The Impala debuted as a sub-series of the Bel Air in 1958. One year
later, Chevrolet let the popular car live on as a model of its own.
The move was part of a larger shift within General Motors that saw
platforms consolidated and shared across the various sub-brands. At
the core of the revamp was a new "tubular center X-frame chassis"
that debuted on 1957 Cadillacs. Also known as a "backbone chassis,"
it allowed the bodies to sit a full three inches lower than before,
creating the long, low-slung profiles that GM cars of this era are
famous for. With the Impala, Chevrolet doubled down on Space Age
styling trends, the already jaunty tail fins of the 1958 model
swelling to the size of a whale's tail, flattened and protruding
outward rather than upward. The characteristic trio of round
taillamps that debuted on the '58 Impala, which would return for
1960 and eventually become a hallmark of the model, gave way to
elongated teardrop-shaped lenses in 1959. Perhaps unaware at the
time, Chevrolet had created one of the most instantly recognizable
American automotive designs of all time. A four-door hardtop and
four-door sedan joined the previous Impala's coupe and convertible
body styles for 1959. An inline six-cylinder engine came standard,
while three V-8 engines provided power options for every budget.
Interiors grew more stylish and comfortable, as features like a
six-way power seat made their debut. With every body style handily
outselling the previous, it was clear Chevrolet found a recipe for
success. Among the rarest of the 1959 models, the convertible sold
nearly 73,000 units, versus around 56,000 the year prior.
Beautifully presented in factory-correct Roman Red over red vinyl
interior, this spectacular 1959 Impala was built at Chevrolet's
famous Tonawanda plant on December 10, 1958. It features an array
of desirable factory options and accessories that include a front
grille guard, spinner wheel covers, dual rear-mounted antennas and
radial wide whitewall tires. Restored to a high standard with
brilliant chrome, paint, and brightwork, this car is simply
stunning. The correct interior features an accessory tissue
dispenser, original AM radio, day/night mirror, two-speed wipers,
windshield washers, power-operated convertible top and
color-coordinated seat belts. The trunk compartment is complete
with correct trunk mat, spare tire, and jack assembly. Along with
all the additional luxury that the Impala offered, so too was more
power. In 1958, Chevy introduced the 348-cubic-inch "Turbo Thrust"
engine, Chevy's second-generation V-8. It was called the "W"
engine, referring to the shape of its valve covers. Eventually, it
evolved into the legendary "409." The optional V-8 with Tri-Power,
or three two-barrel carburetors, was good for 280 horsepower, and
this example is so equipped. Power is sent to the rear wheels via
Chevrolet's venerable Powerglide automatic transmission. The
detailed engine bay is enhanced with correct battery cables,
date-coded plug wires, correct Tri-Power air cleaner, three-row
radiator with shroud, GM hoses and clamps, as well as power
steering and power brakes. Showing in wonderful condition, with its
vibrant red exterior and well-detailed interior, this '59 Impala
Convertible will continue to wow at weekend cruise-ins, informal
enthusiast gatherings, and club events. * Equipped with a 348
big-block Tri-power engine
* Features power convertible top, power steering, and power
brakes
* Desirable Roman Red with matching interior
* Dual antenna and spinner wheel covers
* Among the most coveted Space Age convertibles built
The Impala debuted as a sub-series of the Bel Air in 1958. One year
later, Chevrolet let the popular car live on as a model of its own.
The move was part of a larger shift within General Motors that saw
platforms consolidated and shared across the various sub-brands. At
the core of the revamp was a new 'tubular center X-frame chassis'
that debuted on 1957 Cadillacs. Also known as a 'backbone chassis,'
it allowed the bodies to sit a full three inches lower than before,
creating the long, low-slung profiles that GM cars of this era are
famous for.
With the Impala, Chevrolet doubled down on Space Age styling
trends, the already jaunty tail fins of the 1958 model swelling to
the size of a whale's tail, flattened and protruding outward rather
than upward. The characteristic trio of round taillamps that
debuted on the '58 Impala, which would return for 1960 and
eventually become a hallmark of the model, gave way to elongated
teardrop-shaped lenses in 1959. Perhaps unaware at the time,
Chevrolet had created one of the most instantly recognizable
American automotive designs of all time.
A four-door hardtop and four-door sedan joined the previous
Impala's coupe and convertible body styles for 1959. An inline
six-cylinder engine came standard, while three V-8 engines provided
power options for every budget. Interiors grew more stylish and
comfortable, as features like a six-way power seat made their
debut. With every body style handily outselling the previous, it
was clear Chevrolet found a recipe for success. Among the rarest of
the 1959 models, the convertible sold nearly 73,000 units, versus
around 56,000 the year prior.
Beautifully presented in factory-correct Roman Red over red vinyl
interior, this spectacular 1959 Impala was built at Chevrolet's
famous Tonawanda plant on December 10, 1958. It features an array
of desirable factory options and accessories that include a front
grille guard, spinner wheel covers, dual rear-mounted antennas and
radial wide whitewall tires. Restored to a high standard with
brilliant chrome, paint, and brightwork, this car is simply
stunning. The correct interior features an accessory tissue
dispenser, original AM radio, day/night mirror, two-speed wipers,
windshield washers, power-operated convertible top and
color-coordinated seat belts. The trunk compartment is complete
with correct trunk mat, spare tire, and jack assembly.
Along with all the additional luxury that the Impala offered, so
too was more power. In 1958, Chevy introduced the 348-cubic-inch
'Turbo Thrust' engine, Chevy's second-generation V-8. It was called
the 'W' engine, referring to the shape of its valve covers.
Eventually, it evolved into the legendary '409.' The optional V-8
with Tri-Power, or three two-barrel carburetors, was good for 280
horsepower, and this example is so equipped. Power is sent to the
rear wheels via Chevrolet's venerable Powerglide automatic
transmission. The detailed engine bay is enhanced with correct
battery cables, date-coded plug wires, correct Tri-Power air
cleaner, three-row radiator with shroud, GM hoses and clamps, as
well as power steering and power brakes.
Showing in wonderful condition, with its vibrant red exterior and
well-detailed interior, this '59 Impala Convertible will continue
to wow at weekend cruise-ins, informal enthusiast gatherings, and
club events.
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