502-Powered 1959 Chevrolet Impala 5-Speed

This 1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe is a two-door customized Pro-Touring build powered by a 502ci V8 connected to a Tremec 5-speed manual gearbox. Performance enhancements include an independent front suspension, adjustable coil overs, and a custom exhaust system with 4-inch stainless steel piping. Inside the custom cockpit, there are electric windows, an Audiovox Bluetooth stereo system, and more. Dressed in Fruehauf Yellow on the outside and beige and brown on the inside, this second-generation Impala is now offered with a clear title in the seller’s name.

As part of its transformation into a Pro-Touring car, this Impala received custom cosmetic work, including shaved trim, chrome, and door handles along with remote-controlled door poppers. The remaining brightwork highlights the windshield frame, window surrounds, and body sides. The front and rear glass were sourced from new old stock. A pair of 4-inch stainless pipes attached to the custom exhaust system exits below the rear bumper.

According to the current owner who's had this car for the past five years, this Impala was repainted sometime around 2001. It's covered in Fruehauf Yellow and rolls on a set of polished American Racing wheels that measure 18” X 8” in the front and 20” X 12” in the rear. Behind those wheels are Wilwood disc brakes with stainless steel braided lines and hoses.

The beige and brown leather interior features numerous custom parts, including the leather-wrapped Lecarra steering wheel on an Ididit steering column, front bucket seats, rear bench, center console, headliner, and even the carpeted trunk. Below the body-color dashboard is the head unit for a custom Audiovox AM-FM/CD/Bluetooth stereo system. The center console between the two front bucket seats serves as the base for a Hurst shift lever topped with a white shift knob. Other hardware includes power window controls and a Lokar emergency brake handle. 
 

Instrumentation includes custom Autometer gauges with readouts for the fuel level, battery voltage, RPMs, water temperature, and more. There are two notable exclusions: The dashboard doesn't contain an odometer or speedometer, making this car's mileage unknown.

Under the hood is a 502ci V8 GM crate engine that generates 502 horsepower. That's paired with a Tremec TKO 5-speed manual transmission, which features a McLeod hydraulic clutch. That combination sends the engine's power to the road through the rear wheels. 

Underneath this Impala is a chassis made out of hydroformed 2” X 3” rails, Strange Engineering axles, and a custom 9-inch Ford differential with 3.73 gearing. A custom 4-link independent front suspension from Art Morrison, chrome-moly tubular control arms, and Strange Engineering adjustable coil-overs make up the main suspension components. The 502ci V8 under the hood uses a Holley electric fuel pump and stainless steel fuel lines to draw gas from a custom 15-gallon stainless steel tank.

The current owner reports that this Impala received new tires, a tire balancing, a front-end alignment, and an oil and filter change this spring.

"AUTOHUNTER ADMIN UPDATE 8/5/21 11:22AM: Added engine on walk-around video