Family Wagon: '63 Chevy Impala

By John Brooks

There's no denying the growth in popularity of the once-lowly station wagon body style. These oversized heavyweights are finding favor with many, as the combination of vintage style and functional space has grown past long-held notions of wagons being completely "uncool." When searching for a project car, wagons can often be found for much lower prices than the two-door hardtops, sedans, and convertibles so coveted by rodders, restorers, and collectors.

Stan Espinoza of Bakersfield, CA, wanted a wild project car, and was driving a customized mini truck with room for only two. Word of mouth through the local gearhead grapevine led him to the owner of the wagon, who was looking for a cool mini truck! The deal was struck and a trade was made. Stan was now the owner of a clean 52,000-mile '63 Impala wagon with factory A/C and the potential to be a crazy custom creation.

"The car was in good condition, but what really sold me on it was the low mileage and factory air. I've encountered a few bumps in the road on the way to finishing the car, but with help from my family and friends, the car got finished. I have to say a special thank you to my wife for putting up with me through the buildup!"

The suspension was rebuilt to factory specifications, with the obvious addition of a complete air suspension system featuring Firestone airbags. The wheel and tire package is also conservative, with stock rims boasting fresh Coker radial whitewalls (measuring 195/70-15) and '57 Caddy hubcaps. The final effect is a classic custom look with minimal investment.

Power for the '63 comes from the original 327-inch powerplant, which has been rebuilt and improved with the addition of an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold and a matching Edlebrock 600cfm carb. The engine breathes through a simple open element air cleaner and exhales through classic glasspack mufflers and Bellflower-style exhaust tips. Otherwise, the drivetrain is as Chevrolet intended.

The obvious and most dramatic mods were saved for the body, paint, and interior. Relying on the sterling repute of local paint maestro Kyle Gann of K-Daddy Kustoms (also in Bakersfield), Stan received a paint job unlike any other. The dramatic custom mix of colors, flakes, flames, pinstripes (by Ron Beam and Kaib Knight), and candies was expertly laid out and applied to deliver maximum custom impact with a direct and respectful nod to the wild customs of the past. You'll see influence from Roth, Watson, Von Dutch, and the incredibly talented painters of classic Lowriders in the final finish.

Complementing the graphics are freshly-plated chrome trim and bumpers by A/C Plating (also of Bakersfield). Custom bodywork credits (like the shaved door handles and trim) go to Buds and Stuff Autotmotive, also in Bakersfield).

Wanting ample amperage to round out the sensory entertainment the car provides, Stan chose a Pioneer head unit to drive multiple amplifiers and Kove speakers. The Wagon's interior upholstery work (accomplished by Art's Upholstery, again in Bakersfield) matches with the wild exterior. White, purple, and green vinyl covers the stock bench seats and black carpeting provides a stunning contrast to the bright colors.

The final product is unforgettable, and the ample acreage of sheetmetal served to provide plenty of canvas for the wild paint scheme. Stan is very pleased with the final product, and states he "...wouldn't change a thing" if he were to do it all over again. He's happy with the car and also with the trend toward building wagons into enthusiast cars.

"It's cool to see the reaction the car gets. People who remember these cars when they were new; they smile and realize it's not the grocery getter wagon they remember! Its really cool to see the younger generation of gearheads building wagons, and I hope mine will inspire some young builder to do one of their own."

Stan told us "I have to thank my family, and my friends who are like family who all helped me out, especially my father-in-law, my fellow club members in the "Loco Banditos," Toby Davis at Dave's Manufacturing, and of course to Kyle over at K-Daddy for coming up with the custom color scheme and doing such a great job on it."

We like it too, and we hope seeing a wild wagon like Stan's will fuel the growing market for these once-lowly family cars. This one may not carry Stan's family any longer, but it's certainly brought them together as only as project car can, and justifying that it be called a "family car" for other reasons!

Note: SuperMotors has a business affiliation with Street Thunder Magazine, which provides street rod and automotive content to SuperMotors.

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