Going to car shows can be one of the most intriguing experiences for a person that appreciates art. After all, every person has a different personality and life experiences that culminate into who they are. We each have a wide variety of preferences when it comes to the cars or trucks that we like. Lifted. Lowered. Big Wheels. Track spec stance. OEM+ vibes. You name it.
Cars have been around long enough that those of us in the scene all recognize and appreciate how different two people can approach a build of the same vehicle make and model. When I think classic Impala, my mind immediately goes to the lowrider community. Tiny multi-spoke chrome wheels and tires, immaculate paint and and all the hydraulics that support a car that is capable of quite literally hopping down the road.
But then there are builds like this. In my mind, Patrick Gibellina has pretty much checked all the boxes on his personal 1963 Impala. He and his team totally went through the car, rectifying any cancer they came across. Fresh interior, along with a fresh GM LS3 crate motor made for a platform that would only be reliable enough to make it for both a short weekend cruise or a Hot Rod Power Tour Long Haul. Knowing that was the sort of duty he wanted this car to be capable of, he turned his attention to the suspension.
A full Ridetech air suspension was ordered up along with a RidePRO E5 air management system to control air pressure at all four corners. For those that would have checked the coil-over box on a build like this, keep in mind, if you’re planning on hauling with a lot of luggage or another couple of hot rodders in the back seat, being able to dial up the air pressure is key.
The X-frame Impala is a unique big body car and equally unique were the set of wheels Patrick selected for the car. Billet Specialties 19 and 20” Reapers with brushed magnesium centers and brushed lips keep the look great and consistent whether Patrick stays up to date on detailing duties or not.
For the full build breakdown, click play already and quit reading. We’ll catch you on the next one Ridetech nation!
