1963 Chevrolet Impala 409 SS (Manual) |

FOR SALE

1963 Chevrolet Impala 409 SS (Manual)

£34,950

Show Car Potential | $25,000+ Worth of Invoices | Rare Genuine 409 SS

Mileage~84,346
TransmissionManual
Engine6.7L
LocationCrowle

£34,950

1963 Chevrolet Impala 409 SS (Manual)

Premium Classified Sale

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Photographer and Editor

With distinctive styling and cultural impact, the Impala SS is a true American icon.

Considered the forerunner of the original US muscle car, the third generation Chevrolet Impala SS has long captivated American classic car enthusiasts. It spawned a Beach Boys song and became a pop culture symbol due to its appeal in the lowrider/modified movement. Its comfort, thanks to its flexibility 'X-Frame' chassis, generous interior space and multiple body styles, has ensured that demand for the 1960s Impalas has remained consistently high.

The Impala's big-block V8 engine is its beating heart and epitomises its attraction; the Super Sports (SS) models are what make the enthusiasts heart's race. A central console, bucket seats, machine-turned aluminium trim, distinctive badging, and more potent engine options - particularly the 409 V8 - are all part of the SS's performance and trim package upgrade.

The 1963 model is frequently regarded as the pinnacle of the Impala's history, and it is now among the most sought-after American cars ever made thanks to the popularity and prestige of the 409 SS model.

This genuine factory-built SS coupe with a manual gearbox was imported into the UK in 2012 via a reputable US classic car dealer, and it comes to market from almost six and a half years with our vendor. Beautifully prepared as a resto-mod, this 1963 409 SS is finished in 'Palomar Red Metallic' with a black vinyl interior. It comes with over $25,000 worth of invoices, and has several useful upgrades to the engine, braking and suspension.

The car also comes with a current V5, an ageless plate, handbook and spares.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Richard the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
Images
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Superbly finished to a high standard, the exterior is set off by the 'Palomar Red Metallic' paint, smart alloys and lashings of chrome.

Wheels and Tyres

The 17” American Racing Torq Thrust II alloys are in excellent shape.

The car is fitted with BF Goodrich G Force tyres with a spec of 245/45 and are date coded from 2003 to 2005. They’re all in good visual shape with even wear.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the Chevrolet's exterior and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The exterior presentation is up to show standards; there are a few minor issues worth noting, but nothing that distracts. There is a light dent on the lower offside wing below the trim. A detailer could resolve this.

There is also minor bubbling on the rear arch, a little blister on the nearside C pillar and on the top of the A-pillar where it meets the roof. The panel fit is flush to the body with decent shut lines. All doors open and close with ease, although the bonnet struts are a little weak, but this was exacerbated by the strong winds on the day of our visit. Richard told us the boot doesn't stay open, the torsion bar springs need adjusted.

The engine bay and boot floor are solid. While there are mild signs of age noted in places on the chassis rails, wheel wells and floor pan, the coat of inhibitor is doing its job, and the underside of the car is in good shape.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The 'Palomar Red Metallic' paint has an even consistency and a positive lustre with no paint swirls or marks, although we noted the slightest orange peeling on the nearside rear wing.

There are a few minor blemishes on some of the door edges, and there is a mild imperfection above the rear nearside lamp cluster and a small crack just below the nearside C-pillar.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition, with most of the seals looking good; only the passenger side quarter light seal shows its age. The rear glass panel has marks. The lights and lenses are all in good shape.

The trim has been extensively renewed as part of its US restoration, with much of the exterior fitted with stainless steel chrome, including both bumpers. The general finish of the brightwork is positive, although we note that the bonnet finisher trim is slightly uneven and has a minor dent.

The boot lid / tail light panel and lower rear bumper finisher trim show imperfections.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cabin has been kept to its original specification and has been well looked after.

Seats and Carpets

The black vinyl seats are in good condition and only have minor marks.

The carpets are neatly fitted with no signs of age or dampness.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent shape, with no cracks or sun damage on the padding. Some of the facia, such as the glovebox lid, show wear in line with the age of the car, but nothing that looks untidy. The dials and switches display well. It has had a replacement oil pressure sender, but the oil pressure switch doesn’t work. Under the passenger side of the dashboard is a rare optional tissue dispenser

Richard has also mentioned that the fuel gauge has a wiring fault; it reads full with ignition off, and goes to empty on startup. He has provided a whole new set of gauges for the car, which just need to be fitted. This car is also fitted with the correct tachometer, which was only installed in the more powerful variants.

The interior trim, headlining and door cards are in good condition.

The boot has been splatter-painted and has seen careful use.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel rim is assumed to be original and shows several fractures, but it suits the ambience of the cabin.

The gear lever, gaiter and assembly are clean.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The potency and drama of the tuned and modified Big-Block 409cu V8 engine are hard to resist.

Engine and Gearbox

The car thunders into life without hesitation. The engine doesn’t wobble or make unwanted noises upon start-up. Aside from the cold start condensation, the exhausts didn’t pump out any unwanted fumes and remained smoke-free on idle throughout our visit. The engine continued to idle smoothly, with no undulations on tick over. All dashboard lights stayed off, although Richard pointed out that the oil pressure light is not operational. During our visit, the car remained leak-free.

The modified 409 cubic inch engine is smartly presented, perfectly lending itself to be shown off at a show. The components are in good shape, with no signs of wear; the ancillaries are decent, as are the hoses, with just a repair noted on the lower radiator hose.

Much of the work on the engine was carried out in the US. The aluminium radiator is painted black, and is fitted with an MSD ignition, Flowmaster stainless factory exit dual exhaust system, 2 x 4 barrel Edelbrock carbs & manifold, Ross forged aluminium pistons, and an Iskenderian camshaft and Auburn LSD diff.

The upgraded Muncie 4-speed manual gearbox with Hurst Shifter works well, with Richard reporting that the clutch has a good feel. He admits that the ratios are too low geared for his liking, but otherwise selects the gears easily.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension has also been modified to use Hotchkis performance adjustable trailing arms, panhard bar and sway bars, Bilstein shocks and fitted with polyurethane bushes. There were no creaks or unwanted noises from the wheels; the car absorbs the ruts and road with no significant bounce or thuds.

The Impala has been fitted with upgraded Baer 4-wheel power disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors, which adds reassurance when in use. Richard conducted a brake test on our behalf, which demonstrated no negative effects, noises or pulling at the wheel.

The Drive

A genuinely thrilling experience, on all senses, the car's thunderous power almost threatened to blot out the on-road conversation, but there is almost nothing as appealing as the raw power of a big-block 409 cubic inch (6.7 litre) V8 engine. On the move, the engine beats without any undulation and provides plenty of pull, picking up the pace up to 50 mph without effort. The ride is smooth, with the power assistance taking up all of the effort of guiding the car, with a good degree of control and very little in terms of slackness.

We cruised along one of the long Lincolnshire lanes, with ruts and hidden dips at around 50 mph with no upsets to the car's handling. The carefully applied modifications to the suspension and brakes complement the way the cars drives.

Richard has not had any issues with the engine's cooling.

Electrics and Other

The foot-operated parking brake has been replaced by a hand operated one, but the original will be supplied with the car. There is also a heater unit, which was not fitted when Richard bought the car - there is a new one in the box ready to fit. Richard tells us that neither the radio or clock are working. There are also two read lights for water temperature 'hot' or 'cold', neither appear to work.

A pair of rear amber lenses, its original engine manifold, gasket and a set of rubber mats, as well as a new iEquus Performance water/amp/oil gauge will be part of the sale, due to the water temperate lights not working.

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History and Paperwork

Imported into the UK in 2012, it comes with over $25,000 worth of invoices.

Imported into the UK via Fleming's Ultimate Garage in 2012, there is documentation to support that this is a genuine 409 SS model. Registered for use in the UK in 2015, it comes with a file full of invoices relating to work that was carried out in the States by Fleming as part of the car's restoration and modification, with the invoices tallying up to over $25,000.

Shortly after Richard bought the car in 2019, it was serviced, along with a rolling road setup, tune and a new master cylinder. Keen to add a little personalisation to the car, Richard also bought a six-digit ageless plate with an appropriate number sequence to relate to the engine capacity. This will be included in the sale.

The car also comes with spare parts, its jack, US import papers, a user booklet and documentation of all of the modified parts used.

Richard has provided a YouTube video link for Flemings, which outlines the car's details from 2012.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YzFWacFnjA

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
24-05-2019	Service
05-04-2017	MOT	83,356
06-04-2016	MOT	82,133
28-01-2016	MOT	82,108
20-11-2014	MOT	81,772

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Key Details

ModelImpala 409 SS
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Reg. Date01-01-1963
First UK Reg. Date01-03-2015
CC6702
Mileage~84,346 on clock
HistorySince 2005
ColourPalomar Red Metallic
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #31847S297936
Engine #T0509QG
Last Service24-05-2019
RestoredYes in 2005-2009
Engine RebuildYes
MOTExpired 05-04-2018
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers2
Tyre BrandGoodrich G Force
Tyre Age2003/2005
LHD or RHDLHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned6 Years
Key FeatureResto-Mod Show Car
Vehicle RegistrationXLL 409
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2-door Coupe
Auction ID3071

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All Images

All Videos

Insurance Quote

Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

Vehicle Location

Crowle, North Lincolnshire

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