One of Chevrolet's most iconic nameplates, the Impala started life as a Corvette-like GM Motorama show car in 1956. Two later, it became a production model that topped Chevrolet's full-size lineup. Launched as part of GM's 50th anniversary, the Impala hit the market as a fancied-up Bel Air.
The nameplate became an instant hit and remained in production through 1985. Chevrolet revived the badge from 1994 to 1996 and offered the Impala for the third time from 2000 to 2020. In all, the Impala has been around for a whopping 49 years.
The nameplate spawned several iterations that are now highly sought-after. But no SS or "bubble-top" is cooler than the 1958 version in my book. It's the Impala that kickstarted the legacy, and it's rarer than most versions that followed. Moreover, this car looks the part when properly restored. This triple-black drop-top is all the proof you need.
In search of a new home via Vanguard Motor Sales, this 1958 Impala is a textbook example of how all classic cars should be restored. Yes, it's not a survivor, and it hides a few upgrades under the skin, but just look at it! "Wow!" doesn't even begin to cover it. This rig rocks the shiniest black paint job I've seen in a long time, and mirror-like chrome trim you usually see on dealership and museum floors.
It's unclear if this Chevy left the factory in this color combo, but the triple-black suit fits the 1958 Impala like a glove. And in addition to a spotless exterior, this convertible packs a squeaky clean interior and a perfect retractable top. It's what every barn find hopes to become.
The engine bay is just as clean, but that's not the only nice surprise you'll find under the hood. This Impala packs solid oomph thanks to a 348-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) W-series V8. It was one of three mills available that year and sat atop the base 235-cubic-inch (3.9-liter) "Blue Flame" inline-six and the 283-cubic-inch (4.6-liter) "Turbo Fire" V8.
Dubbed "Turbo Thrust," the 348 was Chevrolet's first-ever big-block V8 and turned the Impala into a bit of a hot rod. The regular four-barrel version came with 250 horsepower on tap, while the range-topping mill featured a trio of two-barrel carburetors and sent 280 hoses to the rear wheels. This one relies on the latter.
Now, what about those upgrades, you ask? Well, for starters, the 348 V8 doesn't mate to a three-speed manual or two-speed automatic like it did back in the day. This Impala gained a four-speed automatic transmission. The list also includes disc brakes at all four corners and an aluminum radiator. All told, this land yacht accelerates, stops, and cools down better than its factory-stock siblings.
It's not exactly affordable, though. The seller is asking $229,900 for this drop-top, which is in line with the sticker of a restored, highly original example. These convertibles fetch anywhere from $180,000 to $270,000 at public auctions. The 1958 version is one of the most expensive Impalas out there, but it's also among the rarest, especially in convertible form. Hit the play button below for a closer look at this gorgeous classic.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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