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 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
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
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
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!
