1958 Chevrolet Impala

This award-winning 1958 Chevrolet Impala two-door hardtop was treated to an inside-and-out restoration and an upgraded powertrain centered around a 350ci V8 paired with a Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission. The body features fender skirts, bright moldings, dual antennas, a continental kit, and a dual exhaust system while the interior bears custom tri-tone seating inserts and a center console with storage. Finished in two-tone Rio Red and Arctic White over a red, white, and black leather and cloth interior, this first-year Impala is now offered by the selling dealer with a clear Texas title.

The full-sized Impala model made its debut in 1958 as a top-of-the-line Bel Air on the General Motors B-body platform. Styling was penned by Joseph R. Schemansky and distinguishable from other models by its shorter greenhouse, longer rear deck, extended wheelbase, and triple taillights. This rust-free Impala two-door hardtop from that initial model year won a National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America in 1993. It was restored last year and repainted Rio Red with an Arctic White roof under prior ownership approximately four years ago. Features include quad headlights, bright trim, rear fender skirts, stainless steel rocker panel accents, dual antennas, a continental kit, and dual polished exhaust outlets.

Steel 14-inch wheels with refurbished full covers and knock-off spinner caps are wrapped in newer Coker Classic whitewall tires.

The interior received Dynamat Xtreme sound damping insulation during the restoration process completed last year. It comes furnished with reupholstered red leather seating with complementing black, red, and white inserts for the front and rear seats, matched to new carpeting and rubber floor mats. Additional features include a power-operated front bench, lap belts, a center console with dual cup holders and a Magellan navigation system, an under-dash tissue dispenser, rear fold-down armrests, aluminum trim, and a Wonderbar AM/FM radio connected to front and rear speakers. The weatherstripping for the doors and windows has been replaced. The trunk has been upholstered in red and white leather, according to the selling dealer.

Vehicle information is conveyed through a sweeping 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel level. According to the selling dealer, the five-digit mechanical odometer has rolled over and shows 1,578 miles, which equates to a true reading of 101,578 miles. The car as a whole has accrued approximately 10K miles over the past few years.

The upgraded crate-sourced small-block 350ci V8 was installed approximately two years ago and has accrued roughly 1,600 miles since then. The powerplant was rated at 350 horsepower. Performance equipment includes a Holley carburetor and dual electric cooling fans. The engine bay is dressed in chrome accents for the air cleaner, valve covers, alternator, brake booster, and master cylinder. The fuel tank has been replaced. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a column-shifted Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission.

The chassis uses a Ridetech ShockWave front and rear airbag setup. Stopping power comes from power-assisted front discs and rear drums. Additional photos showing the underside of the vehicle are available in the carousel to the right.