Introduced in 1958 as a top-of-the-line Bel Air model restricted to two-door body styles, the Impala developed into a full lineup in 1959. In the 1960s, it gained a Super Sport version, and it was part of two important events: Chevrolet's 50th anniversary and the company's 50 millionth vehicle.
In 1962, Chevrolet offered a Golden Anniversary edition of the Impala to celebrate 50 years in the business. The package was offered on the SS trim and included Anniversary Gold paint, yellow-gold vinyl seats, and a few accessories. It's not quite as fancy as the gold-plated Bel Air that GM built in 1955 to celebrate its 50 millionth vehicle, right?
Two years later, Chevrolet rolled out its 50 millionth car. To mark the event, it chose a 1963 Impala SS 409. It went with gold paint rather than gold plating, though. The car is now in a museum. While Anniversary Gold was no longer a part of the regular options list in 1963, Chevrolet kept it as a special-order hue. The hardtop SS you see here is one of those rigs that proudly wear code 927 on their tags.
Although it was a special-order color that didn't get a lot of publicity at the time, it was selected by 4,000 customers. It's a significant number on its own, but it represents less than 0.5% of the total production that year. How many of these Anniversary Gold cars are still around? I have no clue, but I do know this one is probably the finest example out there.
The result of a thorough restoration, this Impala looks flawless inside and out. And the gold paint shines really bright in direct sunlight, as does the chrome trim. Of course, the paint is obviously quite fresh, but nearly all the chrome work is original. So, while this hardtop was restored, it was a nice project to begin with.
And even though it may seem like the hue is brighter than the Anniversary Golden color we know from the 1962 Impala, it's not because the owner changed the paint. Chevrolet actually went with a different hue in 1963. Unlike its predecessor, this Impala is pretty much a gold bar on wheels.
Chevrolet had a nasty 409-cubic-inch (6.7-liter) V8 available in 1963. It was good for 340 horsepower in entry-level form, but customers had access to variants that delivered 400 and 425 horses. Yup, that's HEMI output two years before Chrysler launched the mighty 426. But this Impala doesn't rock a 409.
The original owner went with a 327-cubic-inch (5.4-liter) small-block, which slotted between the latter and the long-running 283-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V8. But the "Turbo-Fire" was plenty powerful at 250 or 300 horsepower. What's more important here is that this Impala's engine bay is squeaky clean. And it still has the all-important tag with the 927 code for the special-order paint.
This Impala should be touring the US and winning prizes at car shows, so it's a Chevy you can't miss. Hit the play button below for a full walkaround.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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