Chevrolet Impala came to be in 1958 as the top Bel Air version, but its overnight success rapidly convinced General Motors that the new nameplate deserves a chance to shine on its own.
1959 witnessed the big moment when Impala received series status, with the second-generation model launching separately from the Bel Air lineup.
The two continued to share most parts and engines, but Chevrolet hoped to continue the Impala sale frenzy with important styling updates and performance upgrades for every new model year.
The strategy worked like a charm, so Impala quickly became the model that spearheaded not only the full-size sales for Chevrolet but also the brand’s overall sales.
In 1959, the carmaker produced over 470,000 Impalas, proving that the market’s appetite for its new nameplate was rising. The six-cylinder unit continued to be the base offering with 135 horsepower, while the 283 was the standard V8 with 230 horsepower.
The 348 continued to be the icing on the cake, available this year with four choices. The top choice was the unit introduced in late 1959 when Chevrolet upgraded the compression ratio of the Super Turbo-Thrust and increased the power to 335 horsepower.
A 1959 Chevrolet Impala that looks rough, likely after several years in storage, is struggling to return to the road by convincing netizens it deserves a second chance. The car comes with the original engine and transmission, but it needs a complete restoration and major fixes in several departments. For example, the cabin looks wrecked, with the seats already destroyed. The good news is that the dashboard is complete, and the floors exhibit a condition that allows for repair. The trunk pan does not, so you’ll need to replace it.
The engine under the hood is as mysterious as possible, but I wouldn’t expect it to work anyway. The vehicle looks rough, so the engine is unlikely to work. Hopefully, it’s not seized from sitting, but you must contact the seller for such information.
All in all, this Impala could scare off potential buyers with its rough shape, requiring major fixes on all fronts. While many original parts are still in place, it’s better to assume the car needs everything, especially in terms of metal.
The asking price makes sense, considering that finding a 1959 Impala is a challenge today, especially if you also want the original engine under the hood. It doesn’t mean the mill in the car is in perfect shape, but with a little luck and a good mechanic, you should be able to bring it back to working condition. The vehicle can be yours for $8,500, and you can see it in San Fernando, close to Santa Clarita and Los Angeles
