The Impala was introduced as a concept in 1956. Chevrolet unveiled a prototype at GM’s auto show, and the public’s response was outstanding. The Impala quickly gained popularity, even with the Bel Air already dominating the American market, and Chevrolet took notice.
Within just two years, General Motors transformed the Impala from a concept into a production model. The first version was released in 1958, but Chevrolet took a cautious approach and launched it as the top-tier Bel Air. The Impala, available as a hardtop and convertible, was an instant success.
While many people appreciate the first-year Impala, few are aware that this new model brought Chevrolet back to prominence in the United States. It propelled the company’s full-size car sales to new heights, surpassing Ford and claiming the top spot.
In 1958, Chevrolet sold over 256,000 2-door sedans, along with 142,000 2-door sport coupes and nearly 56,000 convertibles. The Bel Air and Biscayne models also contributed to these strong sales, but it was clear to everyone that the Impala was the new star.
In 1959, the Impala made the expected move to become its own series, separate from the Bel Air. It became the flagship model driving Chevy’s sales. Despite sharing the same platform, engine, and styling with other full-size models in the lineup, the Impala received the most attention.
In just its second year on the market, the 1959 Impala underwent a significant redesign. The iconic tailfins became a defining feature, instantly recognizable as a 1959 Chevy from a distance.
Production of the Impala skyrocketed, with over 473,000 units rolling off the assembly lines.
Chevrolet took a successful approach with the Bel Air and applied it to the Impala. The Impala was offered with a range of engine options, including six-cylinder units and V8s. This allowed the brand to cater to a wide variety of customers, whether they wanted a practical everyday car or a high-performance thrill on the road.
The base engine was a six-cylinder with 135 horsepower. The Turbo-Fire 283 remained the base V8 option, while the 348, available in four different versions, offered more power. Later in the model year, the top configuration called Super Turbo-Trust was introduced, delivering an impressive 335 horsepower.
The 1959 Impala listed on eBay by Summers Classic Car is an exceptional example that appears to retain its original setup without any previous restoration. According to the seller, the Impala was purchased by a local car enthusiast in 1983 and has been stored alongside a 1959 Corvette for most of its life.
Photo: Summers Classic Cars
Both vehicles have hardly left the garage in the past fifteen years, and the team at Summers purchased them, hoping to find a willing buyer.
The Impala appears stunning. Despite only displaying minor signs of rust, the original Snowcrest White paint gleams like new, making it almost unbelievable that it’s the original coating. The bumpers and stainless-steel components also appear in good condition, and I’m certain the Impala is even more impressive in person.
The most surprising aspect is that the car still retains its original floors without any previous repairs. Typically, rust wreaks havoc on the floors and trunk pan, but the Impala has endured the test of time in remarkable shape. With the exception of minor repairs, the next owner won’t have to spend any time dealing with metal issues.
Under the hood, the factory 283 engine is already operational and drivable after the garage replaced the battery, flushed the fuel tank, and inflated the tires. The Impala seems ready for the open road, although I’m certain it belongs in a heated garage.
Photo: Summers Classic Cars
The odometer displays an impressive figure. The car has only accumulated 11,994 miles, although it’s unclear if this is the original mileage. However, considering its overall condition, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is, especially considering the Impala spent fifteen years in storage.
The vehicle is still showcased in the showroom alongside the 1959 Corvette that aided its preservation during the challenging storage period, awaiting a new owner interested in acquiring a time capsule. It comes with a hefty price tag of $63,900, but this is to be expected. However, the garage has provided the option to make an offer if someone is interested in the Impala but has an alternative deal in mind.
According to the Source autoevolution.com