1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

Features a 348 big-block engine and three two-barrel carburetors
Recipient of a comprehensive body-off-the-frame restoration
Equipped with power steering, front disc brakes, and continental kit
Boca Raton Concours dElegance participant
Accompanied by documentation including restoration receipts and photos

Chevrolet embarked on a major redesign for 1958. Starting with an all-new Safety Girder chassis, a cruciform-type backbone without side rails, the evolution included lower, wider and longer bodies. The wheelbase grew two inches to 117.5, and styling adopted a sculptured theme, with cove-like rear fenders wrapping around into the rear fascia where the taillights were ensconced.

Emphasizing the newness of the bodies were new model names. The One-Fifty and Two-Ten series were replaced by Del Ray and Biscayne, respectively. Bel Air remained at the top of the catalogue, but a new subseries was created for the convertible and hardtop sport coupe. Named Impala, after the swift African antelope, these two body styles had distinctive, rear sheet metal with three taillights per side and special trim with simulated side air scoops. The Impala name was subsequently used in its own right to signify a top-of-the-range luxury trim level rather than a separate and distinct body style. Marketed as All New, All Over Again, Chevrolets were altogether more modern in appearance every year during this period; growing longer, lower and wider than the year before. The grille and quad headlamp layout took on an almost mini-Cadillac-like flair, and the six-taillight arrangement would later become a hallmark of Impala styling. The body style would last only one model season. The 1958 Impala Sport Convertible was Chevys prestige car that year with around 55,000 sold and its own over-the-top trim package. The Impala was offered with a mind-boggling array of engine, transmission, and trim options from a meager straight-six to a rip-roaring big block.

This Impala has been treated to a body-off-the-frame restoration with great attention to detail and has many desirable and rare options, including a new-for-1958 348-cubic-inch big-block engine fitted with three two-barrel carburetors paired with Chevrolets rugged two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission and dual exhaust. It is finished beautifully in Snowcrest White (code 936) with a crisp, white power-activated convertible top.Notable exterior options include a continental kit, decorative chrome exhaust ports on the lower quarter panels, angled dual rear antennas, right and left exterior chrome mirrors, door handle scuff shields, deluxe spinner wheel covers and wide whitewall radial tires.

This Impalas interior features a dazzling gray, black, and red tri-colored interior done in correct cloth and vinyl materials. Features include a split front bench seat, tinted glass, an AM Wonderbar pushbutton radio, power windows, unique dash-mounted traffic light viewer, chrome Chevrolet tissue dispenser, metallic dash facings and Impala model identification. Other optional amenities are power steering, power brakes and two-speed wipers with windshield washers. Additionally, this car has been fitted with auxiliary gauges and color-coordinated seat belts.

Under the hood is detailed and largely authentic in appearance, highlighted by three two-barrel Rochester carburetors each topped with period-correct aftermarket air cleaners that draw a crowd every time the hood is opened. A burbling, factory-style dual exhaust system with chrome tips adds to the appeal of this Impala. Other under-hood details include a correct generator, points ignition system, correct hoses and clamps, Harrison radiator and proper fan shroud. An upgraded power brake system that features front disc brakes and a dual reservoir master cylinder enhance the drivability and safety of this classic.

The overall beautiful presentation of this Impala is seen throughout the car, from its gleaming chrome and paint, to the detailed undercarriage. This is a highly optioned, beautifully restored, first-year big-block convertible that significantly enhanced a legacy of Chevrolet performance and would make a stellar addition to any collection.