Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Coupe
Production years: 1958, 1959
1958 was a year of recession, and many carmakers had to cut production costs, but Chevrolet doubled down and offered a special trim level for the Bel Air, namely Impala, which was available as a convertible or a hardtop coupe.
Even though it was based on the Bel Air, it looked different, and, due to its success, the carmaker decided to split the Bel Air and create a new lineup: the Impala.
In 1958, General Motors had its 50th anniversary and decided to create special versions for the brands in its portfolio. The Impala was created as the top version for the Bel Air, and it was available either as a convertible or a Sport Coupe. It featured quad-headlights at the front and looked similar to the Bel Air up to the A-pillars. Yet, the greenhouse was shorter, and the rear deck longer than the rest of the Bel Air models. In addition, its deeply sculptured rear fenders marked a departure from the large fin tails of other American cars from that era. Finally, at the back, the Impala sported three taillights, while the rest of the Bel Air featured just two, or one for the station wagon version.
Inside, Chevrolet installed a taller instrument panel than the rest of the dashboard. It was fitted with a speedometer and a few gauges. In the middle of the dash panel, the Impala sported a radio and the controls for the ventilation system. At the front, the cabin featured a bench seat with individual adjustments for the seatbacks. At the same time, in the rear, the carmaker installed a bench for two with a center armrest.
Under the hood, the Bel Air Impala received a choice of two engines with various power outputs, depending on the carburetor system. The top version was fitted with the newly introduced 5.7-liter V8 fed by three two-barrel carburetors that offered 280 hp. There were 125,480 1958 model-year coupes produced.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.9L 3MT RWD (147 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 3855 cm3 |
Power: | 108.1 KW @ 4200 RPM 147 HP @ 4200 RPM 145 BHP @ 4200 RPM |
Torque: | 215 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM 291 Nm @ 2400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 20 gallons (75.7 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 97 mph (156 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 14.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 3-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Drum |
Rear: | Drum |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 209.1 in (5311 mm) |
Width: | 77.7 in (1974 mm) |
Height: | 59.1 in (1501 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.8/58.8 in (1,494/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 117.5 in (2985 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.5 in (165 mm) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.55 |
Turning circle (curb to curb): | 37.4 ft (11.4 m) |
Turning circle (wall to wall): | 41.3 ft (12.6 m) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3613 lbs (1639 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 5.7L V8 3MT RWD (284 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 5697 cm3 |
Power: | 208.8 KW @ 4800 RPM 284 HP @ 4800 RPM 280 BHP @ 4800 RPM |
Torque: | 355 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM 481 Nm @ 3200 RPM |
Fuel System: | Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 20 gallons (75.7 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 3-speed manual |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 209.1 in (5311 mm) |
Width: | 77.7 in (1974 mm) |
Height: | 59.1 in (1501 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.8/58.8 in (1,494/1,494 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 117.5 in (2985 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3613 lbs (1639 kg) |