Named after an African antelope, the Impala was introduced in 1958 as an up-market trim package on the Bel Air models, making it the top-of-the-line for Chevrolet. Available as either a coupe or convertible, it boasted luxury features and trim that could rival any Cadillac, and sported 6 taillights, which would become an Impala trademark for years to come.
This Impala has benefitted from a frame off restoration, and features its original colors: a tri-tone black, silver, and turquoise interior with an Onyx Black body. This was originally an Oklahoma car, and is ready to drive and enjoy immediately.
You can see how nice it is from the quality of the bodywork. Black cars will show every flaw and imperfection in the preparation, and if youre going to skimp, you dont use black. This car is arrow-straight with even gaps and beautiful margins. Theres not a wave or a ripple anywhere. Theres nothing like a black car when its done correctly. Speaking of done correctly, both front and rear bumpers have been recently re-chromed, the stainless is perfect and the glass is gorgeous. Everywhere you look theres quality work that delights the eye. This car draws crowds wherever it goes.
Pop the hood and check out the original numbers matching 348ci, 250hp motor. Its a rare motor, with a 4 barrel carburetor. The paint job on the motor is gorgeous! Sitting on top of that beautiful motor is a chrome air cleaner, and on both sides you will find fend aluminum Offenhauser valve covers. Jet coated shorty block hugger headers handle the exhaust. There is a new alternator, new radiator and hoses, as well as a new Vintage Air A/C unit with new lines. The air blows ice cold! You also probably noticed that his car has power brakes, which makes cruisin a pleasure. Everything from the inner fenders to the firewall, and the underside of the hood, is very nicely painted and detailed. Everything works as it should, and the car starts, idles, and drives flawlessly, whether youre in a parade or driving cross-country. Drive it anywhere with complete confidence.
The undercarriage is every bit as nice as the top, with flawless floors, highly detailed mechanicals, and an exhaust system that fits around that unique X-frame. The floors are lightly coated with undercoating, but its not thick and sticky. It is so well done, it looks like textured paint. The frame has a nice coat of black paint. Nothing on the underside of this Impala has pitting, holes or rust whatsoever. The jet-coated headers I mentioned earlier flow into a 2” aluminized exhaust system with Dynamax mufflers and polished stainless steel exhaust tips. The Powerglide transmission sends power down the driveshaft to a GM rear end. Everything from the u-joints and the body mounts, to the bushings and the bolts is new. There is a new fuel pump, stainless steel fuel lines, parking brake cable, stainless brake lines, new shocks, stainless trans cooler lines and more. Everything is either new or rebuilt. Sitting on all four corners are Cragar wheels and BF Goodrich Radial T/As (215-70-15s all around).
The “Luxury Lounge” interior is a real treat. While the 50s were notorious for outrageous and sometimes questionable color combinations, the black/silver/turquoise combination in this Impala is sophisticated and sporty, fitting the cars image perfectly. The materials and pattern are correct and completely new from top to bottom. The painted dash is full of restored gauges, there is an aftermarket radio, power windows, A/C, and all of the interior lights work. Out back the trunk features a new mat and spare tire.
Clearly restored with an eye towards putting it on the road, this 58 Impala is ready for long road trips and thousands of happy miles under sunny skies. Prices have climbed steadily for these cars over the past five years, with the best cars topping $180,000, so it might be a smart place to park some money while you enjoy your hobby!
