1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible - Significant Cars, Inc.

The Impala was introduced in 1958 as a new, upmarket, sporty trim package created for Bel Air coupes and convertibles. Unique to the model were its six taillights, which set it apart from lower trim levels with only two lights on a side. This classic styling cue would become its trademark. The Impala became a separate model in 1959 in both two- and four-door versions and became the best-selling car in the Chevrolet lineup. For 1960, it became the best-selling automobile in the US and held that position for the next decade. The Impala featured body-on-frame construction, using the "X" frame used on other Chevys, as well as Cadillac.

Ed Cole, Chevrolet's chief engineer in the late 1950s, defined the Impala as a "prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen." From 1958 until 1965, the Impala was Chevrolet's most expensive full-size car.

The Impala name was first used for theCorvette-based show car at the 1956 Motorama. Painted emerald Green metallic, with a white interior, the Impala show car featured hardtop styling.

In the late sixties, the Impala was typically positioned just below the top luxury trim, the Caprice, and above the more economical models like the Biscayne or the Bel Air. The Impala is named for a southern African Antelope.

One of both General Motors' and America's most successful auto nameplates, the Impala was often the best-selling automobile in its formative years when full-sized cars dominated sales. The 1965 sales of over one million units in the U.S. still stands as a record. From 1958 through 1996, Impala sales were in excess of 13 million, more than any other full-size car in the history of the automobile. The current version of the Impala is the 8th best selling vehicle (of any kind) and 5th best selling car in the United States and has the distinction of being the top selling American nameplate sedan, according to Reuters Top 20 Best-selling Vehicles Scorecard for the calendar year of 2007.

The 58 Impala is one of the most desriable and collectible Post War Cars. A Certifed Milestone Car, the '58 Impala is a sure bet for increased appreciation in today active collector car marketplace.

This very very nice example is finished in Tropical Turquoise, with complimentary two toned matching seats and carpeting. Fitted with the very desirable 280 HP optional 348 Super Turbo Thrust engine, 3 dual barrel carburetors and a Power Glide Automatic Transmission, it offers its driver ample power and speed. The Impala is loaded with a long list of desirable options including Power Steering, Pwoer brakes, radio with rear speaker, twin rear antennna, electric clock, Kleenex Dispenser, Continental Kit, Dual Exhaust, Skirts, Spinners, and an extra spare in the trunk to name just a few. The history of the car dates back to 1981 when a Mr James Weiland pruchased the car from the widow of the original owner. She told him the car had its origianl mileage which at that time was just over 25,000 miles. Mr. Weiland was asleep at the wheel at the DMV who marked the car "Mileage Exempt". He complained to no avail of course, but affidavits from Mr Weiland do accompany the car stating the mileage is correct. Mr Weiland kept the car 24 years restoring it over time.

Our client purchased the car in the last few years and found lots of things needed attended to to make the car a dependable driver, and also replaced some incorrect parts with correct ones. In the last 2 years the following things have been done: All new Brakes, Tires, Heater, Fuel Guage, Throttle Cable, Voltage Regulator, Clock, Shifter were installed. The Transmission was rebuilt. A New top and rear window were installed. and a correct appearing AM/FM radio was installed, as well as the correct Air Cleaner, which was missing from the car, was located, restored, and installed.

This car is now ready for anything one would wish to do with it. It is quite show worthy and would do well at any Concours- Only 2 flaws were noted- a very minor slit in the rear seat fabric, and a minor crack on one of the spotlight mirrors. I would not hesitate to drive this car cross country today. It starts right up, runs smoothly, accelerates with authority, stops straight and true, doesn't smoke, handles well, and shifts well. If you are looking for a fully sorted Show ready Impala Convertible this is your car!