Vehicle 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!
