Photo: Craigslist
The 1958 model year is the one that started the Impala frenzy, turning the Bel Air into a second-class citizen and providing customers in the States with a new top-of-the-line full-size superstar.
Chevrolet initially presented the Impala at the 1956 motor show, so the company needed only two years to progress from the drawing board to mass production.
The original Impala launched as the top Bel Air version, landing as a hardtop and convertible. It borrowed the styling and engine lineup from the Bel Air but slowly became the model with all the full-size bells and whistles.
A year later, the Impala gained series status, becoming the dominant name in Chevrolet's car lineup. In 1965, the Impala became the first car in the United States after WWII to sell more than one million units in a single year.
The 1958 has become a highly desirable model in the collectors' world, mainly because it was the first release of an icon. An all-original Impala in tip-top shape could go well over $100K, so if you're not in a position to spend big bucks on the car, you can turn to plan B and buy a project car.
1958 Impala projects aren't common, but they occasionally appear online, often in a challenging shape. Someone on Craigslist claims their 1958 Impala could eventually become a head-turning machine despite exhibiting major rust problems.
This Impala needs new floors and a new trunk pan, likely as it's been sitting for years. The window sticker indicates that the Impala was last on the road in 1996, so the car hasn't moved in 18 years. Depending on where it's been sleeping, it turned into a rust victim, as the undercarriage has apparently been compromised.
The frame is still solid, and the body will require some work. A 283 engine is still in the car in running shape.
However, while this Impala looks like the perfect restoration candidate, the car raises more questions than answers. It's unclear if it's still original, and we all know how important this is for someone attempting to restore a 1958 Impala. I also can't tell if the car is complete, as a car sitting for nearly two decades might have previously served as a donor for another project. It's also unknown if the 283 under the hood has already been rebuilt – which is likely, considering it still runs 66 years later.
The selling price could be a hint that the Impala is still complete and original, but you'll have to call the owner to discuss more details. You should be able to take it home for $14,900, which is fairly ambitious if the car has lost its original coolness.
It's located in Marseilles, Illinois, and you'll need to take it home on a trailer.
The original Impala launched as the top Bel Air version, landing as a hardtop and convertible. It borrowed the styling and engine lineup from the Bel Air but slowly became the model with all the full-size bells and whistles.
A year later, the Impala gained series status, becoming the dominant name in Chevrolet's car lineup. In 1965, the Impala became the first car in the United States after WWII to sell more than one million units in a single year.
The 1958 has become a highly desirable model in the collectors' world, mainly because it was the first release of an icon. An all-original Impala in tip-top shape could go well over $100K, so if you're not in a position to spend big bucks on the car, you can turn to plan B and buy a project car.
1958 Impala projects aren't common, but they occasionally appear online, often in a challenging shape. Someone on Craigslist claims their 1958 Impala could eventually become a head-turning machine despite exhibiting major rust problems.
This Impala needs new floors and a new trunk pan, likely as it's been sitting for years. The window sticker indicates that the Impala was last on the road in 1996, so the car hasn't moved in 18 years. Depending on where it's been sleeping, it turned into a rust victim, as the undercarriage has apparently been compromised.
The frame is still solid, and the body will require some work. A 283 engine is still in the car in running shape.
However, while this Impala looks like the perfect restoration candidate, the car raises more questions than answers. It's unclear if it's still original, and we all know how important this is for someone attempting to restore a 1958 Impala. I also can't tell if the car is complete, as a car sitting for nearly two decades might have previously served as a donor for another project. It's also unknown if the 283 under the hood has already been rebuilt – which is likely, considering it still runs 66 years later.
The selling price could be a hint that the Impala is still complete and original, but you'll have to call the owner to discuss more details. You should be able to take it home for $14,900, which is fairly ambitious if the car has lost its original coolness.
It's located in Marseilles, Illinois, and you'll need to take it home on a trailer.
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