autoevolution
 

1963 Chevrolet Impala Passion Project Brings Classic Vibes Into the Modern Age

We have grown used to seeing many thoroughly modified classic cars that stray away from the vintage looks for a modern restomod treatment. This time around, this Chevy Impala shared by Shawn on the AutotopiaLA YouTube channel clearly shows the other side of the coin.
1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA 50 photos
Photo: AutotopiaLA/YouTube
1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA1963 Chevrolet Impala on AutotopiaLA
Appearances can be deceiving, a claim thoroughly supported by this 1963 Impala passion project that looks just as classic and clean as if we’re back in the 1960s for a factory driveway delivery. But the reality is we’re dealing with much more than a restoration, as this build has been thoroughly enhanced to handle life in the third decade of the 21st century.

As always, after a quick presentation, host Shawn likes to kick off the proceeds with a look under the hood. This is where the first revelation arises, as the ‘63 Impala’s stock engine got swapped to a ‘69 Chevy mill that got a host of upgrades (hear them out from the 0:50 mark).

We like the laid-back personality of the owner, and it's obvious his Impala is not for racing or too many shenanigans (there’s a customary burnout at the 8:19 mark, of course). Instead, he says the car probably has around 400 to 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm), perhaps “it might, it might not” even have a little more, thought for him “it’s plenty.”

Apparently, him growing up in the ‘80 set the tone for this passion project, with the Impala kept as clean and classic as possible. It still got a range of upgrades, as the list continues with a rebuilt rear end and thorough enhancements to the suspension (including coilovers) and the steering, which make a huge difference in terms of ride and driving feedback.

That becomes obvious to Shawn once he takes the wheel at the 5:50 mark, immediately noticing how the Impala has been changed, and it now handles close to what you expect in a modern car, even though it’s definitely “a heavy dog.”

He also likes the bark of this classic because he makes a point in discussing the exhaust setup (2:48); we already know he loves them when featured sideways. The interior (seen at 4:30) features many lovely details, including a star-engraved headliner, and keeps with the stock atmosphere, although there are many aftermarket upgrades here as well.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Aurel Niculescu
Aurel Niculescu profile photo

Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories