One of Chevrolet's most iconic models, the Impala was born in 1958. Created as a special trim celebrating GM's 50th anniversary, the Impala slotted above the Bel Air, topping the company's full-size range. The nameplate sold 181,469 units, about 15% of Chevrolet production that year, prompting the brand to keep it in production for 1959.
Although it lost its range-topping status in 1966, the Impala remained in continuous production through 1985. Chevrolet revived the name from 1994 to 1996 and from 2000 to 2020. Come 2024, the 1958 Impala is a highly sought-after one-year gem. And thankfully enough, many examples are still around as restored classics.
Spotted at a local cars and coffee event in Florida, this black example is one of those fine Impalas that could win prizes at classic car shows. Not only does it look flawless inside and out, but it also packs the greatest engine Chevrolet had to offer at the time.
The Impala wasn't designed to break any speed records, so it came standard with the 235-cubic-inch (3.9-liter) "Blue Flame" inline-six. However, customers who needed more than 145 horsepower had the option to upgrade to the 283-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) V8. This mill delivered 170 to 250 horsepower, depending on specs.
The Impala also got the 348-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8 that Chevrolet had just introduced in 1958. The four-barrel version matched the 250-horsepower output of the fuel-injected 283, but the optional "Tri-Power" variant delivered a bit more oomph. Fitted with a trio of two-barrel carbs, it came with 280 horses on tap. This Impala is equipped with the "Tri-Power" unit.
This lump is the most desirable of the 1958 Impala engine lineup and turns full-size rigs in this condition into six-figure classics.
The interior looks just as good as the exterior and the engine bay. And this cabin is proof that Chevrolet offered some of the coolest interiors in 1958. Although mostly black, the colored fabric stripes on the seats and the turquoise inserts on the door panels make the cabin a lovely place to spend time.
Moreover, this Chevrolet packs a rare option you probably never knew existed. See the tiny jar mounted under the dashboard at the 0:50-minute mark? Well, that seemingly strange item is part of the Vacuum Ashtray option. Chevrolet offered this dealer-installed accessory from 1956 to 1960.
As you might have already guessed from the name, it was designed to suck the cigarettes and ashes out of the ashtray and into a jar through a mechanism installed under the dash. The device didn't catch on, though. Most drivers opted to ash out the window, so the Vacuum Ashtray is now a rarely-seen item. You can check out the second video below to learn more about this dealer-installed option.
Meanwhile, play the first video for a closer look at this gorgeous Impala. By the way, it also features a continental kit and a drive-in prop. It really doesn't get better than this.
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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