1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala Sport Convertible

The Impala name was first used on a concept car that appeared as part of the 1956 GM Motorama. The Impala joined the Chevrolet lineup in 1958, officially a part of the Bel Air Series, but positioned at the top-of-the-line model. Body styles included a convertible and a two-door hardtop coupe.

All Chevrolets used an all-new, one-year-only body-shell in 1958, which it shared with Pontiac. They had a low-slung, X-member frame with a coil suspension. In comparison to prior models, they were 5 inches lower and 9 inches longer with a 2.5-liter longer wheelbase.

The 348 cubic-inch 'Turbo Thrust' engine was introduced for 1958. It was called the 'W' in reference to the shape of its valve covers. The engine would eventually evolve into the '409.' When fitted with tri-power or three two-barrel carburetors, the engine produced 280 horsepower.

Sales continued to be strong for Chevrolet in 1958, capturing 29.5 percent of the market and reclaiming the top spot in sales from Ford.

This particular example is an Impala 'Tri-Power' convertible. It has been in the care of its current owner since 2004. It is a California car that has been given a body-off restoration by J.R. Burkholder of Paradise, Pennsylvania, completed in 2008. After the work was completed, it received its AACA 1st Junior and Senior awards in 2008 and was a 2012 AACA National Award Winner, the James Melton Memorial Cup.

This is a Honey Beige example powered by a 348 CID V8 offering 280 horsepower and mated to a Turboglide transmission. It has a posi-traction rear axle and options include power steering, brakes, windows, and seat; tinted glass; left and right outside rearview mirrors; day/night interior rearview mirror; dual rear antennas; Wonderbar AM radio with rear seat speaker, tissue dispenser; lighted ashtray, under dash courtesy, emergency brake, underhood, and trunk lights; NOS continental kit with lock, padded dash, and windshield washer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2017