1958 Chevrolet Impala

Description

No question the 1958 Chevrolet is a landmark automobile, and has rapidly eclipsed its popular Tri-Five siblings in terms of desirability and value. This very pretty 1958 Chevrolet Impala hardtop retains everything that was great about the stunning Impala, and adds a big dose of horsepower to create what is perhaps the ultimate '50s luxury/performance coupe.

The '58 Impala never looks as good as when it's dressed in two-tone colors: exciting, flashy, and emphasizing the dramatic one-year-only styling. The paint probably dates back to the '60s when cars like this were still in regular service, and while it shows some age and wear, there still aren't many cars that catch your eye better than this. It's amazing how even back then they understood that a few shaved details really creates a big impact, so the hood and trunk are bereft of emblems for a clean look. It's not shiny (in fact, it's almost a satin finish) but we like the way it works with the big block brawler of an engine to create a car that's elegant but also appears ready to rumble. A white top adds a little contrast and all the chrome and stainless trim remains in great shape, even after all these years. There's a reason the '58s get so much attention at shows and on the street.

Although there's a lot of new stuff under the skin, the interior was treated to a custom blue and white tuck-and-roll upholstery job that has a proper '50s vibe. The seats are covered pleated blue and white vinyl that's easy on the backside and looks great inside the bright blue Imp. The door panels are original-style pieces with custom fairings on the bottom for extra speakers and some cool LEDs that seem to work rather well in the vintage interior. Factory gauges have all been restored, joined by aftermarket oil pressure and temperature gauges in a cool pod built into the custom center console and there's a tach strapped to the steering column. That console also has a cool B&M shifter, a controller for the AM/FM/CD /iPod stereo system, a pair of cup holders, and more LED lighting that you have to see to believe. The massive trunk is neatly finished with custom side panels and blue carpets, with a spare tire well cleverly hidden underneath.

The top engine in 1958 was a 348 cubic inch V8, but this Impala goes bigger and better with a 396 cubic inch big block. With plenty of dress-up, including beautiful finned aluminum valve covers and a chrome air cleaner, it looks as flashy as the rest of the car. There's an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and matching intake manifold, and the braking system uses a dual-circuit master cylinder for safety. There's also a large radiator up front, a new chrome alternator, and nice attention to detail, so you should probably open the hood every chance you get. A 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission spins the original rear end, so it's happy around town and on the highway, and in both cases the burbling Flowmaster dual exhaust system sounds fantastic blowing through a pair of chrome tips just ahead of the rear wheels. Front disc brakes are visible through the spokes of the polished Torque Thrust wheels and with 215/70/15 front and 255/60/15 rear blackwall radials, it rides and handles like a far more modern car.

This is an extremely impressive '58 Impala that captures not only the best of what was possible at the time, but everything that it could be with just a bit of modern technology. Call today!