Frame Up Restored Impala Convertible 348

The 1960 Chevrolets were the designers' admission that perhaps they'd gone a little too far with the '59s. Yes, there were still fins and chrome, but the days of more being more were coming to a close, and the 1960 Chevys were much more sophisticated and polished looking. Instead of going for radical shapes simply to out-flash the competition, engineers and designers focused on creating a better car, and the 1960 Chevrolets were some of the best machines to ever wear the bowtie emblem.

This spectacular 1960 Impala convertible is proof that the decision was the right one the proportions are spot-on, there's appropriate use of chrome and trim, but not excessive, and the fins that everyone hated in 1959 (and love today) are still there, and they look even better. This extremely solid car has received a high-quality frame-on restoration to a very high standard. With a few thoughtful modifications to enhance the driving experience, it presents in spectacular Roman Red with a red and white leather interior and a white top, which is perhaps the best combination of colors on these cars. Bodywork is fantastic, and you can easily see how well it has been done in the crisp reflections in its paint and the laser-straight alignment of the side trim. The two-stage paint is vivid and deep, and anywhere you go, this car will be a one car parade.

The jet age was still in full swing, even though tailfins were dying out, and you can see its influence in the trim along the sides. And speaking of trim, restoring a car with this much brightwork is an astoundingly huge financial investment, yet I can find no shortcuts. The chrome is show quality, from the bumpers, to the delicate little fins atop the front fenders, to the pedestals for the dual antennas on the rear deck. The stainless is equally nice, polished and free of dents from nose to tail, and it glitters in the sun like a silver mine. That massive wraparound windshield is in excellent condition and shows no wiper marks or chips. Out back, the traditional Impala round tail lights are perfect reproductions that glow brightly.

The top powerplant for the Impala was a 348 cubic inch V8, and this one features a single four-barrel carburetor which helps it generate a respectable 250 horsepower. If you're familiar with these cars, you'll be delighted to see options like the original power steering pump integrated with the generator, the single master cylinder atop the original brake booster, and those very distinctive valve covers with bowtie emblems. The paint on the engine itself is almost as nice as the body; someone spent a LOT of time getting it just right. Satin black provides a wonderful contrast, and is evenly applied to the inner fenders, radiator cradle, and fan shroud, as well as the heavy duty air cleaner. You'll note reproduction radiator and heater hoses, correct tower hose clamps, and even a reproduction Delco battery complete with warning tag. It's hard to believe that this car has been driven, because the engine bay is so spectacular.

Sharp-eyed viewers will be able to spot an important modification, however, and that's the dipstick tube for the TH350 3-speed automatic installed behind the engine. With three speeds instead of the original PowerGlides two, it's a much more road-worthy car that accelerates smoothly and feels a lot more contemporary, without it being a visible change. As I mentioned, the body has not been removed from the frame, but that doesn't mean that the chassis wasn't cleaned, scrubbed, prepped and painted satin black as original. Super clean floors show signs of the original undercoating, while things like the front and rear suspension, as well as the brakes, have been completely rebuilt. A brand new reproduction exhaust system hugs the contours of the X-frame and sounds great with the proper mufflers mounted up front. A new gas tank, plus new lines and hoses throughout, makes this one reliable and dependable out on the road when you're cruising, and new BFGoodrich wide whitewall radials on the original steel wheels make it handle like a new car.

Perhaps this cars most noteworthy feature, however, is the dazzling red and white hounds tooth interior. If you thought the Camaro was the first time Chevy used this cool pattern, guess again, because it's correct in this Impala. Beautifully executed, the entire interior is new, from the seats, to the door panels with their exquisitely detailed armrests, to the fresh carpets underfoot. Ahead of that restored steering wheel with its chrome horn ring, you'll find a quintet of instruments molded into the dashboard for a look that's very futuristic for 1960. Chevy was big on symmetry in the cockpit, and the shape of the dash is echoed on the passenger side, and the original AM radio lives in between. In back, the wide, comfortable bench is split by a rear-mounted speaker, and overhead there's a brilliant white convertible top that stows neatly under a red boot when it's down. The trunk reminds us of how big full-sized cars really were, and features some very well-fitted mats and a wide whitewall tire on a fifth restored steel wheel with jacking instructions. And just to point out how well-detailed this car really is, note that even the spare has been fully dressed.

This 1960 Impala convertible is an extremely impressive car in every way. The quality of the restoration work is beyond reproach, and the color combination and styling make it a complete knockout at shows. However, this one has been tuned for the road, thanks to the sweet-running 348 under the hood and the upgraded transmission. This is a car without vices, and it drives easily with just your fingertips on the wheel, and until you've experienced a full-sized '60s luxury car, you haven't lived. Imagine heading out in this Roman Red ragtop some warm summer evening, the burble of the exhaust behind you and the smooth, powerful sensation of floating down the road, it's a very appealing way to travel. This car is also very reasonably priced compared to its 1958 and ’59 siblings, and arguably is just as handsome and a better driver. Don't miss this opportunity and call today!