Vehicle Description
The super-clean lines of this 1960 Chevrolet Impala convertible
were ground-breaking when they were new and remain extremely
popular with collectors and customizers today. The '50s were well
and truly over, and the smooth styling of this Impala would lead
the way into a new decade. Convertibles are hard to find these
days, especially restored to a high level like this one, making
this 348 powered droptop a very special classic.
Finished in gorgeous Ermine White with a black quarter panel
insert, this is one fabulous looking droptop. This sucker looks
about a mile long, but thanks to a lot of effort, the detailing is
what catches your eye and the car has a very high-quality feel to
it when you slam the door. There were still some vestigial tail
fins in 1960, and many enthusiasts prefer the flattened look of the
'60. Three lights out back were still an Impala trademark, and
chrome was definitely still in fashion, although it was a bit more
restrained in 1960. Fortunately, all the bright work on this lovely
Imp is either re-chromed or fully polished, including bumpers that
are super bright, and you'll delight in details like the jet-shaped
side trim and delicate stainless band that encircles the tail fins.
The glass is truly radical, and given how hard these curved pieces
are to find, you'll be thrilled to note that the front windscreen
is in great shape. You'll also note the stylized V and crossed flag
emblems on the deck lid, which signify the 348 cubic inch V8 under
the hood. The black power top goes up and down with a flick of a
switch, and it's in excellent shape with no rips or tears.
There's a party inside with the two-tone red and white upholstery.
Finished with correct materials and patterns, the dazzling interior
of this Impala is every bit as stylish and detailed as the body.
With a split bench, access to the spacious back seat is easy, and
the door panels feature the coolest armrest ever designed,
emphasizing Chevy's fascination with the jet age. The dash features
a bright red hood and five individual gauge pods to relay
information, while secondary controls are housed in a bright metal
strip running along the bottom edge. The steering wheel may look
familiar to Chevy fans, and it's nicely restored with a brightly
finished horn ring and button that show some light pitting but are
otherwise in good order. The original AM radio is still in the dash
but it's been updated with an AM/FM/CD player hidden in the glove
compartment, and seat belts were added for safety. R134a A/C is a
wonderful addition, with vents and controls neatly mounted
underneath the dash. The trunk is truly massive, as you'd imagine,
and includes yards of plush carpeting.
Chevrolet offered an astounding FIVE versions of the 348 in the
Impala, with the one in this car topped by Tri-Power carburetors
and rated at 250 horsepower. They didn't take any shortcuts during
the restoration, so it's vintage 1960 under the hood with a few
nice upgrades, including the power brakes, power steering, and
chromed alternator. Three open element air cleaners top the array
of carbs and bright Chevy Orange paint on the engine pops out from
in between the chrome 348 valve covers. It's backed by a 700R4
automatic transmission with overdrive so it's built for
long-distance cruising, and it spins the original rear end. A
custom Flowmaster dual exhaust system sounds right and snakes
through the X-frame chassis and burbles away at cruising speed.
With handsome 14-inch wide whitewall tires on red wheels with
factory hub caps, you'll never get tired of wheeling this one
around town.
The 1960 Impala convertible outsold the radical 1959 models, and
it's easy to see why. Fast, stylish, comfortable, what more can you
ask from your next collector car? Call today!