This 1958 Chevrolet Impala is a nicely optioned 2 door hardtop that is ready for some serious summer cruising! After nearly a decade of continued growth in automotive industry,...
This 1958 Chevrolet Impala is a nicely optioned 2 door hardtop that is ready for some serious summer cruising! After nearly a decade of continued growth in automotive industry, an economic downtown in 1958 caused buyers to start slamming the brakes on new automobile purchases. Despite the less than ideal economic circumstances the American automakers continued to release new vehicle designs and launch new items, some of which remain some of the most iconic automobiles ever produced. One such example was the 1958 Chevrolet Impala, which was a top trim level option package for Chevy's Bel Air line. Emerging from the iconic design period known as the Tri-Five era, Chevrolet redesigned all of its 1958 passenger cars. The Impala sported the new-look, modernized style and was touted in Chevy's marketing materials as "lower, wider, [and] longer." The Impala's top notch passenger cabin was considered to be the plushest and most luxurious Chevrolet interior produced by the GM marque up until 1958 and remains one of the most iconic Chevy interiors ever produced. The exteriors also underwent a major facelift. Up front, one of the most famous and noticeable update was the addition of a new dual headlight design brought on by a change in government regulation, and was in line with the changes seen on virtually all American manufacturers in 1958. Additionally, a redesigned grille and bumper design served as a beautiful complement to the quad-headlights and really modernized the front end look. The Impala's side profile also sported numerous updates such as 4 Chevrons that were added to the front fenders as well as additional chrome trim and Impala-specific emblems that noted the presence of a top-level Impala. The other major change to the side silhouette was a new hardtop roofline that further added to the modern look of the '58 Chevrolets. Of course, perhaps most would consider the '58 Chevys' rear end to be the most iconic design element with the addition of 3 "missile" style taillights framed by the swooping lines of the gullwing-like rear quarters. In addition, the 1958 Impalas had simulated air scoops on the rear fenders that, along with the additional taillights, differentiated the Impala from the lower level Bel Air. The other major addition to Chevrolet 1958 passenger car lineup was the availability of a Big Block engine that would make the Impala quite a stout automobile for the performance-oriented crowd and it would not leave Chevy's lineup for a number of years thereafter. Powering this particular '58 Impala 2 door hardtop is a 348 Cubic Inch V8 engine paired with a single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced 250 horsepower when new. The 348 V8 is mated to a Turboglide Automatic transmission ensuring that just about anybody can take this Impala for spin around the block. Exhaust exits 348 Chevy powerplant via a dual exhaust setup that creates a nice throaty sound out of the rear tailpipes. This 1958 Impala is equipped with some great options! With power brakes, bringing this '58 Impala to a complete stop is made much easier especially with all that big block power under the hood. Power steering is another welcome addition to this 1958 Chevrolet since it makes squeezing into a tight parking space almost effortless. An outside chrome mirror is also a great add-on since it makes it much easier to see when pulling into a cramped spot. Riding on a set of thin whitewall radial tires paired with a set of full wheelcovers, this 1958 Impala has a great look and even better ride. The exterior of this Chevy Impala has been correctly refinished in Onyx Black giving it the same look from when it rolled off the Janesville assembly line back in '58. The interior of this 1958 Chevrolet Impala is gorgeous! The front and rear bench seats have been correctly reupholstered in Red vinyl with Gray, Black, and Red Tri-Tone cloth inserts. The color-matched upholstered door panels, dash, red carpeting and red and silver steering wheel are all in great shape as well and appear to retain a nice stock appearance. The instrument cluster is outfitted with a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, and fuel gauge. The dash is finished off with a push-button AM radio, locking glovebox, and clock as well. Whether you're buying your first classic car or you're adding to an existing collection, this 1958 Chevrolet Impala would make a great choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!