Debuting for the 1958 model year, the new Chevy Impala was the flagship prestige luxury coupe of the Bel Air line. Available in either convertible or hardtop configuration, the Impala rode on the Safety Girder X-Frame that had been introduced the previous year on the 1957 Cadillacs. Both longer and lower than the rest of the Bel Air lineup, the Impala featured the now-iconic triple taillights.
The 1958 Chevy Impala could be powered by any of several powertrains, including the economical Blue Flame inline six cylinder, numerous versions of the 283 Small Block V8 including the potent Rochester Mechanical Fuel Injection variant, and the 315-horsepower Turbo Thrust 348 cubic-inch W-head Big Block.
Having undergone a significant restyling, the Chevy Impala became a separate model for the 1959 model year. Featuring a revised grille, mini Dagmars on the front bumper, and a hood sporting vents at the leading edge, the new Impala could be had as a convertible, two-door sport coupe, four-door sedan, four-door hardtop, or five-door station wagon. Rear fenders transitioned into batwing fins above the smoothed rear fender and taillights that looked like squinting eyes. The base engine was an inline six. Small Block 283s could be had in carbureted 185-horsepower or fuel-injected 290-horsepower configurations. The 348 Big Block produced 335 horses.
The Chevy Impala for 1960 returned to the triple taillight arrangement. Engine choices included carbed 283s in 170- or 230-horsepower ratings, or a 348 Big Block that could be had in either 250- or 320-horsepower ratings. A Super Turbo Thrust 348 Big Block with triple two-barrel carburetors, 11.25 compression, and dual exhaust produced 350 ponies. Nearly 490,000 1960 Impalas were sold.
Our feature 1960 Chevy Impala convertible is a highly original, unrestored example showing just 16,436 miles on the odometer. The Impala has been kept in climate controlled storage for the entirety of its existence. Previously part of Chuck Speilman’s “Only Yesterday” collection, the Impala was an AACA First Junior winner at the 1994 Fall Hershey meet. It has been featured in the November 1986 Super Chevy Magazine, a copy of which is included in the sale. Finished in the original Roman Red single stage enamel paint with a white convertible top over a red and white houndstooth check and vinyl interior, the Impala is powered by the original W-head 348 Big Block fed by a four-barrel carburetor. The 348 moves power to the rear wheels through a column-mounted three-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes the power convertible top, padded dash, original pushbutton AM radio, dual antennas, tissue dispenser, fender skirts, wide whitewall tires, spinner hubcaps, spare tire and jack. Included in the sale are two rolls of original interior fabric, maintenance records, the original title, original owner’s manual, original brochure, original top care guide, original placards, miscellaneous historical photos, and a hand-painted display board.
This time-capsule 1960 Chevy Impala convertible will cross the Mecum Auctions block at its Florida Summer Special Saturday, July 12th.
Comments
Beautiful, but more than a handful with no power steering.
In the late 60s had neighbors side-by-side that had 1960 two door Impalas. Both white. One had red interior the other blue. One night they were both parked like 100′ apart. The red interior one was stolen which never happened in that suburban neighborhood. It was locked while the blue interior one was not. Somebody was after that specific Impala. It was never recovered.
Yup, when I was young our car was a red 2-door 63 Impala with a black interior. A sweet machine!
So I bought a 2500 HD Silverado and spent over $ 10,000.00 on a Duramax Diesel and an Allison Transmission. The problem is its not an Allison transmission and was not designed or built by Allison. It was built by a joint venture between GM and Ford. Won’t you please join me in starting a class action law suit for purposely be misled and fraudulently be charged for this inferior transmission that is already experiencing design flaws.
The right thing regarding this problem, but you brought it up on the WRONG place. The internet is full of comments and solutions for this unfortunate situation. Of note, the aftermarket has the fix for this which is to install a proper valve body. GMs inferior valve body causes problems which wipe out the whole transmission. This is very unfortunate, as most of that transmission is built very well.
That fact has been discussed on this site for multiple years, it’s not a surprise.
I wish I had a violin, I would play some sad music for you.
Why didn’t you do your research before you bought? That info has been available for a long time.
Gorgeous car, BUT. 3 on the tree, manual brakes and steering. Damn. Odd choices for a car with the big block. Must have been bought to tow something. ???
I’d still take it but I’d quickly put in an M21, power steering and power brakes. Front discs would be a possibility as well. I’m a bit of a purest but you still have to “enjoy” the car.
Beautiful machine!