Let's talk about one of the early Chevy muscle cars. How about a boulevard cruiser that really screamed? I can still remember the first 1963 Impala SS I ever saw. I was just a kid still riding a bike to middle school but that white SS with the red interior was like Sophia Loren in a red satin gown. I still think the ’63 was the best looking Impala ever built. It had a real persona with its dual headlamps, pointed front and rear fenders and the signature three taillights per side. The Super Sport roof line really set it off. It was long, low and massive.
The 409 “elephant motor” available in the SS just looked wicked and there is still nothing that looks like it today. The ground shook when it fired up; there is no more beautiful mechanical sound than a big block rumbling through the twin exhaust. A solid lifter 409 with two four barrel carbs was good for a whopping 425 bhp. If you are a real engine freak, check out the 348 W motor build in Hot Rod Magazine’s November ’09 issue - they turned an old 348 into a 437 ci monster making over 650 hp! (see link to article at bottom of page) As if the 409 wasn't enough, Chevrolet introduced a new engine, the Z-11 in mid 1963. This was a 427 cid V8 loosely based on the existing 409 but featured a smaller bore and a longer stroke. It had angled valves and was nicknamed the "porcupine motor." Although it was officially rated at 430 bhp, it easily made close to 500 bhp and was an instant success at the drag strip. A vary rare RPO (Regular Production Option) and sold almost exclusively to racers so none of us average Joes are likely to ever see one.
So, want to take the wife and kids out on cruise night in a legendary Chevy muscle car? Find a ’63 and make your own unique statement. It has an engine bay that will accept just about any powerplant although I still think the 409 looks just right in this car.
