Photo: Craigslist
While the Impala debuted in 1958 as the top-of-the-line Bel Air, the car started its adventure in the automotive space in 1956 when GM presented a prototype at its motor show. The response was so good that the company needed only two years to go from the drawing board to the production phase, so the Impala launched two years later as a hardtop and convertible.
The same story happened again, and the Impala was an overnight sensation. Its strong sales from its first days on the market convinced Chevrolet to upgrade the car to a stand-alone series.
The Impala gained series status in 1959, when it separated from the Bel Air, despite the entire full-size lineup sharing the styling, the engine lineup, and many parts. However, the Impala was the only model fitted with the best of the best in the Chevy world.
A 1959 four-door Impala landed on Craigslist a few hours ago, seeking a new home.
The car comes in good shape, or at least better than you'd expect on a vehicle that's been sitting on blocks since 1993. That's the owner's claim, as the Impala is a project described as a "true barn find." Despite sitting on blocks, the Impala is now on its wheels, flexing essential fixes like a new gas tank, lines, and water pump starter.
It still comes with the original trim and hub caps, and the frame is still solid.
If you're here for rust information, I don't have many details on this front, but a car sitting on blocks for so long might already exhibit the typical undercarriage damage. You know the drill: go there, put the car on a lift, and inspect every inch of the undersides thoroughly to see how much rust you'll have to deal with.
The engine under the hood is no longer the original one, and that's a shame, considering this is the first Impala that hit the streets as a stand-alone series. It's now powered by a 350 unit, albeit its condition is unclear. Given all the fixes received lately, I expect the V8 to start, but you'll be able to get more information when you inspect this Impala in person. The transmission needs work, as it doesn't get into reverse.
The selling price makes sense for a solid 1959 Impala, albeit the lack of the original engine could be a strong reason for many buyers to walk away at this point. The owner expects to get $14,000 for this full-size Chevy, so it'll be interesting to see how fast the car finds a new home. $10,000 would be a fair price, considering the lack of information, but once you're there and get a full picture of its condition, you should be able to determine how much the car is worth more accurately.
The Impala gained series status in 1959, when it separated from the Bel Air, despite the entire full-size lineup sharing the styling, the engine lineup, and many parts. However, the Impala was the only model fitted with the best of the best in the Chevy world.
A 1959 four-door Impala landed on Craigslist a few hours ago, seeking a new home.
The car comes in good shape, or at least better than you'd expect on a vehicle that's been sitting on blocks since 1993. That's the owner's claim, as the Impala is a project described as a "true barn find." Despite sitting on blocks, the Impala is now on its wheels, flexing essential fixes like a new gas tank, lines, and water pump starter.
It still comes with the original trim and hub caps, and the frame is still solid.
If you're here for rust information, I don't have many details on this front, but a car sitting on blocks for so long might already exhibit the typical undercarriage damage. You know the drill: go there, put the car on a lift, and inspect every inch of the undersides thoroughly to see how much rust you'll have to deal with.
The engine under the hood is no longer the original one, and that's a shame, considering this is the first Impala that hit the streets as a stand-alone series. It's now powered by a 350 unit, albeit its condition is unclear. Given all the fixes received lately, I expect the V8 to start, but you'll be able to get more information when you inspect this Impala in person. The transmission needs work, as it doesn't get into reverse.
The selling price makes sense for a solid 1959 Impala, albeit the lack of the original engine could be a strong reason for many buyers to walk away at this point. The owner expects to get $14,000 for this full-size Chevy, so it'll be interesting to see how fast the car finds a new home. $10,000 would be a fair price, considering the lack of information, but once you're there and get a full picture of its condition, you should be able to determine how much the car is worth more accurately.
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