American Car Spotters Guide - 1963

For 1963, a pillarless hardtop coupe debuted, the roof of which was designed to mimic the appearance of a closed convertible top. This was a one-model-year-only hardtop roof design with a thin profile, clean lines, stamped faux-convertible ribs, and a textured finish. A special top-of-the-line model, the "440-H" was equipped with sporty touches like bucket seats, and a more powerful 138 hp (103 kW) version of Rambler's stalwart 195.6 cu in (3.2 L) inline-6 engine. Other model designations were changed once again with the 400 now called 440.

The entire product line from AMC earned the Motor Trend Car of the Year award for 1963. First as the Nash Rambler and then as two generations of the Rambler American, this automobile platform performed the rare feat of having two distinct and successful model runs, an almost unheard of phenomenon in automobile history. The convertible and hardtop were the sportiest of the final 100 inches (2,540 mm) wheelbase Rambler Americans, and arguably the most desirable now.

The 1963 model Buicks were virtually identical to the 1962 models, apart from a new V-shaped frontal treatment, and the Wildcat now sported its own unique grille. 1963 would be the last year for the Invicta model, available in Station Wagon only. The Buick lineup ranged in price from $2869 to $4365, with 1963 production totalling 327,123. Once again all models came standard with the 401 CID V8, those fitted to the LeSabre developing 265 or 280 horsepower, the Invicta and the Electra 325. The LeSabre 4-door sedan retailed for $3004, and 64,995 were built. 3495 Invicta wagons were manufactured, selling for $3969, 17,519 4-door Hardtop's were built, selling for $3871. 14,268 Electra 4-door sedans were built, selling for $4051, 19,714 Electra 225 Hardtops were built, selling for $4186, and 6,347 Electra convertibles were built, selling for $4365.

When it hit showrooms in 1963, the Riviera's clean-edged design and hide-away headlights marked it out as a successful attempt to produce an American car with sophistication to match the best of Europe.

Among collectors, the 1963 Impala is the most popular for its body style, even though it was almost mechanically identical to the 1962 Impala. The 1963 Impala's distinctive body style had crisp lines with pointed front and rear fenders which emphasized the long, low style of car design popular in the early 1960s. The rear taillight panel was aluminium, and was surrounded by a chrome border with the engine-turned surface on SS models.

The Impala's 1963 engine choice was similar to 1962, with the small-block 283-cubic-inch (4.6 Litre) and 327-cubic-inch (5.4 Litre) V8s the most popular choices. The Sport Sedan featured a new, creased roofline that proved popular. A new "coved" instrument panel was good-looking, but replaced the temperature gauge with "idiot lights" for hot and cold engine conditions. An optional factory tachometer was built into the dash, just above the steering wheel. It was rarely ordered, but gave the Super Sport models an extra feel of sportiness.

From 1963, all Chryslers were built on a new 122-inch wheelbase and painted in a buffable acrylic enamel which permitted a wider range of metallic colors. Positive crankcase ventilation was standard. On February 14, 1963, a new limited production Chrysler, the New Yorker Salon, was announced. It had a vinyl-clad roof, and all major power equipment and accessories were standard.

For 1963, Catalinas and other full-sized Pontiacs featured cleaner, squared-off bodylines and vertical headlights flanking the split grille, but retained the same dimensions and basic bodyshell of 1961-62. Engine offerings were revised as the 333 and 348 horsepower (260 kW) versions of the 389 V8 were dropped in favor of "production" versions of the larger 421 cubic-inch V8 rated at 338 horsepower (252 kW) with four-barrel carburettor, 353 with Tri-Power or an "HO" version with Tri-Power rated at 370 horsepower (280 kW).

The 405 horsepower (302 kW) "Super Duty 421" was still offered to racing teams during the early portion of the model year but discontinued after General Motors ordered Pontiac (and Chevrolet) to "cease and desist" from factory-supported racing efforts in February, 1963. New options for 1963 included a tilt steering wheel that could be adjusted to six different positions, AM/FM radio and cruise control. A 1963 Catalina convertible modified by California hot-rodder Bill Straub was used as a tow vehicle in the NASA M2-F1 program.

The 1963 Studebaker Lark Cruiser was packed with luxury in an attempt to put it in a higher market segment. Bucket seats were an option, as was a sunroof. Studebaker made a big point about it being a rival to the most expensive limousines, which was probably going a bit too far. But still it was quite roomy and comfortable and it had a potent performance. A practical aspect of the Cruiser was the absence of door sills. It made cleaning the car much easier and prevented tripping and the accumulation of snow and water on the floor. In addition the door openings on the Cruiser were also wider for easier access.