By: Robert Tate, award-winning automotive historian and researcher
Images courtesy of GM Heritage Archives & Special Collections.
The 1963 Chevrolet was a classic and great-looking automobile. I remember being a young boy in 1963 when Mr. and Mrs. Brewer purchased their new 1963 Chevrolet Impala Sport Sedan. At that time in American history, when a neighbor bought a new automobile, families throughout the neighborhood would gather to admire the vehicle and congratulate the owners on their new purchase. It was a special occasion that brought people together and reflected the pride associated with owning a new car.
1963 Chevrolet Sedan.
1963 Chevrolet factory.
The 1963 Chevrolet models were introduced to the public in the fall of 1962. The lineup included the popular Impala, Bel Air, and Biscayne series, all available with either six-cylinder or V8 engines. Buyers could also choose stylish bucket seats and personalized interior trim packages that enhanced the appearance and comfort of the cabin. General Motors promoted the new model by stating, “The Impala sets a new trend in elegance.”
One of the most admired features of the 1963 Impala was its distinctive roofline, which incorporated a slender, straight-pillar windshield design. This styling gave the car a sleek and modern appearance that appealed to many customers. Inside, a new front-seat console provided convenient storage space and housed the shift lever, adding both practicality and style to the driving experience.
The base price of a 1963 Impala was $2,913. For buyers seeking the top-of-the-line model, the Impala Convertible carried a price tag of $3,185. Chevrolet also offered station wagon models for larger families. The Bel Air nine-passenger station wagon was priced at $2,926, while the Biscayne station wagon sold for $2,830. These models provided consumers with a combination of comfort, utility, and value that helped make Chevrolet one of America's most popular automobile brands.
1963 Chevrolet station wagon in red.
The 1963 Chevrolet featured completely redesigned beltlines and body panels, the result of a styling change introduced during the 1962 model year. This fresh design gave the cars a more modern appearance and helped distinguish them from earlier Chevrolet models.
A significant milestone for Chevrolet occurred the summer of 1963, when New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller drove the 50 millionth Chevrolet off the assembly line at the Tarrytown, New York, assembly plant. Chevrolet assembly workers gathered to witness this historic event, which celebrated the company's remarkable production achievement and its important place in the American automobile industry.
50th Anniversary 1963 Chevrolet assembly.
To commemorate the occasion, Chevrolet presented a replica model of a 1963 Chevrolet to factory workers who attended the celebration. Each model was stamped with a special logo recognizing the 50 millionth Chevrolet milestone. In addition, the 1963 Chevrolet Sport Coupe and Convertible equipped with the Super Sport package featured bright aluminum trim plates with an engine-turned pattern design in the body-side molding insert area and rear body cover. These distinctive styling touches enhanced the sporty appearance of the Super Sport models and contributed to their lasting appeal among Chevrolet enthusiasts.
1963 Chevrolet Jet Smooth advertising.
Chevrolet enjoyed strong sales, reflecting the popularity of its newly designed automobiles. Customers admired the styling, comfort, and performance of the Chevrolet lineup, helping make the 1963 model year a successful one for the company. Chevrolet's advertising campaign proudly promoted the new models as “1963 Chevrolet Full-Size Fashion at Its Jet-Smooth Best,” a slogan that captured the elegance and smooth ride that buyers had come to expect.
The year 1963 was also significant in automotive history because it marked the introduction of the new split-window Corvette. This distinctive design gave the Corvette a bold, high-performance sports car appearance that continues to be admired by collectors and enthusiasts today. Automotive historians have often noted that “great cars from Chevrolet began coming off the assembly lines almost from the beginning,” and the 1963 models remain an important chapter in Chevrolet's long and distinguished history.
1963 Chevrolet Blue sedan with family.
The 1963 Chevrolet lineup was designed under the direction of Bill Mitchell and the talented team of designers at General Motors. Today, the 1963 Impala remains especially popular among younger generations and automotive enthusiasts. Many owners customize and restore these classic Chevrolets as lowriders, preserving their legacy while adding their own personal style. More than six decades later, the 1963 Chevrolet continues to generate excitement and appreciation, securing its place as one of the most memorable automobiles of its era.
Biography
Dammann H. George. “Sixty Years of Chevrolet” Crestline Publishing 1972.
Consumer Guide Magazine. “Great Cars From Chevrolet” October 1980 Volume 289 Louis Weber.
General Motors. “1963 Chevrolets” Color and Trim Chevrolet Dealer Book.