularly good condition to start with. Buying one that either wasn’t finished it needs a lot of work is generally a losing proposition.
Steve R
It looks like they did a decent job on the 2dr conversion using actual 2dr doors. I think its just too bad they cut the roof off, it looks like a fairly solid car. There are quite a few videos on You Tube of tri-five Chevys getting the 4dr to 2dr conversions. With the post (sedans) cars the roof lines are the same or very close. Having an open car with no roof doesn’t make sense to me. Also did the builder add any more supports to the frame to keep it from twisting or bending.
Its a X-frame car not a perimeter frame, so it was dangerous by design from a side impact with a stock body. I would be concerned how much integrity was lost during the body modification. After 1964 the x frame design went away due to a poor safety record.
This looks like something Bubba and the boys cooked up that night he found the bottle of absinthe in his grandma’s liquor cabinet.
I wonder about the sturdiness of the windshield posts, as they don’t look like they have enough support to keep them from flexing to me. I think a skilled builder could make a neat looking car out of it, but it would require time and money to make it right. Roadsters look good but don’t have enough weather protection for me so I will have to pass on it. I do hope someone sees the dream and takes it to a successful completion. GLWTS.
Someone could put it back to original also. It would be easier to load a family in and out of. That is what I would do if I was to get this but I wouldn’t buy a car that someone messed up and ruined the value.
I think that many are missing the point.
1. Low desirability
2. Basic 6 cylinder 3 on the tree
3. Looks to be solid body. (Unusual in this neighborhood, I know, I used to live there and had a 1963 Biscayne at the same time my Mom had a 1963 Impala.
4. Had a couple of 2dr. doors laying around.
5. The desire to have a summer beater (since alot of folks have winter beaters. I know I had a rusty Olds98 as my winter beater.)
Not meant to be a show car. Just something to drive around in the summer when the sun is out.
I like it! It could be used more often where I live now. (Northern Nevada) But the sun really gets intense up here in the higher altitude.
I write comments on here and they don’t show up, so what’s the problem?
It’s probably the delay from the cache clearing.
Why do my replies post, then disappear?
There is something weird going on with your comments. I’m not sure what’s causing them to go to moderation now but we will look into it.
Crazy Taxi!!! All I’m saying.
Did Bad Chad take a crack at this car?
$2500 is a lot to pay for an aluminum radiator.
Parade clown car?
Sort of reminds me of the 4-door Shoebox which had been wrapped ’round a pole or tree right at the “B” pillar. Shortened everything up to 1/2 of front doors joined to 1/2 of rear doors ‘n sit where the rear seat had been. Oh, without the lid, too. T’was a neat stubby Shoebox for summer cruisin’.
Westwood, NJ, early 1950s.
Danger ahead!
Talk about diving head first into shark infested waters.