1958 Chevrolet Impala in Ft Worth, Texas

Vehicle Description

Chevy's 1958 Impala was a landmark automobile, and the one-year-only design seems to have finally found its place among the most sought-after cars of the 1950s. This one isn't strictly stock, but it has the right look, and with a smooth-running 350, a great color combination, and a few subtle custom touches, it manages to stand out without erasing everything that was great about the original look.

The long, low shape of the '58 Impala is easy to recognize, and this one still wears its Bowtie look with pride. But on closer inspection, you'll find a car that has been tastefully upgraded in the early '60s style, giving it a look that's just a little bit different. Of course, the handsome chocolate brown paint helps and it's quite nicely done, so you will be eager to get it out to shows. The bodywork underneath is equally nice, and like all dark colors, this really is the most important part of the job, so they seem to have really spent the extra time to get it right. Gaps are very good and aside from a few polishing marks, it looks very, very fresh. None of the original stainless trim was removed, so it has that big, flashy chrome '50s look, although the front grille has been replaced with a smooth tubular setup that gives the big Imp an entirely different look. It also carries a set of teardrop spots and clear headlight lenses, which are subtle details that make a big impact.

Working in conjunction with the brown paint, the two-tone tan and cream leather interior has a correct look that's just a little different, much like the exterior. The pleated inserts are comfortable and the sophisticated look works especially well with all the bright trim work inside the car. The original steering wheel has a matching tan leather wrap, but the wheel itself is unmodified and it frames the original dashboard, complete with the wide speedometer and dual temperature and fuel gauges. An under-dash A/C system is a welcome addition, as is the AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit, and there's a slick B&M shifter on the transmission tunnel for managing the upgraded TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. Full-sized comfort really means something in the spacious back seat, which is set up like a pair of buckets, and the giant trunk is well-upholstered with brown carpets that give it a finished look.

The top engine in 1958 was a 348, but this one goes two cubes better by being a 350 cubic inch V8. Beautifully detailed, it really sparkles in the big Imp's engine bay. Edelbrock supplied the intake manifold, carburetor, and air cleaner, and with Chevy Orange paint on the block, there's no mistaking this for anything else. A big aluminum radiator up front keeps everything nice and cool, even on the hottest days, and all the accessories are new, including the alternator and A/C compressor, which uses R134a refrigerant. The transmission is the aforementioned TH350 3-speed unit, which is a nice improvement over the original PowerGlide 2-speed, and it feeds what appears to be the original rear end. A newer exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers sounds '50s perfect and the stance is exactly right. 205/70/14 whitewall radials on steel wheels with hubcaps are surprisingly low-key on such a flashy car, and the look totally works.

There's a great deal of time and money invested in this handsome Impala, and it offers all the upgrades that you'd want in a car built to cruise. Call today!