This is as about as good as 1963 Chevrolet Impalas get, when they're dropped, covered in slick paint, and given the full resto-mod treatment. Built by the pros at Murpho's Rods and Customs in Texas, this slammed Imp features a powerful 6.2L LS3 V8, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and killer red-on-black color combination that's to die for. We can't seem to keep restomods in stock and this one gets so much right that we expect it to disappear just as fast as the others.



Nicely repainted in what appears to be Garnet Red (with maybe a little Cranberry Red mixed in), it's pretty darn close to what most Impala enthusiasts imagine when they think of one of these classic luxury/muscle coupes. Bodywork is straight, with a big investment in all that expensive hand labor that delivers the best results, even in those giant quarter panels. Aside from a few very minor signs of use, this Imp still looks like a million bucks in person. The finish is deep, lustrous, and has a wonderful shine that really pops out in the sunshine, which is great because you're going to want to show this beauty off as often as possible. Details like the crease that runs the length of the body remain sharp, and on a car that is as restrained as this Impala, it's important to get these things right because there's not a lot of trim to hide behind. Fortunately, the trim that the designers included has been equally well restored, including the beautifully ornate grille, and the stainless strips that run the length of the body and surround the glass and roof. Correct SS emblems have been fitted, and it appears that the bumpers and tail panel are nicely preserved original pieces that were also neatly restored, providing a nice contrast that helps the red paint really POP.



The only way to tell for certain if a 1963 Impala is a real SS is to check the cowl tag and verify that it has factory bucket seats, and this one did indeed sport a code 812 black bucket seat interior. Today you will indeed find a pair of correct black buckets flanking a center console with more of that SS-grade engine turned trim. The seat covers are duplicates of the originals and show off Chevy's commitment to their luxury customers, with ornate button-tufted details on the seatbacks and door panels. This Imp also carries an accessory tachometer mounted in a pod atop the steering column, just like it should, and there's a trio of auxiliary units under the dash that help keep a more accurate eye on the upgraded motor. Options include a retro-style AM/FM/AUX stereo head unit in the center of the dash, which sounds great thanks to upgraded speakers stashed throughout the cabin, there's a set of cup holders inside an engine-turned box that matches the dash bezel and center console, and the factory A/C unit was upgraded with R134a refrigerant and modern components. Controls for the AirRide system were mounted on the dash, a thick, leather-rimmed steering wheel was added at the helm of the cockpit, and a short-throw shifter manages the Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox below. Things like the headliner, dash pad, and carpets all look great, and the overall presentation is of a car that has had a ton of money invested in making it right. Even the trunk was finished with custom panels, and the AirRide system neatly tucked away to the side so there's still plenty of storage space.



The high-powered, Chevrolet Performance 6.2L LS V8 under the hood obviously wasn't factory-issue, but it's a neat fit in the engine bay nevertheless. Fuel-injected and packing huge horsepower and plenty of torque, the entire drivetrain was professionally installed and wired using modern controllers and a Holley EFI modern wiring harness, and it runs superbly with the accessories managed by a Holley serpentine system. Performance goodies include a Holley low-ram EFI intake with cold air induction, a 92mm throttle body, and pushrods, lifters, titanium retainers, dual springs, and a performance camshaft all from Texas Speed and Performance. Keeping the block nice and cool under all circumstances is a giant aluminum radiator with electric fans up front, while modern accessories keep this baby running like a new car. The Tremec Magnum 6-speed manual transmission is backed with aluminum hardware and seems immune to the torque twisting through it, and there's a heavy-duty rear end that's more than capable of handling all that added power. Underneath, there's a custom dual exhaust system that exits under the rear bumper and sounds spectacular, but it's not so overpowering that your neighbors will want to move away. It handles superbly with an upgraded suspension that features newer control arms up front, big sway bars fore and aft, and a fully adjustable AirRide system that sets several killer-looking stances, while power steering and power 4-wheel disc brakes ensure this Imp drives like a dream. A flashy set of Torque Thrusts finish off the build pe

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