Vehicle Description
We're seeing a shift in the market, with Tri-Five Chevys cooling
off and the bigger, more substantial-looking '58s heating up. This
1958 Chevrolet Impala hardtop is the ideal car for cruising:
flashy, well-sorted, and great to look at, but not so perfect that
you need a trailer. Powered by a 348 with Tri-Power, you'll love
the way it drives so much that you'll never want to get out from
behind the wheel.
Bright Rio Red is the right choice on a '58. Sure, they made other
colors, but if you're going big, there's no point in trying to be
subtle about it. The one-year-only styling has aged extremely well,
and this top-of-the-line Chevy looks more like a Cadillac than an
affordable everyman's car. From the big grille to the newly
introduced quad headlights to the angular roof line, this car gets
just about everything right. It was restored more than a few years
ago and it's been driven, but it presents extremely well with only
a few small flaws that are certainly in line with its age and
price. The doors open and close like the proverbial bank vault,
shut lines are tight, and the bright white top makes the car look
long and sleek (which it is). Of course, someone spent a rather
large sum of cash on the chrome and bright work, all of which
remains in fantastic condition, and this car sports an optional set
of dual antennas on the rear deck, which always makes them look
sporty. You're going to get noticed in this car!
The '58 Chevys are special for more than their looks; the interior
with its tri-tone upholstery remains one of the most distinctive
looks of the late '50s. You'd thing that red, black, and silver
would be garish, but in this Impala, it works beautifully, with
snug-fitting seat covers, red carpets with a factory-style weave,
and that big steering wheel with the chrome insert. Sure, it's as
flashy as the bodywork, but it's a great look that will never go
out of style. Aside from a Pioneer AM/FM/cassette head unit, it's
completely stock inside and like the exterior, it's been nicely
maintained since the restoration was finished. Everything seems to
be operational, including the gauges, and back seat occupants will
be delighted to see that neat lift-up center arm rest. The door
panels are beautifully designed with anodized panels and red-toned
armrests that look like jet exhausts, and the trunk is correctly
finished with a rubber mat, full-sized spare tire, and jack
assembly.
We believe the 348 cubic inch V8 under the hood is the car's
original engine, but in 1958, numbers-matching wasn't a thing. It's
topped by three 2-barrel carburetors, making it one of the
best-performing cars you could buy. It's very correctly restored,
with that big black air cleaner hiding the Tri-Power induction and
Chevy Orange on the block, and you'll note that the distinctive
W-shaped valve covers are painted rather than chromed, which is
correct. Also note the factory-installed generator/power steering
unit, which is a pretty rare find, as well as original-style power
brakes on the firewall. It starts easily and pulls the car around
with a big dose of low-end torque, and theTH350 automatic is a
reliable servant. A burbling dual exhaust has just enough attitude
to remind everyone that this was a hot car back in the day and the
restored chassis shows evidence of use but no signs of trouble.
Fresh G78-14 wide whitewall tires look right and give the car a
proper '50s ride.
Nicely maintained and ready to enjoy, this is a smart buy that
should continue to appreciate while you enjoy it. Call today!