Chevrolet just couldn’t stop partying in the early ’50s. After celebrating its 50th anniversary, the GM brand reached another important milestone in 1963.
The company was ready to build its 50 millionth vehicle, and choosing the model to mark this achievement was an easy business. It already had a new superstar in its yard – the Impala was selling like hotcakes after its debut in 1958, so picking it to become a landmark model was a no-brainer.
A brand-new and shiny 1963 Impala Super Sport became Chevrolet’s 50 millionth vehicle, with New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller behind the wheel of the car as it was waving goodbye to the Tarrytown, New York, assembly plant.
The 1963 Impala you see in these pictures isn’t as special as this landmark Super Sport, but it still carries something unique.
It’s a fantastic patina courtesy of a long time of sitting. It’s a mix of surface rust and the original white paint, making the car look like a Dalmatian from any angle.
The car has already caught everybody’s attention on eBay, despite seller third_coast_hobbies explaining that it comes without an engine and a transmission. Based on the VIN code, the Impala left the factory with a V8 under the hood, but considering the powertrain is now missing, you can install any unit you want. Unless you’re interested in a restoration to factory specifications, but considering the patina, you should go for a hefty big-block unit and turn this car into a heck of a restomod.
It’s impossible to tell how many years this Impala has spent sitting, but you can tell it hasn’t moved in a while. The car exhibits typical rust problems, including wrecked floors. You’ll have to patch or replace them, but the owner emphasizes the frame is rot-free and can certainly be used for a complete restoration.
They claim the Impala is “somewhat complete,” but you’ll have to search for certain parts, including in the cabin.
The owner posted the car on eBay as part of a no-reserve auction, and it has already caught the attention of diehard Chevy fans who want this Dalmatian in their garage. The bidding received 37 offers in only a few hours, and considering it comes without a reserve, the Impala will certainly have a new home when the battle ends. The top offer today is $1,153, but I’m sure more people will join the fight, so the selling price could go up significantly in the coming days.
If you want to see it in person, you’ll have to drive to Chicago, Illinois, where it’s currently waiting for the auction’s end. The owner says you’ll have 14 days to get the car on your trailer after you win the battle
