1963 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible 283 CID from Netherlands

Summary:

Great experience, great memories

Faults:

Rusted floor, brakes needed service, gas line broke, 2BBL defective, heater core leaked, steering pump, rag top hydraulics failed.

From 80 MPH up, oil sprayed onto the exhaust, leaving a blue smoke trail.

Road holding went south from there too.

The steering had a lot of play.

Kept losing hubcaps.

Keep in mind it was an old car with probably 300000 miles on it, and it needed more TLC than I could give it.

New parts were easy to get, but quality was doubtful.

General Comments:

There's no better music than the sound of a V8 engine. So I didn't mind it was a gas guzzler.

Brakes are a joke compared to nowadays standards, but the 4 drums never faded or failed me.

It corners like a boat, but it drives very comfortable. It's the only car I frequently took for a spin just for fun.

The Powerglide is a rugged transmission (it didn't even complain after reversing it at 50 MPH.)

After fitting a 4BBL and dual exhaust, pick up increased to a sporty level.

This car has a timeless design. Being a full size convertible in SS trim it's the prettiest car I have ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th April, 2009