1963 Chevrolet Impala Coupe
The impala is one of the most common and most graceful of all Africa's antelopes. A slender, agile creature, it can clear formidable obstacles and run at speeds faster than 60km/h. They are fleet runners who can leap up to 30 feet in length and 10 feet in height. They use their tremendous speed and agility to avoid predation, and seemingly for pure enjoyment. The name 'Impala' come from the Zulu language meaning 'gazelle'. Aptly named, the Chevrolet version introduced in 1958, continued to emulate its animal namesake through years of design modifications, and power options made available. In 1963, the jet age was in full swing, and automobile designers were transitioning from nonfunctional visual embellishments, to sleek, cleaner line designs for their cars. Engineers also caught on that more power will attract more buyers, and the "race" was on!
For consignment a barn find brought to Pennsylvania from Missouri, worked a bit, and upgraded transmission, some new parts put on, and now a driver which can go virtually anywhere reliably. An original engine, new 4-speed transmission, 95 percent all steel with slight bondo areas, a good paint job, new wheels, and you will be turning heads by leaps and bounds!
Exterior
The beneficiary of a respray changing color from the original Silver Blue to now draped in Monaco Blue, a few areas of wear are showing where the bondo was put on, mainly the rear quarter and front fenders, but it's minor. Some inclusions are also noted within the paint, but again you have to look closely to really catch them. Straight steel panels, gaps well minded, and very nicely preserved chrome and brite work. A beautiful belt line trim spear runs the length, and with the chromed bumpers adds nice and tasteful highlight to this dark blue classic. The iconic triple taillights bring up the rear and are essential to every Impala. 15-inch Cragar SS's adorn each corner and are wrapped in new rubber.
Interior
A swing of the door and we are brought back in time to 1963 with stitched vinyl and metal buttons on the doors, and just a bit of carpet on the lower thirds. Feasting our eyes on the split front bench we are greeted with triangulated cloth patterned inserts with smooth blue vinyl bolsters. The rear seat takes its cues from this front bench and has the rear speaker inserted in the middle. These benches float in a sea of blue carpet in good condition, and carpeted floor mats protect the floors. The dash is pure early 60's Chevrolet, with a two-tiered setup speedo and gauges on top and a stainless strip with embedded knobs all within easy reach of the driver. An aftermarket AM/FM radio has been installed. The original three on the tree has now been replaced with a 4-speed floor shifting Muncie. A shout out to the trunk which looks like the day it left the factory, all original steel showing no rust.
Drivetrain
Flipping there hood we are met with a 283ci V8 in correct orange block painted glory. A recently rebuilt 2-barrel carburetor sits under a factory looking air cleaner. Hoses and belts are like new, and a master cylinder was newly installed in April of this year. As noted, the original 3-speed was replaced with a floor shifting Muncie transmission, and shifts smoothly.
Undercarriage
The years spent cooped up in the barn were good to this old gal as there are areas of surface rust on the frame, but it is all structurally sound on the floorboard, toe kicks, inner fenders and frame. A new exhaust system has been put in as has a new gas tank. Independent front suspension, and 4-link rear suspension is seen, and drum brakes are all around.
A true driver, great upgrades, a snazzy engine compartment, and wonderful retro interior all in very nicely presenting condition, is here for the taking at Classic Auto Mall. Come on in and take a look at this Classic, and you may soon be outrunning your competition...by leaps and bounds.
VIN Decode
31847S261292
3-1963
18-Impala V8
47-2 Door Sport Coupe
S-St Louis MO Assy Plant
261292-Sequential Unit Number
Cowl Tag
5C-3rd Week May Build
STYLE 63 1847-1963 Impala 2 Door Sport Coupe
BODY SL60843-St Louis Body #
TRIM 842-Blue
PAINT 912-Silver Blue
ACC F C-F Tinted Windows, C Padded Dash
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.