The SS, or “Super Sport,” option was available for the first time in Chevrolet’s 1961 catalogue, and in 1962 it became a separate sub-series within the Impala lineup, offering both coupe and convertible models.

The SS models included special badging and wheel covers, side molding inserts, an engine-turned rear cove molding, and bucket seats with console—for just $53.80 extra. No wonder so many chose the SS option. The package also included chassis enhancements and beefed-up springs and shock absorbers. Other features included power steering and brakes, metallic brake linings, a prominent column-mounted tachometer, “spinner” wheel covers, and thin whitewall tires. Most prominent was a grab-bar for the right front passenger, hinting at the power that the Super Sport could deliver.

Coinciding with the debut of the Impala SS option, the 409 cubic-inch Turbo Fire V-8 engine was a bored and stroked version of General Motor’s big-block 348, itself introduced for the 1958 model year. Initially rated at 360 horsepower with a single Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor, it had solid lifters, a new forged steel crankshaft, distinctive wedge-shaped combustion chambers in the block, 11.25:1 compression, and a more aggressive camshaft. The only transmission choice was, rather fittingly, a four-speed manual. By 1962, the 409 engine was updated with a pair of dual quad-barrel carburetors, and its factory-issued horsepower rating jumped to 409, the perfect cubic-inch-to-horsepower ratio.

Equipped with the formidable 409, this wonderful 1963 SS Impala benefits from over $16,000 CAD of routine mechanical servicing and cosmetic improvements since entering the consignor’s collection in 2010. During May 2023, it was professionally repainted in the stunning, factory-correct exterior shade of Palomar Red—a splendid contrast to its black vinyl upholstery and matching cloth convertible top. Additional features of note fitted to this desirable SS 409 include power windows, wide whitewall tires wrapped around steel wheels capped with chrome SS covers, a center console with four-speed manual transmission, Stewart Warner instrumentation, bucket seats, and a chrome engine dress-up kit.

Superbly detailed and finished in great colors, this Impala SS 409 Convertible will be the perfect car for cruise night, Chevrolet shows, or just that occasional top-down summer drive to the drag strip.