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 restoration of this awesome,
third-generation convertible involved a frame-off mix of nostalgia
and skill that created a better-than-new cruiser. Amenities like a
hot 409 and tough Muncie 4-speed make this the perfect car for fun
drives while timeless lines, a correct interior and miles of
correct Tuxedo Black paint are sure to keep collectors happy. If
you're looking for some spectacular metal that's road ready, show
ready, and just plain ready to go, this brazen bowtie is your kind
of classic!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Formerly part of a 180-car Chevrolet collection, this
top-of-the-line drop-top displays immaculate bodywork that simply
glistens. The car's super straight profile is layered in correct
Tuxedo Black 2-stage that's been buffed to a spectacular shine.
And, in typical '60s fashion, that pigment is fully detailed in
literal feet of polished trim. At the front of this sleek showboat,
a broad stainless grille hangs T3 headlights and amber parking
lamps between an ornate Chevrolet crest, a blocky "CHEVROLET"
script and a guarded bumper. At the top of that grille, subtle hood
spears lead the eye to a factory-tint greenhouse, which is sealed
in straight frames, cleared by bright wipers and capped in
power-operated vinyl. At the sides of that hood, engine-turned,
SS-spec speed spears found bold "IMPALA" scripts beneath
traditional cross-flag emblems and "SS" quarter badging. Opposite
those spears, correct door handles and classy bowtie mirrors
perfectly complement optional nail guards and an angled antenna.
And at the back of the car, a stainless-trimmed, engine-turned
valence hangs six familiar taillights between a second Chevrolet
crest, a small "CHEVROLET" script and a second guarded bumper.
ENGINE
In the early days of America's horsepower wars, Chevy's stalwart
409 was arguably the go-to choice for most racers. There was simply
nothing else on the road that could touch its street-ruling
horsepower. And that made cars like this sculpted drop-top feared
and equally revered. At the top of its "QB" branded mill, a
polished, dual-snorkel air cleaner forces oxygen in to dual
4-barrel carburetors, which feed through an old school fuel bowl
and polished fluid lines. Those massive pots top an aluminum
intake, which wedges a chrome-capped oil filler between factory
heads and polished, bowtie-stamped valve covers. Those valves send
spent gases in to correct, cast iron exhaust manifolds and a
2.5-inch, true-dual exhaust system that's characterized by a deep,
vintage roar. That roar is the product of sparks sequenced through
a familiar points distributor and trusted Packard Radio TVRS
cables. And this B-Body's entire engine compartment, from its Chevy
Orange block and Satin Black fenders to its clean Delco battery and
cool washer bottle, is nicely detailed and ready to show.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Torque meets the pavement through a tough Muncie 4-speed, which
spins a factory rear end. The car's rebuilt suspension is greatly
enhanced by factory power steering and power drum brakes. Exhaust
flows from the aforementioned manifolds to quality turbo mufflers.
And all that fully sorted hardware rides painted steel wheels,
which spin 7.50-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around
red-detailed, Super Sport-spec wheel covers.
INTERIOR
Covered in a monochromatic sheen, this Chevy's correct interior has
been restored to factory-fresh condition in virtually every way.
The SS-specific front bucket and rear bench seats feel newer than
the car's 54 years would suggest, and present just as well now as
the day they rolled out of the upholstery shop. In front of those
thrones, a padded dash, dressed in the usual combination of
telemetry, audio and trim, founds an optional Autronic Eye
headlight dimmer opposite an optional, polished tissue box. At the
base of that dash, a stylish, SS-specific console centers a chrome
shifter in front of lockable storage. A color-keyed steering wheel
laps a factory tachometer, which is centered on a tilting column.
And optional equipment includes power windows and dealer-installed
hazard flashers.
With a clean restoration, fully sorted mechanicals and more style
than pretty much anything on the road, this coveted Impala
literally defines the term "Americana". Talk to us now and make
space in your garage later - this Chevy won't wait around!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a ground-up restoration
409 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 / Dual-quad induction
Muncie 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Tuxedo Black paint
Correct Red interior
Factory power steering
Factory 4-wheel power drum brakes
14-inch wheels