Skip to main content
Trends

Kobe Bryant’s 1963 Impala Vert: How Much Would You Pay?

It’s been almost a year since the tragic helicopter crash that killed basketball great Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others on a hillside in California. Kobe was quite the car collector, but even before his untimely death, he was cycling cars in and out of the collection. This 1963 Chevy Impala ‘vert was one …
by Thom Taylor
Published on
2 min read

It’s been almost a year since the tragic helicopter crash that killed basketball great Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others on a hillside in California. Kobe was quite the car collector, but even before his untimely death, he was cycling cars in and out of the collection. This 1963 Chevy Impala ‘vert was one of those and it’s for sale. It is expected to go for big money. How much would you pay for it?

Goldin Auctions auction house says $250,000 is the least it expects

Kobe Bryant’s 1963 Chevy Impala convertible lowrider | Goldin Auctions

The Goldin Auctions auction house tasked with selling it says $250,000 is the least it expects the Impala lowrider to go for. Far be it from us to even venture a guess. But keep in mind that not only was it owned by Kobe but the entire car was modified. Even the interior. 

Back in 2006 Kobe’s wife Vanessa wanted an exclusive Christmas gift for her famous husband. She had West Coast Customs go through the 1963 Chevy convertible from top to bottom. The engine was rebuilt, hydraulics were installed, an impressive audio system was added, and of course the custom paint and interior. 

The white leather upholstery studded with genuine Swarovsky crystals

Kobe Bryant’s 1963 Chevy Impala convertible lowrider | Goldin Auctions

Here’s what Barrett-Jackson says about that interior, “The interior was beautifully re-worked, with all new white leather upholstery studded with genuine Swarovsky crystals and offset by Royal Blue piping and carpets.” It’s unclear how much Kobe actually used the Impala.

But like we said he would cycle cars into and then out of his collection. Kobe sold the Impala off in 2013. The next year it was being auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson. Now it’s for sale again.

1963 and 1964 Impalas are considered the quintessential lowriders

Kobe Bryant’s 1963 Chevy Impala convertible lowrider | Goldin Auctions

All Chevys are popular as lowriders but especially the 1963 and 1964 Impalas are considered the quintessential lowrider subjects. And convertibles are at the top of that heap. So this Impala has a number of things going for it besides its provenance. 

It’s a live auction and the last time we looked at the Impala it was at $100,000. Auctioneer Ken Goldin told TMZ he expects the convertible to go for north of $250,000. The identity of the owner has not been divulged, but the car is currently in Indiana. If you buy it, plan on picking it up there because transportation is not included. Even at $250,000!

Related

The Lamborghini Murciélago Gift Kobe Bryant Gave Wife Vanessa

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Thom Taylor

Thom Taylor is a celebrated automotive journalist. He was awarded the Top 100 Most Influential People in Hot Rodding from Hot Rod Magazine, and was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. He’s a member of SEMA and the NHRA.

Thom has authored a number of books, including Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and several guides for drawing vehicles like a pro, which pull from his distinguished ventures as an automotive illustrator.

Thom joined the MotorBiscuit team in 2019, and focuses his coverage on new vehicle releases, design, and the latest features and tech in the industry. His tenure of 25 years writing about the industry gives him a unique context for the auto news he covers, whether it’s part of the Rusty Monday series or the latest news from Chevy. Thom has built two complete cars from the ground up and driven vintage roadsters at the Indy 500.