|
|
1963 Chevrolet Impala SS The Chevrolet Impala is often credited with starting the muscle car era. Born as Chevrolet's top of the line model, the Impala quickly became the symbol for performance in the early sixties and introduced Chevrolet's signature "SS" brand of performance. Although it would later be eclipsed by smaller, lighter automobiles, the Impala still remains the performance car of choice for those that like big cars. 1963 saw the Impala SS continue to increase in performance and popularity. With the elimination of the Bel Air coupe, buyers again switched back to Impala SS coupes and convertibles. The 409 was further improved for driveability and a detuned version with 340 bhp was made available with an optional Powerglide automatic transmission. For the serious enthusiasts, Chevrolet offered the 409 with solid lifters and a single four bbl carb good for 400 bhp and a solid lifter 409 with two four barrel carbs good for a whooping 425 bhp. As if that wasn't enough, Chevrolet introduced a new engine, the Z-11 in mid 1963. Although it was officially rated at 430 bhp, it easily made close to 500 bhp and was an instant success at the drag strip. In addition, Chevrolet was preparing another 427 V8, the Daytona "Mystery Motor" to be used at the 1963 Daytona race. However, Chevrolet officially withdrew from racing competition, putting a stop to development of the "Mystery Motor" and after only 55 Z-11 Impalas were built. The 427 would not reappear for another three years, but it would be a direct descendent of the "Mystery Motor" that Chevrolet had killed in 1963. Engines: 283 V8 170 bhp. 283 V8 195 bhp. 327 V8 250 bhp. 327 V8 300 bhp. 409 V8 340 bhp, 430 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. 409 V8 400 bhp. 409 (2x4 bbl) V8 425 bhp. (Z-11) 427 V8 430 bhp. Performance: 409/340: 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, 1/4 mile in high 15s. |
