63 Impala SS 409

Well the Mecum auction has come and gone, and we saw some great cars roll through the auction block. One that caught my eye was a 1963 Silver Cortez, Chevy Impala SS convertible with the original 409 engine that sold for over $70,000. This was a pristine looking car but the fact that it was convertible with a rare original 409 engine is what brought in the big bucks.

There was eight engines available to power the Chevy Impala back in 1963, ranging from four versions of the small-block V-8 and three of the famous high power 409s. Chevrolet also introduced the Z-11. This was a 427 cid V8 based on the existing 409 but featured a smaller bore and a longer stroke. It made close to 500 bhp but was only available to factory approved customers through Chevrolet’s RPO (Regular Production Option).

The 409 was available in a tuned down version with 340 bhp and was also available with an optional Power-glide automatic transmission. But for the enthusiasts, Chevy offered the 409 with solid lifters and a single four barrel carb good for 400 bhp and a solid lifter 409 with two four barrel carbs good for a whooping 425 bhp.

This infamous engines popularity grew and the “hit single” produced by the Beach Boys called “409,” referring to the Chevy’s power engine, became an iconic song for Chevy owners.

There was approximately 153,000 Impala SS made in 63 and 16,900 came with the 409 an even smaller number of those were convertibles.

There is no doubt that the 63 Impala SS convertible is a desirable car but i would have never guessed it would be worth over $70,000. Don’t get me wrong, if I had that type of money I would have one sitting in my driveway right now that I would spend more time with then my wife *just kidding honey*. I guess in all collectible markets if you have that one of a kind item, then anyone with a large checkbook will stop at nothing to call it his or her own.

To learn more about the 409 V-8 engine check out this article at HowStuffWorks.com.
I also have a ton of photos from the Mecum action that you can see here. Mecum Photo Gallery