At the end of 1962, Detroit lined up the first models for 1963 in a special showcase for the beloved magazine Popular Science. Robert D. Borst was there and took some amazing color photos. Those photographs were taken at factory proving grounds, as the cars underwent testing. Below are excerpts from the original article.
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The Riviera, with a Cadillac's elegance and a Thunderbird's jauntiness, has 340 horsepower. It is being tested here for its ride and "spring rate".
The Galaxie - new trim, new look. Grille and some body panels, plus interior fabrics, are changed in Ford's big car. Water bath tests brakes and underbody seals.
Grand Prix - poshiest Pontiac. The Grand Prix's unusual vertical headlamps are matched by an unusual concave rear window. The instruments are recording, among other things, crankcase oil pressure and horsepower output. (image looks like this because the can't be scanned without ruining the magazine - my annotation).
Brand new for '63 are three different station-wagon versions of the Fairline, as well as a hardtop and a sports coupe. The wagon pictured is flying off a ramp to test the bounce and rebound of its suspension.
Once again with that big-car look - result of a long rear overhang - the Plymouth is back to sass Ford and Chevy. Test is on acceleration.
Encased in sheet metal that is practically all new, the Monterey has a reverse slant, power-operated rear window. This echo-less room checks the car's soundproofing.
The standard Studebaker is stepping out in the company of its sister, the plush Avanti - at least in brakes. The front ones are disks. The cart behind tests acceleration.
The Chevy: a new engine. A spanking-new engine powers the six-cylinder version. There's lots more, including a transistorized radio. Test is to see how the car keeps its feet in a hard turn.
One of the surprises of the new model year is a Chrysler that's four inches shorter-overall length, 215.5 inches. The New Yorker illustrated is entering the test track.
The Tempest's first convertible, the Le Mans, is five inches longer and comes with an optional 264-horsepower engine. The water barrage tests the car's rain-tightness.
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