-
- 110,000 overpriced
- Santa Monica, CA
-
- classiccars.com
There's no better example of gm's styling and engineering prowess than the top-of-the-line 1958 chevrolet 'bel air' impala which used an all new and one year only bodyshell shared with pontiac and was chevrolet's sole convertible offered in that year. This exclusive model proved to be a ground breaking model for chevrolet with the new 'impala' name becoming legendary and synomonous with chevrolet in the coming years. The '58s were longer, heavier, lower and wider than the 1955-57s. Styled in the harley earl idiom they were 'rounder' than their 'straighter' predecessors and they expressed commendable restraint in the era of tailfin excesses and were solidly built. The limited edition impala, a package option for the bel air hardtop and convertibles, featured special trim, deluxe interiors and the steepest price in the division. A sterling reception caused chevrolet to expand the impala offerings into a seperate series for '59. This particular example was ordered with the optional 'w' big block 348 turbo thrust 250hp v8 matched to a rochester single 4 barrel carb, automatic choke, power steering and power front disc brakes for a much improved and modern drive, fender skirts and a continental kit. These cars bristled with the latest in modern appointments and had few rivals in the luxury market and the 1958 chevrolet bel air impala helped chevrolet regain the number one production spot in this recession year . Purchased from its most recent southern california owner and obviously always garaged, covered and well maintained since its nuts amp; bolts restroation in the early 2000's. The car has very good gaps and flush fitting doors, hood and trunk and the floor boards, trunk, rockers and all the typical rust-prone areas are completely original, solid and rust-free and the car has no signs of any accidents whatsoever - obviously an always cherished 'garage queen' since new if there ever was one. The car has a very striking repaint in its original factory 'tropical turquoise' color paint and the car boasts its mostly all original interior, including its reupholstered factory correct original 'turquoise/gray/black' tri-colored trim, its original color keyted correct metal dashboard and color keyed matching door panels and with its correct original and new 'white' color power top having been replaced to original specification. All the original chrome has been rechromed and the car boasts its original spare wheel in the trunk. The 348/250hp 4 barrel v8 engine is date code correct to 1958 with a casting # 3732811 matched to date code correct intake manifolds for 1958-59 for a 348 4bbl 250hp v8 3732757) and is extremely strong and powerful and sounds absolutely magnificent and this particular car drives absolutely magnificently - must be driven to be believed - does not miss a beat and purrs like a kitten - drives straight as an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly remarkable daily driver that will give any modern day car a run for it's money! The powerglide 2 speed automatic transmission 3784867) shifts smoothly through the gears and the car is an absolute pleasure to drivethis is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to own a great daily driving and certainly local car show ready example of a mostly completely original spec 1958 chevrolet impala convertible with it's correct and desirable 'w' code big block 348 v8 motor, a unique and very distinctive and iconic one year only design of these rare luxury convertibles built in 1958, in absolutely stunning driving and looking condition!
110,000 Santa Monica, CASanta Monica, CA at classiccars.com