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 over-restored
that you need white gloves to open the door. Powered by a smooth
283 with some upgrades and an automatic transmission, you'll love
the way it drives so much that you'll never want to get out.
Beautiful Cashmere Blue is a fantastic choice on a '58. Sure, red
was popular, but if you're going big, there's no point in trying to
be subtle about it and pastels and the 1950s go together perfectly.
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. 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). Most of the chrome and stainless trim is in good shape,
although a few pieces are showing their age and could be refinished
to take this car up a notch. Nevertheless, 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 think that two shades of blue plus
white would be overkill, but in this Impala, it works beautifully,
with snug-fitting seat covers, dark blue carpets with a
factory-style weave, and that big steering wheel with the chrome
insert. Sure, it's just as flashy as the bodywork, but it's a great
look that will never go out of style. Aside from a modern
AM/FM/cassette head unit and some discreetly placed A/C vents, it's
completely stock inside and like the exterior, it's been nicely
maintained since the restoration was finished. The gauges and dash
are crisp and clean, 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 283 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 an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, making it a great
choice for cruising. It's not totally correct, what with the finned
Edelbrock dress-up kit, but it's mechanically excellent and
bulletproof reliable. Also note the upgraded alternator, power
steering, as well as a modern master cylinder on the firewall. It
starts easily and pulls the car around with a big dose of low-end
torque, and the 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission 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 mostly
original chassis shows evidence of use but no signs of trouble.
Fresh 14-inch BFGoodrich whitewall radials handle great and give
the car a proper '50s look.
Nicely restored and ready to enjoy, this is a smart buy that should
continue to appreciate while you enjoy it. Call today!