It took Chevrolet two years to understand that the Impala had the necessary customer appeal to put it back on the map in the United States.
The first Impala debuted as the top Bel Air version, breathing new life into Chevrolet’s full-size lineup and supporting a massive increase in sales. The company reclaimed the number one spot in the United States, overtaking Ford after many years of domination.Chevrolet Impala needed just one year to gain series status, so in 1959, it embraced a different path from the Bel Air.
The original Impala has become a very desirable car, with collectors ready to pay big bucks for a complete and unmolested example.
The example posted on eBay by seller secondtono-30 is the opposite. It’s far from the condition collectors expect, flexing plenty of rust and metal problems that pushes it painfully close to the rust bucket status.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand the car is a major problem. A quick look at the floors instantly confirms this, so if you’re interested in saving this Impala, the best option is to assume it needs everything.
Paradoxically, it still comes with an engine, but it’s safe to say it’s no good. The mill, selling with the Impala with zero information, is likely seized, so you’d better use your own engine.
Saving a 1958 Impala can be a rewarding experience, but doing this on a such a rough project isn’t for the faint of heart. The owner says some parts are missing, though the only way to determine precisely what you’ll need to bring the Impala back on its wheels is to inspect it in person.
The metal part is the one that concerns me the most. You’ll need new floors and a new trunk pan, but hopefully the frame is still solid, paving the way for restoration.
The owner says the car has been sitting for a while, but no further specifics where shared. It still wears a coat of paint, but without additional information, it’s better to assume it’s not the original finish.
The selling price is a little ambitious for an Impala so rough, as the owner is willing to let their project go for $7,500. They don’t accept other offers, so unless you agree with the price, you can continue your search for a 1958 Impala project. Interested buyers who want to check the car in person must drive their trailers to Boise, Idaho, where the Impala is still sleeping under the clear sky. And at that price, it might remain in the same place for a bit longer
