Vehicle Description
Introduced in 1958 as Chevrolet's first foray upmarket, the Impala
proved GM's volume car juggernaut had the strength to be all things
to all people. It was the ride your upper class neighbors enjoyed
and, like the original Bel Air, it wholly embodied the time of its
creation. With that in mind, the detailed restoration of this
national award-winning convertible involved a frame-off mix of
nostalgia and convenience that created a better-than-new cruiser.
Amenities like a correct big block and 2-speed Powerglide
transmission make this the perfect car for fun drives while
timeless lines, a stunning interior and miles of smooth paint are
sure to keep collectors happy. If you're looking for a spectacular
trophy queen that's road ready, show ready, and just plain ready to
go, this fully-sorted Chevy is the investment grade classic you've
been dreaming of!
NATIONAL FIRST PRIZE
The recipient of a 2006 AACA National First Prize, this brassy
bowtie displays excellent bodywork that simply glistens under our
bright showroom lighting. A lot of time and effort was put into
making sure the car's profile is extremely straight, which resulted
in Kansas-flat sheetmetal that's completely wave-free. That time
was well spent as excellent panel gaps perfectly center hinged
pieces that move freely and close with a solid thunk. And those
pieces are bathed in a rich layer of Roman Red pigment, which has
been sealed in glossy clear and buffed to a spectacular shine.
Speaking of shine, Chevrolet's newly anointed line topper certainly
did its fair share to pad the polishing industry. And, as with its
sculpted body, all of this Impala's jewelry has been returned to
glare-inducing condition. At the front of the car, a broad
stainless grille hangs a bright Chevrolet crest between a clean
chrome bumper, four T3 headlights and clear parking lamps. Above
that grille, a wide-set "CHEVROLET" script stretches between cool
'60 Impala fender toppers. Below those toppers, ornate louvers,
stainless rocker guards and textured fin caps frame jet-inspired
trim spears. At the tips of those spears, small bowtie mirrors
reflect subtle door guards, traditional door handles and retro nail
guards. Above those guards, chrome-trimmed glass joins angled
antennas to highlight a bright white roof. And behind that roof,
six Impala-exclusive taillights illuminate a second chrome bumper,
a wide stainless valence and flat fins that terminate at a second
colorful crest.
SUPER TURBO THRUST
In 1960, when one stepped up to a full-size Chevy, it was best they
also transition from the Turbo Fire small block to the Turbo Thrust
big block. And in the world of W-block big blocks, there existed
two schools of thought. Chevy's 'Super' engines were torque-rich
mills which employed basic hydraulic valvetrains that were a
pleasure to cruise around town. And the brand's 'Special' engines
were high-strung racehorses that employed tweaked mechanical bits
engineered to blast down the 1/4 mile. Lift this Impala's smooth
hood and you'll find 348 cubic inches of Super Turbo Thrust V8 that
proudly displays a correct "FA" suffix stamp. A staple of
working-class luxury, this impressive, big torque big block is one
of the many reasons the Impala enjoys such fantastic name
recognition. And absolutely every item from its thick coat of Chevy
Orange paint to its unique, bowtie-branded valve covers has, at one
point, been rebuilt, refinished or replaced. Front and center, a
Satin Black, dual-snorkel air cleaner funnels wind into a fully
restored tri-power set up that includes three Rochester 2-barrel
carburetors and a network of stainless fuel lines. At the sides of
those carbs, restored exhaust manifolds allow the oversquare
cylinders ample breathing room by funneling spent gases in to
correct, true-dual pipes. At the back of those manifolds, a
traditional points distributor sequences fire between a Pertronix
coil and correct Radio GM plug wires. Cooling is provided by a
screened radiator, which sends water past correct tower clamps via
reproduction GM hoses. Charge comes courtesy of a tagged Delco
yellow cap battery, which jolts a tagged Delco-Remy generator. And
the car's Satin Black engine bay, which is as clean as the paint on
its body, serves as an ideal backdrop for the mill's many different
textures.
CLEAN AND SOLID
Park this Chevy on a lift and you'll find a solid undercarriage
that, based on appearance, has probably never seen mud puddles or
wet pavement. The car's straight floorpans, which are restored in
correct Oxide Red primer, ride on a sturdy, Satin Black X-frame. An
era-correct Powerglide 2-speed spins a familiar GM rear end that
literally sails the engine through its broad power band. Under that
capable drivetrain, a lucid coil suspension is equipped with
optional power steering and power drum brakes. At the center of the
floors, aluminized, true-dual exhaust utilizes throaty turbo
mufflers to weave an aggressive, full-throttle rumble into a
subdued and classy idle. At the corners of the suspension, great
looking 8.00-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls frame deluxe
factory wheel covers. And everything, from this Chevy's mandatory
sway bar to its leak-free fuel tank, is fully restored and ready to
roll.
RED HOUNDSTOOTH STYLE
Covered in monochromatic houndstooth, this Impala's stunning
interior has been restored to factory-fresh condition in virtually
every way. The wide bench seats feel newer than the car's 55 years
would suggest, and present just as well now as the day they rolled
out of the upholstery shop. At the base of those seats, like-new
carpet is and tight and fade-free. At the sides of that carpet,
2-tone door panels hang straight stainless trim around traditional
handles, small power window switches and modernist armrests. At the
front of those panels, a restored dash, which is chock full of
rebuilt gauges, carries an old school AM radio. In front of the
driver, a color-keyed steering wheel spins around a classic Impala
centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk
seals a correct mat, correct jack and full-size spare tire below
fresh decklid decals.
With a clean restoration, fully sorted mechanicals and more style
than pretty much anything on the road, this revered Impala is both
compelling and cool! So, talk to us now and make space in your
garage later because this national award-winning Chevy certainly
won't last long.
HIGHLIGHTS
National award winning Impala drop-top that's the product of a
detailed, ground-up restoration
Awarded AACA National First Prize honors
Correct 348 cubic inch Super Turbo Thrust V8
Correct Tri-power induction
Era-correct Powerglide 2-speed automatic transmission
Factory power steering
Factory power drum brakes
Era-correct Red Houndstooth cloth and vinyl interior
Factory power windows
Era-correct Roman Red paint with a White vinyl top
Service records
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world
