Frame Off Restored Impala Convertible 348 Tri-Power V8

At RK Motors Charlotte, we believe variety is the spice of life. That's why, when you visit our showroom, there's a good chance you'll find multiple versions of the market's most appealing models all under one roof. If you're a Chevy guy, you already know the '58 impala is one of the hottest bowties on the planet. And if you're an Impala guy, you're probably pretty excited that we're not only offering up an elegant "Onyx car,":http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/active#!/1958-Chevrolet-Impala/133308 but also this "hot red cruiser":http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/active#!/1958-Chevrolet-Impala/134097 and the awesome Turquoise car you see here. Our philosophy is simple; we provide the discerning car enthusiast with whatever he or she needs to invest their money wisely. And this stunning drop-top, which wraps a paint booth-fresh restoration around a desirable tri-power big block, a unique tri-tone interior and rare factory air conditioning, is a sure-fire winner. If you're looking for the hottest collector Chevy on the market, take a look at this blue chip Impala!

Claiming this first class convertible is fresh out of a frame-off rebuild isn't some overzealous overstatement. The car literally left the restoration shop in December of last year and probably hasn't even seen enough sunlight to cure its smooth two-stage paint. Speaking of paint, the period-perfect basecoat/clearcoat your looking at is a sweet layer of GM code 914 Tropic Turquoise. Underneath that basecoat, the car's slick body displays calculated build quality that's much better than factory standards. That build quality is only achieved through a series of straight and ripple-free panels which aren't plagued by any rust or major imperfections. Those straight and ripple-free panels result in well-adjusted doors that close solid, and bonnets that seat evenly. And ultimately, it all adds up to one show worthy cruiser that, thanks to its spectacular combination of color and trim, has an absolutely magnetic presence!

Speaking of trim, Chevrolet's new-for-1958 line topper certainly did its fair share to promote the sale of sunglasses. And, as with its sculpted body, all of this Impala's trim has been returned to 100% pristine condition. At the front of the car, a one-piece California bumper props a broad stainless grille behind four clear parking lamps. Above that grille, traditional Chevrolet hood ornamentation rides between bright T3 headlights and good looking '58 Impala-exclusive fender toppers. At the sides of those toppers, straight stainless side spears, which visually connect the car's front fenders with its rear fins, are molded around bright Impala emblems. At the edges of those spears, dent-free rocker guards and Tropical Turquoise fender skirts combine with '58 Impala-exclusive fender louvers and stylish exhaust ports to lend a finished look to the car's profile. At the top of that profile, spotless stainless trim combines with new chrome mirrors, traditional chrome door handles and bright stainless wipers to frame factory-tint glass and a fresh white top. And behind that top, thin stainless trim, which traces six Impala-exclusive tail lights, complements dual decklid antennas, a second chrome bumper and an optional continental kit that mimics the car's “Chevrolet” branded trunk.

Lift this Impala's glossy turquoise hood and you'll find a 348 cubic inch Super Turbo Thrust V8 that wears a 1958-exclusive 3751872 casting number and a June (F) 13th (13) of 1958 (58) casting date. Fully rebuilt, this top-of-the-line, 280 horsepower big block is almost too pretty to risk putting heat into. And absolutely every item, from its fresh coat of Chevy Orange paint to its unique bowtie branded valve covers, has been completely detailed for show. At the top of the block, a satin black, dual-snorkel air cleaner funnels wind into a fully restored tri-power set up that includes three Rochester 2-barrel carburetors, a network of stainless fuel lines and a familiar glass sediment bowl. At the sides of the block, restored exhaust manifolds allow the oversquare cylinders ample breathing room by funneling spent gases into a new true dual exhaust system. At the back of the block, a traditional points distributor sends fire through fresh 7mm High Temperature plug wires. Cooling is provided by a correct radiator which sends water past correct squeeze clamps via brand new hoses. Charge comes courtesy of a Delco yellow cap battery that jolts a tagged Delco-Remy generator and a series of Delco Remy electrical components. And there's even a fully restored Harrison air conditioning system that works as good as new! All the right details including a correct washer fluid system, new decals and replicated factory markings have been fitted between standard gray hood hardware. And the car's glossy black engine bay, which is as smooth and clean as the paint on its body, serves as an ideal backdrop for the big mill's many different textures.

Park this topless full-size on a lift and you'll find a squeaky clean undercarriage that's barely seen enough road time to accumulate a visible layer of dust. The car's solid floorpans are covered in a seamless coat of oxide red paint, which perfectly contrasts its glossy black X-frame. A two-speed Powerglide transmission, which is branded with a correct 3742349 casting number and a January (A) 28th (28) of 1958 (8) casting date, spins a correct GM rear end that literally sails the engine through its broad power band. Under that rock solid drivetrain, a completely rebuilt coil suspension is equipped with a factory power steering system that makes turns easy, and power front disc and rear drum brakes that successfully counter torque. At the center of the floors, a stainless, true dual exhaust system utilizes correct turbo mufflers, which look almost as cool as they sound, to weave an aggressive full throttle rumble into a subdued and classy idle. At the corners of the suspension, great looking 205/75R14 American Classic whitewalls frame deluxe factory spinners. And everything from this Chevy's stiff shocks to its shiny stainless fuel tank is new, fully sorted and ready to hit the pavement.

In the 1950s, GM was the king of design. Period. And this Impala's super cool GM code 807 tri-tone interior is one of the most beautiful cockpits ever mounted behind a motor. As fastidiously crafted as the car's bodywork, the chrome-trimmed teal, silver and black bench seats are firm and extremely spacious. There's a stylish 1958 Chevy dash that's glossed in turquoise, trimmed in brushed aluminum and equipped with chrome-rimmed gauges, an optional Wonder Bar radio and a correct factory clock. Note the car's spectacular door panels, which carry their combination of chrome and two-tone aluminum past optional power windows to a tight convertible cowl. And below the seats, like-new carpet is protected by deluxe rubber floor mats. The centerpiece of this tailored environment is an expertly restored two-tone steering wheel which is cinched between a chrome Powerglide shifter, a bright horn ring and a classic Impala centerpiece. And behind the cockpit, a show quality trunk features a reproduction mat and almost enough room to stash a Smart Fortwo -- just in case you need something to putter around the swap meet.

The sale of this awesome Chevy full-size includes an instruction sheet for its correct Powerglide transmission and a GM factory tool kit.

This pristine Chevy drop-top is absolutely off-the-charts in every measurable way! And if you've spent any time looking at first year Impala convertibles you know this top option beaut is about as investment grade as they come. There simply isn't much late 50s metal that's nicer or cooler than this car. And when you add in its desirable combination, correct drivetrain components and rare factory air conditioning, you're looking at what might be the ultimate collector car!