1960 Chevrolet Impala in San Diego, California

Vehicle Description

SUMMARY

348 cubic inch V8
Tri-power
4 speed manual transmission
Factory power steering
4 wheel power disc brakes
Introduced in 1958 as Chevrolet's first foray upmarket, the Impala proved GM's volume car juggernaut had the strength to be all things to all people. It was the ride your upper class neighbors enjoyed and, like the original Bel Air, it wholly embodied the time of its creation. With that in mind, the detailed restoration of this national award-winning convertible involved a frame-off mix of nostalgia and convenience that created a better-than-new cruiser. Amenities like a 348 big block and 4 speed transmission make this the perfect car for fun drives while timeless lines, a stunning interior and miles of smooth paint are sure to keep collectors happy. If you're looking for a spectacular trophy queen that's road ready, show ready, and just plain ready to go, this fully-sorted Chevy is the investment grade classic you've been dreaming of!

BODYWORK/TRIM

This brassy bowtie displays excellent bodywork that simply glistens under our bright showroom lighting. A lot of time and effort was put into making sure the car's profile is extremely straight, which resulted in flat sheetmetal that's completely wave-free. That time was well spent as excellent panel gaps perfectly center hinged pieces that move freely and close with a solid thunk. And those pieces are bathed in a rich layer of Black pigment, which has been sealed in glossy clear and buffed to a spectacular shine.

Speaking of shine, Chevrolet's newly anointed line topper certainly did its fair share to pad the polishing industry. And, as with its sculpted body, all of this Impala's jewelry has been returned to glare-inducing condition. At the front of the car, a broad stainless grille hangs a bright Chevrolet crest between a clean chrome bumper, four T3 headlights and clear parking lamps. Above that grille, a wide-set "CHEVROLET" script stretches between cool '60 Impala fender toppers. Below those toppers, ornate louvers, stainless rocker guards and textured fin caps frame jet-inspired trim spears. At the tops of those spears, chrome-trimmed glass combines with small bowtie mirrors, traditional door handles and angled antennas to highlight a bright white roof. And behind that roof, six Impala-exclusive taillights illuminate a second chrome bumper, a wide stainless valence and flat fins that terminate at a second colorful crest.

ENGINE

In 1960, when one stepped up to a full-size Chevy, it was best they also transition from the Turbo Fire small block to the Turbo Thrust big block. And in the world of W-block big blocks, there existed two schools of thought. Chevy's 'Super' engines were torque-rich mills which employed basic hydraulic valvetrains that were a pleasure to cruise around town. And the brand's 'Special' engines were high-strung racehorses that employed tweaked mechanical bits engineered to blast down the 1/4 mile. Lift this Impala's smooth hood and you'll find 348 cubic inches of Super Turbo Thrust V8 A staple of working-class luxury, this impressive, big torque big block is one of the many reasons the Impala enjoys such fantastic name recognition. And absolutely every item from its thick coat of Chevy Orange paint to its unique, bowtie-branded valve covers has, at one point, been rebuilt, refinished or replaced. Front and center, a fully restored tri-power set up that includes three Rochester 2-barrel carburetors and a network of stainless fuel lines. At the sides of those carbs, restored exhaust manifolds allow the oversquare cylinders ample breathing room by funneling spent gases in to correct, true-dual pipes. At the back of those manifolds, a traditional points distributor sequences fire between a Pertronix coil and correct Radio GM plug wires. Cooling is provided by a screened radiator, which sends water past correct tower clamps via reproduction GM hoses. Charge comes courtesy of a tagged Delco yellow cap battery, which jolts a tagged Delco-Remy generator. And the car's Satin Black engine bay, which is as clean as the paint on its body, serves as an ideal backdrop for the mill's many different textures.

DRIVETRAIN

Park this Chevy on a lift and you'll find a solid undercarriage that, based on appearance, has probably never seen mud puddles or wet pavement. The car's straight floorpans, which are restored in correct Oxide Red primer, ride on a sturdy, Satin Black X-frame. An era-correct 4-speed spins a familiar posi traction GM rear end that literally sails the engine through its broad power band. Under that capable drivetrain, a completely rebuilt coil suspension is equipped with optional power steering and power disc brakes. At the center of the floors, an aluminized, true-dual exhaust system utilizes throaty turbo mufflers to weave an aggressive, full-throttle rumble into a subdued and classy idle. At the corners of the suspension,

WHEELS

Back 18" billet specialties with Dunlop 255 / 45 ZR18 rubber

Front 17" billet specialties with

Dunlop 235 / 50 ZR17 rubber

INTERIOR

Covered in monochromatic houndstooth, this Impala's stunning interior has been restored to factory-fresh condition in virtually every way. The wide bench seats feel newer than the car's 55 years would suggest, and present just as well now as the day they rolled out of the upholstery shop. At the base of those seats, like-new carpet is and tight and fade-free. At the sides of that carpet, 2-tone door panels hang straight stainless trim around traditional handles and modernist armrests. At the front of those panels, a restored dash, which is chock full of rebuilt gauges, The correct Wonderbar AM FM RADIO was rebuilt with modern internals by Antique Automobile Radio Inc. With Bluetooth compatible smart phone pairing. In front of the driver, a color-keyed steering wheel spins around a classic Impala centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk seals a correct mat, correct jack and full-size spare tire below fresh decklid decals.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

A vintage Owner's Manual
Vintage instruction tags for some of the car's accessories
With a clean restoration, fully sorted mechanicals and more style than pretty much anything on the road, this revered Impala literally defines the term "investment grade". So, talk to us now and make space in your garage later because this national award-winning Chevy certainly won't last long!