Asking $69,500
Reasonable Offers Encouraged
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. The Impala is named for a southern African Antelope.
Totally redesigned in 1965, the Impala set an all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units in the U.S., which has never been bettered. All new full-size Chevys eschewed the "X" frame for a full-width perimeter frame, a new body which featured curved, frameless side glass (for pillarless models), sharper angled windshield with newly-reshaped vent windows, and redesigned full-coil suspension Engine choices included the inline six-cylinder as well as the famous Chevy small-block and big-block V8s. Automatic buyers were given the option of the newly-introduced three-range Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission for the newly-introduced Mark IV big-block engine, displacing 396 cubic inches. The old 409-cubic-inch "W" engine was discontinued early in the 1965 model year, so early-production '65s got the 409, as well as 1/10th of 1% had the 396 CID big-block. Moreover, other later-built cars had the 396-cubic-inch as the big-block option with significant horsepower drawback. Two-range Powerglide, as well as Synchro-Mesh 3- and 4-speed manual transmissions were available. As with previous years, Impalas featured more chrome trim inside and out, with pleated tufted upholstery and door panels.The Impala would be the #2-selling convertible in the U.S. in 1966, with 38,000 sold; it was beaten by the Mustang by almost 2:1.
This very low Mileage car has covered just 15,000 Miles from new, and is largely original. It has recently been repainted in the correct color using Base/Clear, had the rugs renewed, the interior chrome redone, had the engine bay detailed, and the sill plates replaced with NOS correct pieces. The car features many rare options including Glass Rear Window, Gauge Package (installed later inthe cars life), Factory A/C, Tilt/Telescopic Wheel, Power Windows, and more. The block is a Warranty (replacement) Block with correct '66 date code, otherwise the car is numbers matching.
This stunning Triple Black SS396 Convertible is sure to create a stir at any Concours or Show you take it to.
