Frame Off Restored Impala Convertible 348 Tri-Power V8

When people think of collectible Chevrolet convertibles, the '57 Bel Air is usually the first car that comes to mind. But recently, 1958 Impalas have been proving that they can hang right with their traditional Bel Air brethren when it comes to both value and appeal. Just two years ago, we sold a 1958 Impala convertible for a record-setting price that, even to this day, tops the going rate for our most desirable Bel Air. And at the time, most industry folks thought it was the result of one guy finding his ultimate dream car instead of an emerging trend. Well, last month we found another pristine “(external) '58 Impala”: http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/inventory/1958-Chevrolet-Impala/132874 and, within a week, it had driven out of our showroom for a Bel Air topping $140K! Need any more proof that these cars are becoming the ultimate investment grade Chevrolets? This expertly restored 1958 Impala convertible combines a tri-power Super Turbo Thrust big block V8 with a highly desirable teal, silver and black interior to create a top of the line classic which is virtually unmatched in both appeal and appreciation!

As the beneficiary of a recent frame-off rotisserie restoration which utilized the highest quality parts available, this classic Impala is a top notch cruiser which makes no excuses. Undoubtedly, the first thing you'll notice when you walk up to the car is its spectacular coat of correct GM code 900 Onyx Black urethane which has been massaged and buffed to a fantastic shine. Take a longer look at its solid flanks and you'll see large and highly detailed panels which fit together better than new in every way and display a top notch level of fit and finish that creates a near-seamless profile. Study the car for hours and it becomes very apparent that whoever performed the restoration knew exactly what they were doing. There's no filler, no hacked-up patches, and the straight and solid body presents a virtually perfect silhouette which highlights everything that is great about American design!

Longer, lower, wider and decked in brightwork was the name of the game for the late fifties. And as Chevrolet's first mid-market car, this old school Impala convertible takes that theme to new extremes. At the front of the car, a California style one piece bumper frames a massive, body-width chrome grille which hangs clear parking lights below new for 1958 quad T3 headlights and a proper, gold trimmed Chevrolet hood crest. Above those headlights, small chrome fins lead the eye up broad, sculpted fenders which prop new, chrome trimmed glass below a spotless black vinyl top; and stainless wipers combine with correct chrome mirrors to add stylish form to utilitarian function. On the sides of the car, highly detailed trim spears which dissect the front fenders and frame the rear fenders display no dulling or imperfections of any kind. Pristine faux rear air intakes combine with snug fitting wheel skirts and bright red, black and white Impala cross flag emblems to give the car a sense of class and sportiness. And dent free stainless rocker moldings, which feature the same texture as the front and rear bumpers, combine with traditional chrome door handles, pristine front fender louvers and dual chrome antennas to perfectly frame the entire profile of the car's body. Out back, sculpted rear fenders give way to six clear trademark Impala tail lights. And a second pristine chrome bumper carries a chrome trimmed continental kit which is branded with a classic chrome “Chevrolet” script.

Lift this Impala's glossy black hood and you'll find a 348 cubic inch Super Turbo Thrust V8 which wears a 1958 exclusive 3751872 casting number and a January (A) 16th (16) of 1958 (58) casting date. Fully rebuilt, and fully detailed for show, this top-of-the-line 280 horsepower big block is almost too pretty to risk turning the key and putting any heat into. Absolutely no detail has been overlooked, from its fresh coat of Chevy Orange paint to its correct bowtie branded valve covers. At the top of the engine, a satin black dual snorkel air cleaner funnels wind into a fully restored tri-power set up which includes three correct 2-barrel carburetors, a network of fresh stainless fuel lines and a correct glass fuel bowl. At the sides of the engine, restored exhaust manifolds allow the oversquare cylinders ample breathing room by funneling spent gases into a correct true dual exhaust system. And at the back of the engine, a correct points distributor sends fire through fresh GM Radio wires. Cooling is provided by a correct Harrison radiator which sends water past correct squeeze clamps via correct GM hoses. And a correct Delco-Remy generator and power steering unit provides hours of steady power and miles smooth turns thanks to a brand new V-belt. The car's satin black engine bay, which is as smooth and clean as the paint on its body, serves as an ideal backdrop for the many different finishes and textures of the big engine. And all the right details including correct tags and markings have been fitted under brand new hood insulation which gives the car a nice, showroom-fresh appearance.

Under the car, you'll find a stunningly straight and smooth chassis which displays the exceptional attention to detail that is a cornerstone of this Impalas high quality restoration. The solid floorpans are covered in the same satin black as the sturdy X frame and fresh suspension components. And everything from the new shocks up front to the new stainless fuel tank out back is new, fully sorted and ready to hit the pavement. Behind the engine, a fully rebuilt two-speed Powerglide transmission that's branded with a 3742348 casting number and a January (A) 14th (14) of 1958 (8) built date, spins a correct GM rear end which sails the car through its broad power band without even breaking a sweat. Under that rock solid drivetrain, a completely rebuilt coil suspension is equipped with a top-of-the-line power steering system for easy turning, and factory power brakes which do a great job of countering the 348's ability to generate speed. At the center of the car, a factory replacement true dual exhaust system utilizes correct turbo mufflers, which look almost as cool as they sound, to weave an aggressive full throttle rumble into rather subdued, classy idle. And at the corners of the car, great looking 7.50-14 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tires spin fully restored chrome wheel covers.

In the 1950s, GM was the king of interior design. Period. And one look at this Impala's super cool, and correct, GM code 807 tri-tone cockpit reveals an exercise in design and creativity that is just now, almost 54 years later, being rivaled by most OEM cars. As fastidiously crafted as its bodywork, the cars restored interior accurately reproduces original fabrics and textures right down to the chrome trimmed teal, silver and black bench seats. It's stylish 1958 Chevy dash is painted gloss black to match the cars slick body and features spectacular brushed aluminum trim which hangs chrome rimmed gauges next to a correct AM radio, an attractive “Impala” script and a correct factory clock. Note the spectacular door panels which carry their combination chrome and two-tone aluminum treatment all the way into the black convertible cowl. And below the seats, like-new black carpet is protected by tough rubber floor mats. The centerpiece of this tailored environment is an expertly restored two-tone steering wheel which is cinched between a chrome shifter for the Powerglide transmission and a bright chrome horn ring with a classic Chevrolet Bel Air 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.

Included with the sale of this awesome Impala is the cars original owner's manual and a few laminated restoration photos.

This great looking '58 Impala wraps a fresh, high quality restoration around a highly desirable tri-power big block and a unique tri-tone interior. Unlike 55-57 Chevys, which are beginning to falter a bit, these cars continue to hold their value and command excellent returns. If you're looking for the hottest collector Chevy on the market, this Impala is your car!