1959 Impala Series  |
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1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Series news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | 1700 Series Sedan |
The Impala vehicles were considered part of the Bel Air line; they were not listed as a separate sub-series.
Trim features for the Impala included Impala Script, ribbed body sill panels, chrome plated air scoops located ahead of the rear wheel wells, two-spoke deep hub steering wheels, and standard rear radio speaker grill.
This car is finished in a very rare color of Aesfan Turquoise.
 |  |  | 1700 Series Sedan Chassis Num: F58B2111144 |
The car was purchased with a variety of options that included power steering, power brakes, radio with rear speaker, twin rear antennas, Kleenex dispenser, continental kit, dual exhausts, skirts, electric clock, spinner wheel covers, and an extra spare tire located in the trunk.
The car has been treated to a restoration over a twenty four year period. There was less than 40,000 miles on the odometer when it rolled across the auction block. At auction, the bidding reached $80,000 which was not high enough to satisfy the reserve, so the car was left unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007
 |  |  | 1700 Series Sedan Chassis Num: F58132111144 |
| Sold for $88,000 at 2007 RM Auctions. | |||
This car is finished in Tropical Turquoise color with a matching two-tone seat and carpeting. It is powered by a 348 cubic-inch Super-Turbo Thrust V8 engine that delivers an amazing 280 horsepower. At auction, the car was sold for a price of $88,000.
By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2007
 |  |  | 1700 Series Sedan |
 |  |  | 1700 Series Sedan |
Impala! The nameplate that would rocket to the top of the sales charts and stay there for years to come was born as a 1958 top-of-the-line trim package for Chevy's popular BelAir Series. Named for an African antelope, the first Impala was a wildly successful blend of Cadillac-like style and Corvette-inspired performance.
The longer, lower, and wider 1958 Chevrolet was all-new, from top-to-bottom. The striking shape was decorated with enough ornamentation to make a Buick envious. The 'more is better' formula also included new quad headlamps, quad parking lamps, and in what would become an Impala trademark, six round tail lamps. The only things missing were fins - that would be addressed in 1959! This one-year-only body style was an automotive anomaly, even in the days of the annual facelift.
A total re-engineered chassis featured a 'Safety-Girder' X-member frame with a 'Full Coil' suspension. Engine choices included the basic Chevrolet Six and a multitude of V8s, ranging from a 283 cubic-inch displacement with 2-barrel carburetor to several 348 cid powerhouses with three two-barrel carb setups.
The 1958 Impala shown is well-equipped, with power windows, power seat, and the rarely-seen factory air conditioning.
 |  |  | 1700 Series Hardtop Sport Coupes |
The longer, lower, and wider 1958 Chevrolet was all new, from top to bottom. Its 'more is better' formula included extensive ornamentation, new quad headlamps, quad parking lamps, and what would become an Impala trademark, six round tail lamps. This one-year-only body style was an automotive anomaly, even in the days of the annual facelift.
A totally re-engineered chassis featured a 'Safety-Girder' X-member frame with a 'Full Coil' suspension. Engine choices included the basic Chevrolet Six and a multitude of V-8s, ranging from 283 to 348 cubic-inches.
This example was purchased new in Galion, Ohio. In 1971, with a mere 52,000 miles, it was traded-in to a Chevrolet dealer who kept it in his private collection. A 1977 tornado destroyed the building where the car was stored, crushing its upper body. The current owner acquired the car in that condition and restored it over a 20-year period.
 |  |  | 1700 Series Hardtop Sport Coupes |
 |  |  | 1700 Series Impala Hardtop Sport Coupe |
The 1958 Chevrolet Impala was offered in only two body styles - the sports coupe or the convertible - which gave it a sporty reputation from the beginning. The Impala featured quad-headlights, parking lights placed in the eyebrow portion of the fenders, brightly colored fabric interiors and a two-spoke, sport-style steering wheel. Optional features included air conditioning, air suspension and automatic transmission.
This Impala is powered by a 348 cubic-inch Turbo-Thrust V-8 engine that produces 315 horsepower - an engine known for its smoothness, high torque and short, compact size. The car features tri-power carburetion - three, double barrel carburetors - and a factory installed four-speed transmission. Factory cost, excluding additional options, was nearly $3,000.
 |  |  | Chassis Num: F58J173553 |
| High bid of $80,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
The Impala contained all the features of the Bel Air Series plus Impala-only scripts, insignia, checkered flag emblems, ribbed body sill panels, imitation chrome scoops in front of the rear wheels, a two-spoke deep-dish steering wheel, triple rear taillights, and a rear radio speaker grille.
This particular Impala has been given a body-ff restoration. It is finished in blue, with tri-tone seat inters and color-keyed door and trim panels with brushed aluminum garnishes. There is power steering, power brakes, power windows, AM radio, electric clock and a heater. Power is from the optional 280 horsepower, 348 cubic-inch 'Turbo-Thrust' engine fitted with three two-barrel carburetors and mated to a close-ratio three-speed manual gearbox.
This car has earned 992 points out of a possible 1,000 at a Chevy/Vettefest show. In 2009, this Impala Sport Convertible was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. It was expected to sell for $90,000 - $120,000. The lot failed to sell after reaching a high bid of $80,000.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
 |  | Chassis Num: F58S173101 |
| Sold for $80,300 at 2006 RM Auctions. | ||
The Impala was given quad headlamps. The Sport Convertible and the two-door Hardtop Sport Coupe models were the top-line models in the Chevrolet's Bel Air Series. They came equipped with all the trim and features of the lesser models, plus Impala-specific scripts, insignia, checkered flag emblems, ribbed body sill panels, imitation chrome scoops ahead of the rear wheels, a two-spoke deep-dish steering wheel, a rear radio speaker grille, and triple rear taillights.
This 1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible is painted in correct Cay Coral exterior color with coral seats and carpeting. Power is from the optional 348 cubic-inch 'Turbo-Thrust' engine that offers 250 horsepower. There is a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. It has power steering, power brakes, power windows, an AM radio with a rear speaker, dual rear antennas, an electric clock, a day/night mirror, and air conditioning. There is also a factory-installed Continental kit.
In 2009, this Impala Sport Convertible was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $90,000 - $110,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $93,500 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
 | 1700 Series Impala HardTop Sport Convertible Chassis Num: F58J235106 | |
| Sold for $77,000 at 2009 Worldwide Auctioneers. | ||
At the 2009 Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas, presented by Worldwide Auctioneers, this Eldorado Brougham was estimated to sell for $85,000 - $95,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $70,000, plus buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009
 |  |  | 1700 Series Impala Hardtop Sport Coupe |
As now, 1958 to be an economic slowdown in the ÚS and GM decided to share bodies among their divisions, so the 1958 Impala was a 'stand alone' and it was no longer considered one of the Bel Air series. Later, a four-door hardtop and four-door sedan was added to the series. The 1958 Impala, is one of the great post war cars when American design reflected unlimited resources and world power! No one cared about MPG....gas was 25 cents per gallon!
This Impala was purchased new by the current owner's uncle and has been in the family since. A 'body off' restoration was completed by the staff at Pollock Auto Restoration in 2005. Every last detail was given attention to produce the show car quality finish. Much of the original stainless steel trim, which is not available as reproduction, was hand straightened, polished and buffed by the craftsman. The body was fitted to a rotisserie to facilitate metal repairs. The engine and drive train was totally rebuilt, complete wîth 'Tri-Power' and fitted to the refinished frame. Base coat/clear coat urethane paint was applied and finished to a high gloss. Original materials were sourced and hand sewn to create the interior to factory specifications. This car is scheduled to be shown in 2009 at several AACA events.Source - The cars owners
 |  | Chassis Num: E58N165246 |
| High bid of $67,500 at 2009 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | ||
In 2009, this car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $85,000 - $115,000. The lot failed to sell after receiving a high bid of $67,500.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009
 | 1800 Series Impala Sport Convertible |
 |  |  | 1800 Series Impala Sport Convertible Chassis Num: F58B123736 |
| Sold for $94,600 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | |||
This Impala Tri-Power Convertible is finished in Sierra Gold over a tri-tone interior combination of beige, copper and medium gold. It is equipped with one of the top power train offerings available in 1958 (the 'tri-power' 280 horsepower 348 fitted with three two-barrel carburetors. The car is equipped with nearly every option offered by the factory, including air-conditioning, power steering and brakes, a Wonderbar radio, power windows and seat, and a dual-ratio antenna. It has its factory windshield washer system, a day/night rearview mirror, tinted glass and a power convertible top, re-trimmed in factory beige vinyl. It has an aftermarket rear bumper and continental kit spare tire cover.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, AZ. It was estimated to sell for $120,000 - $150,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had sold for the sum of $94,600 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012
 |  |  | 1700 Series Impala Hardtop Sport Coupe |
The Impala was available as a coupe or convertible. Hardtops had a slightly shorter greenhouse and longer rear deck which gave the car a longer look than other Chevrolet models. One design feature, triple taillights on each side, became a hallmark of the Impala. A new 'X' frame chassis added structural rigidity while allowing the car to have a lower body. The Impala was popular, selling over 125,000 coupes in the first year. General Motors redesigned all their full size cars for 1959 making this style unique.
This vehicle had a full frame off restoration in 1981 and features a rare turquoise color.
The 1950's Impala was big, very big. It actually began its life as a top option level of the Bel Air. Due to sales being so well for this body style, Chevrolet decided to create the Impala as its own model. Its styling has been termed 'bat-winged' due to the rear-styling of the vehicle. A variety of engines were available ranging from an inline-6 cylinder up to a triple carburetor, 348 cubic-inches V8 capable of producing 315 horsepower. A fuel injected V8 became available in 1959.
From the front of the car, the design was fairly normal for the 1950's era. Extensive amounts of chrome littered the front end. Two headlights, located side-by-side, were placed on each sides of the vehicle. A front grill was used to help keep the engine cool. View the car from the side and it becomes immediately clear that this is a big vehicle. The length of the vehicle could be extended an additional 11 inches by adding the Continental spare tire cover to the rear of the car. Viewing the car from the rear, the car quickly ends up in a league of its own, with only a few other vehicles such as the Cadillac Series 62 / DeVille having such a radical rear-end. The vehicle featured rear-fins that resembled cats-eyes. To top it all off, this car was not-only long, it was also very wide.
Drum brakes were used and due to the weight of the vehicle, tended to wear out rather quickly. The Impala came in three different body styles including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and a convertible coupe. Even though the vehicle weighed 3650 lbs, it could achieve a zero-to-sixy run in about 9 seconds. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 130 miles-per-hour.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009
From the front of the car, the design was fairly normal for the 1950's era. Extensive amounts of chrome littered the front end. Two headlights, located side-by-side, were placed on each sides of the vehicle. A front grill was used to help keep the engine cool. View the car from the side and it becomes immediately clear that this is a big vehicle. The length of the vehicle could be extended an additional 11 inches by adding the Continental spare tire cover to the rear of the car. Viewing the car from the rear, the car quickly ends up in a league of its own, with only a few other vehicles such as the Cadillac Series 62 / DeVille having such a radical rear-end. The vehicle featured rear-fins that resembled cats-eyes. To top it all off, this car was not-only long, it was also very wide.
Drum brakes were used and due to the weight of the vehicle, tended to wear out rather quickly. The Impala came in three different body styles including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and a convertible coupe. Even though the vehicle weighed 3650 lbs, it could achieve a zero-to-sixy run in about 9 seconds. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 130 miles-per-hour.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009
Chevrolet Impala, 1958-1960
In 1958, Chevrolet decided to move upscale with a new trim level for the successful Bel Air. Called Impala, the upgrade package included enhanced interior and exterior styling, along with powertrain options potent enough to create one of the best performing large cars available at the time.The name of this new trim level had been used at Chevy before, when GM was showcasing dream cars in its 1956 Motorama shows. One auto created for this show by GM's design studio was the Chevrolet Corvette Impala. With a hardtop and room for five, this concept was created to show the possibility of producing a full model line for the Corvette. It had a traditional Corvette grille and swoopy lines with a sporty flair, free of the fins so popular on sedans.
Though the Corvette Impala never made it beyond concept car status, the Bel Air Impala retained some of its sporting intent. The priciest car in Chevrolet's fleet, the new flagship could be had with a 348c.i. V8 producing 315bhp.
Ironic given the clean lines of the Corvette Impala, the Bel Air Impala featured large fins and as much chrome as a contemporary roadside diner. Other new styling elements included a six taillight rear treatment, and a wide front view with four headlamps. The Impala package could be ordered only as a coupe or convertible, enhancing the sporting image of the car. While the base engine was a 145bhp straight six, every other available engine was a V8 displacing 283c.i. or 348c.i. With this plethora of performance-minded engine options, buyers knew theses vehicles were serious.
The Bel Air Impala was an easy seller. Despite its premium price, the public loved its looks and available power. Its sales volume was high enough to prompt Chevy to bring back the Impala for 1959 as a model line in its own right, free of Bel Air connections.
Available as a sedan, coupe, and convertible, the 1959 Impala was an even bigger hit. Its design was fresh and considered very stylish, with huge fins second in size only to Cadillac's. The Impala was named after an African antelope, hence the car's logo. Other animals were evidently taken into consideration as well during the designing of the Impala. The large tailfins were referred to as 'bat wings.' The long, narrow taillights, which tapered toward the center to sharp points, were called 'cat's eyes.'
Many consider the early Impala the first real muscle car. The 1958 models especially followed the formula of taking a big sedan, getting rid of a couple of doors, and shoehorning in the biggest V8 that'll fit under the hood.
For 1959, the performance slant of Impalas took on a hint of greater sophistication when an impressive new engine choice was made available. A 283c.i. V8 with an advanced fuel injection system was introduced. With more power than the cheapest 348c.i. engine, the fuel injected motor made a great choice. Unfortunately, it was never very popular and is a rare find today.
The 1960 Impala was a letdown for driving enthusiasts. Some of the distinct styling features were deleted, as was the availability of fuel injection. The Impala had taken a step away from its performance roots. It continued to sell incredibly well, though. In 1959, the Impala was already the bestselling Chevrolet. In 1960, it became America's bestselling car of any manufacturer.
Successful or not, the Impala was beginning to lose its direction in 1960. But hopeful enthusiasts were rewarded for their patience a year later when the 1961 Impala SS was introduced, bringing a brand new performance icon to Chevrolet. The Impala would go on to become the bestselling full-size car of all time.
Sources:
www.corvettes.nl, '1956 Chevrolet Impala Show Car.' Car Styling 7 Mar 2009 http://www.carstyling.ru/en/cars.1956_Chevrolet_Impala%20Show%20Car%20.html.
Patterson, Marit Anne. '1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible.' Sports Car Market 08 Aug 2008 7 Mar 2009 http://www.hagerty.com/lifestyle/hobby_article.aspx?id=34714.
'Chevrolet Impala History.' Muscle Car Club 7 Mar 2009 http://www.musclecarclub.com/musclecars/chevrolet-impala/chevrolet-impala-history-1.shtml.
'1958 Chevrolet Impala.' 1958 Classic Chevrolet: 'A Whole New Look' 7 Mar 2009 http://58classicchevy.com/.By Evan Acuña
Considered to be ‘the best selling full-size car in the U.S.,' in 1960 the Chevy Impala was designed and built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors.
Originating as a sports coupe, the Impala began as a dreamcar for the 1956 General Motors Motorama.
The name Impala originated from a southern African antelope known for its speed and prowess. Introduced in 1958, the Impala was developed by chief engineer automotive executive for General Motors, Edward Cole.
Michigan born, Cole was the son of a dairy farmer whose lifelong aspiration was to become an automotive engineer. Beginning as a lab assistant for the General Motors Institute, Cole worked in engineering before gaining recognition and becoming promoted to chief engineer in 1952. Cole eventually became president of Chevrolet in 1967.
Introduced with a trim package, the new sporty model was unique with its six taillights. Eventually becoming the ‘best selling car in the Chevrolet product line', in 1959 it became a separate model in both two and four-door versions. Within the second year of production, production reached 473,000 units.
Continuing for a decade as the best-selling automobile in the U.S. Impala broke the record for sales with over 13 million units sold. The Impala held this record until 1977 setting an ‘all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units.'
Introducing the largest impala, the 1971 redesign set the standard that has yet to be topped remaining Chevrolet's top-selling model until the late 1970's.
The design of the Impala SS (Super Sport) became the model often credited for the beginning of the muscle car era.
During the 1973 energy crisis that rocketed the nation, the impact of high rising gas prices put a damper on the industry. Impala sales plummeted and the redesign of the Impala to meet changing demands. Minimized in length, becoming more narrow and taller in stature, the new Impala showcased ‘the new image of the full-size American car – smaller, lighter, more efficient.'
Over the decades, the Impala has continued to remain an American trademark, enhanced by its ability to evolve with the times.
Introduced during the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2005, the 2006 Impala came complete with a base engine, a 3.5 L V6 that produced 211 hp. A completely revised interior, the 06 Impala was selected by Fleet car of the Year by both Automotive Fleet and Business magazines.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereOriginating as a sports coupe, the Impala began as a dreamcar for the 1956 General Motors Motorama.
The name Impala originated from a southern African antelope known for its speed and prowess. Introduced in 1958, the Impala was developed by chief engineer automotive executive for General Motors, Edward Cole.
Michigan born, Cole was the son of a dairy farmer whose lifelong aspiration was to become an automotive engineer. Beginning as a lab assistant for the General Motors Institute, Cole worked in engineering before gaining recognition and becoming promoted to chief engineer in 1952. Cole eventually became president of Chevrolet in 1967.
Introduced with a trim package, the new sporty model was unique with its six taillights. Eventually becoming the ‘best selling car in the Chevrolet product line', in 1959 it became a separate model in both two and four-door versions. Within the second year of production, production reached 473,000 units.
Continuing for a decade as the best-selling automobile in the U.S. Impala broke the record for sales with over 13 million units sold. The Impala held this record until 1977 setting an ‘all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units.'
Introducing the largest impala, the 1971 redesign set the standard that has yet to be topped remaining Chevrolet's top-selling model until the late 1970's.
The design of the Impala SS (Super Sport) became the model often credited for the beginning of the muscle car era.
During the 1973 energy crisis that rocketed the nation, the impact of high rising gas prices put a damper on the industry. Impala sales plummeted and the redesign of the Impala to meet changing demands. Minimized in length, becoming more narrow and taller in stature, the new Impala showcased ‘the new image of the full-size American car – smaller, lighter, more efficient.'
Over the decades, the Impala has continued to remain an American trademark, enhanced by its ability to evolve with the times.
Introduced during the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2005, the 2006 Impala came complete with a base engine, a 3.5 L V6 that produced 211 hp. A completely revised interior, the 06 Impala was selected by Fleet car of the Year by both Automotive Fleet and Business magazines.By Jessica Donaldson
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| 1959 Impala Series |
