autoevolution
 

As If the Super Sport Package Wasn't Enough: 1963 Impala SS Has Big Upgrade Under the Hood

1963 Impala SS 28 photos
Photo: eBay seller golfhotrod01
1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS1963 Impala SS
The Super Sport package was born on the Impala in 1961. Available for only $53 in the first year on the market, the SS treatment didn't bring many changes, gradually becoming a highly desirable upgrade in the following years.
In 1963, the Super Sport was already the model everybody was drooling over, contributing to the record sales the Impala eventually obtained in 1965 (when it became the first car in the US to sell more than 1 million units in one year).

The 1963 Impala in these pictures was born with the SS tags, but it now comes with an unexpected upgrade under the hood.

eBay seller golfhotrod01 posted a detailed description of all mechanical upgrades, so I advise you to check the full list thoroughly if you're interested in the car. However, the main tidbit concerns the engine. The Impala left the factory with the 327 small-block unit. Available with 250 and 300 horsepower, the 327 rapidly became a customer favorite, especially as it delivered a good balance of economy and performance (better than the famous 283).

However, a previous owner wanted more power on their Super Sport, so in 1972, they replaced the factory 327 with a 409 big-block unit donated by a 1962 Impala. Despite feeling old and outdated, the 409 was a fantastic choice for a full-size Chevrolet, producing 380 horsepower. It's paired with a Muncie four-speed transmission on this Impala.

The four-barrel carburetor is still in the car, coming alongside a new cooling system and other original parts. The Impala was born with air conditioning, but the seller explained that the components were not installed in the car.

The car has already received some restoration work, including the cabin. I'm not a big fan of the upholstery, but I guess it does its job. The exterior requires more attention, with occasional rust on the trunk floor. The paint is the factory white finish sprayed by Chevrolet, but if you don't like the patina and would rather want a tip-top Impala SS, your only option is to repaint the car.

The selling price is unsurprising, considering the hefty engine upgrade and the restoration work. However, it'll be interesting to see how high the price goes, given that the bidding comes without a reserve. The only offer so far is $16,000, and if nobody else enters the digital battle, this will be the selling price. However, I expect the Impala to receive more attention in the coming days, as the listing went live only a few hours ago.

The vehicle is parked in Greenwood, Arkansas, and if you believe the car is worth your money, contact the owner to arrange an in-person or a third-party inspection.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories