This 1958 Chevrolet Impala convertible comes from the first year of production for the model and is powered by a 348ci Super Turbo-Thrust V8, which is equipped with triple Rochester carburetors and backed by a Turboglide automatic transmission. Finished in Snowcrest White over red, the car features multi-color cloth seat inserts, power seats and windows, dual exhaust, and a Wonder Bar radio. After being restored in the 1990s, this Impala earned top prizes at a number of shows as outlined in the listing. The previous owner was a collector who purchased the car circa 2001 and sold it in 2019 to the selling dealer, who has since commissioned carburetor rebuilds and other maintenance. This Impala is now offered with trophies, owner’s and shop manuals, and a clean New Jersey title.
The Fisher-built body is finished in Snowcrest White (936) and is believed to have been repainted during the 1990s restoration. Introduced for 1958, the first-generation Impala features quad headlamps, sculptured rear fenders, and model-specific triple honeycomb taillights. Impala badging is located above the side spears and faux rear-fender vents. Matching fender skirts are included in the sale.
The powered convertible top is upholstered in white and can be seen in operation in the video above. A snap-on red vinyl cover is included for when the top is folded. 14″ wheels wear chrome hubcaps and B.F.Goodrich Silvertown whitewall tires. Power-assisted drum brakes are fitted at all four corners.
The interior is upholstered in red vinyl with patterned cloth inserts on the front and rear bench seats (855). Matching red carpets and Chevrolet-branded rubber mats line the floor.
The red-painted dashboard features brushed aluminum trim and is fitted with a Wonder Bar AM radio and analog clock. Amenities include a day/night rearview mirror, as well as power steering and windows. Horizontal instrumentation includes a speedometer along with fuel-level and coolant-temperature gauges. Just over 300 miles are shown on the odometer, though true mileage is unknown
The 348ci Super Turbo-Thrust V8 is equipped with three Rochester two-barrel carburetors and produced 280 horsepower when new. The carburetors were reportedly rebuilt by Steve’s Carburetor Shop of Lyndhurst, New Jersey following the seller’s acquisition. The fuel system was also flushed and a new filter and battery were installed. A discharged period battery is included for display purposes. An engine-start video can be seen above.
Photos in the gallery show the block casting and pad and date stampings. This Impala predates General Motors chassis numbers being stamped on engine blocks, however the numerical markings correspond to a triple-carb V8 built for the 1958 model year. Stamping “I1157” indicates block casting on September 11, 1957, and the engine pad stamping pictured above decodes as follows:
- T – Tonawanda assembly plant
- 1002 – October 2
- HA – 280hp, 348 V8, 3-2bbls
The optional dual-exhaust can be seen above, and power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turboglide automatic transmission. Additional photos of the underside are attached in the gallery below.
This Impala won the several awards following its 1990s restoration, including the following:
- National First Prize – 1995 Antique Automobile Club of America
- Post-War Car of the Year – 1995 Roaring 20’s 25th Annual Car Show
- Car of the Year – 1996 Roaring 20’s 26th Annual Southbury Car Show
- First place – 1997 3rd Annual Memorial Weekend Auto Show
