Step back in time and own a piece of American automotive history with this undeniably cool 1963 Chevrolet Impala. While it boasts a commanding presence, impressive upgrades, and the legendary style that makes '63 Impalas so sought after, let's be unequivocally clear upfront: this car is affectionately, yet accurately, described as a "beautiful rust bucket." It is a substantial project for the enthusiast ready to invest the time and craftsmanship to bring it back to its full glory.

St # DGC3912. VIN 01837S103912

A Strong Foundation of Performance and Modern Upgrades:

Beneath its classic sheet metal lies a surprisingly capable and upgraded mechanical package:

Engine: Powering this Impala is a 327 cubic inch V8 engine, known for its spirited performance. It's enhanced with a performance Holley double pumper carburetor and Headman headers, ensuring a robust sound and improved breathing. An aluminum radiator has been installed to manage cooling efficiently.
Drivetrain (Believed): We believe this Impala has been upgraded with a 700R4 automatic overdrive transmission. This is a significant improvement, offering four gears (including overdrive) for much more comfortable and fuel-efficient freeway cruising compared to stock transmissions. Buyers are encouraged to verify transmission type upon inspection.
Brakes: For modern stopping power, the front end has been upgraded with power disc brakes, a crucial enhancement for safety and driveability.
Suspension & Steering: The front suspension has received considerable attention with new springs, new tubular control arms, and new tie rod ends. These components aim to significantly improve handling and ride quality.
Wheels & Tires: The car sits aggressively on 20-inch five-spoke cast wheels wrapped in like-new tires, giving it a contemporary stance and immediate curb appeal.

Known Mechanical Considerations (Per Recent Driving Experience):

While significant upgrades have been made, Andrew's recent drives indicate areas that still require attention to fully optimize performance and feel:

Front End Play: Despite new suspension components, there is a perception of "a little bit of play in the front end." This could stem from the steering box, pitman/idler arms, or require a professional alignment to fully tighten up.
Engine Performance: The engine, while strong, is "not performing as well as it should." This suggests it likely needs a thorough tune-up, carburetor adjustment, timing check, and potentially a deeper dive into the ignition or fuel system to unleash its full potential.

Exterior & Interior Notes:

Doors: Both doors close very well, indicating relatively solid door jambs and good body alignment for its age.
Rear Bumper: The rear bumper shows some wear with missing chrome.
Audio: An aftermarket JVC CD player (which appears recent but is currently not working) is installed, along with dual speakers in the kick panels. The original stock radio is also present but not functional.
The "Beautiful Rust Bucket": Let's reiterate this key point. While the car presents nicely on its custom wheels and with its iconic body lines, it does have significant rust issues. Expect to find rust in common Impala weak points such as floor pans, trunk pan, rocker panels, and potentially other areas. This is a car that requires serious bodywork and restoration to address these structural and cosmetic concerns.

History:

This Impala was a cherished possession of the previous owner for 22 years, having owned it since 2002. It was recently acquired from the widow, speaking to its long-term care and sentimental value within its previous home.

A True Project for the Passionate Enthusiast:

This 1963 Impala is being sold as a project car, strictly AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with no warranties, express or implied. It offers a unique opportunity for a dedicated restorer to acquire an iconic classic with a strong, upgraded mechanical foundation, but with known body and refinement needs. If you possess the vision, skills, and passion to tackle a rewarding restoration, this "beautiful rust bucket" could be the canvas for your next masterpiece.

Serious inquiries and pre-purchase inspections are highly encouraged.

If you'd like to see a lot more photos about 200 photos go to our webpage dragers.com

If you would like to make the drive to Burlington to see this vehicle I think you'd really enjoy seeing Drager's Clubhouse firsthand We have a lot of interesting things on display besides cars and trucks. We have 25 display cases full of all sorts of amazing things. We have 100 motorcycles on display. Most people tell us we are like a museum.