Vehicle Description
Yes, it's practically impossible to look at this stunning 1958
Chevrolet Impala and not think of Ron Howard's iconic cruiser from
"American Graffiti". But to think that this one-year legend is only
a movie tribute car is to do a grave injustice to this incredibly
cool Imp, whose many virtues (like the Tri-Power topped 348 V8,
upgraded A/C, and 4-speed manual transmission) stand on their own.
Take a closer look but do so quickly, because dialed-in examples of
American motoring like this elegant '58 Imp never last long.
If you haven't fallen in love with a white car in your life, that's
likely because you've never seen a Snowcrest White '58 Impala
cruising down the thoroughfare. No, white isn't for every car, but
wow, it sure looks fantastic on the big Imp's shapely sheetmetal
and miles-long fenders. The restoration was completed to a very
high standard, and the great thing about white finish is that it
ages quite well, so this one still looks like a stunner today with
very little signs of use and age to speak of. It's got sharply
defined panel gaps, doors that line up just right and close flush,
and a quick look down the length of the body lines and you can
really see how straight that sheetmetal really is. And, of course,
there's no way to talk about a '58 Impala without detailing the
incredible trim, including the massive front grille and bumpers and
all the ornate stainless on the profile and rear quarter panels.
Restoring all this stuff costs tens of thousands of dollars, but as
you can see, it was money well spent because it all still looks
very good and shines up beautifully. Everything on the car glitters
and sparkles, making a bold statement against that neutral
background, and the soft blue-tinted glass is a perfect backdrop to
the bright white palette.
Since the neutral colors worked so well on the exterior, there's no
sense in drastically countering the look. Instead, it's been
complemented with the lovely Gray cloth interior found here, neatly
presented and ready for all-day comfort. The multi-tone fabric on
the bench seats is as much an Impala trademark as the triple
taillights, and combined with matching plush carpets, this interior
has a fantastic '50s vibe that feels as soft and clean as fresh
linen. Door panels that look like artwork feature tri-tone inserts,
and the big two-tone, dual-ring Impala steering wheel is most
definitely a product of the jet age. Note the cleverly integrated
R134 A/C system under the dash, which is better than almost any
non-OEM installation we've ever seen. The original gauges are still
in place ahead of the drive, augmented with a trio of auxiliary
that keep a more accurate eye on the motor, and even the original
AM radio remains in the center of the dash (although it's due for
an upgrade). Although the coolest feature of this big coupe is the
4-speed manual jutting out of the floorboard, letting everyone know
that this isn't some wheezing grocery getter that forgot how to
tussle out in the street. Out back the rear bench provides loads of
stretch-out room for several friends and a massive trunk with a
correct rubber mat and full-sized spare tire can handle all their
luggage too.
The W-Series engines (named after the unique 'scalloped' shape of
the valve covers) are legends in their own right, and the 348 V8
under the hood of this Impala is in top form today. Topped by a
Tri-Power setup, the factory rating was 280 horsepower with great
low-end torque thanks to the unique combustion chamber design, and
as the top engine in the Impala it makes short work of the car's
considerable mass. It's dressed beautifully with Chevy Orange paint
on those cool valve covers and the block itself, chrome air
cleaners on the trio of carbs, and bright yellow plug wires. For
improved reliability there's an updated electronic ignition system,
a high-output alternator in place of the original generator, a
modern compressor that power the A/C system, and a big radiator up
front that keeps the whole show nice and cool. The quick-shifting
4-speed manual transmission is a perfect dancing partner for the
348, and it spins a heavy-duty rear end that could easily be the
car's original. A true dual exhaust system with Cherry-Bomb style
mufflers gives it a suitably muscular voice, and wearing pretty
15-inch Vision Wheel chrome rims wrapped with 225/75/15 white-wall
radials this car looks just right.
The 1958 Impala is iconic for many reasons, but this one will
attract attention simply because it's gorgeous and a blast to
drive. Act fast, there aren't a lot of these on the market and they
find new owner's quickly. Call today!
