Chevrolet launched the Impala in 1958, two years after the car smiled as a concept in front of the audience. The GM brand started with baby steps, so the original Impala debuted as the top Bel Air version.
It didn’t take long before Chevrolet realized the Impala’s potential, so the car graduated to a stand-alone series in 1959.
The second-generation Impala stayed in production for just two years, with the 1959 and 1960 model years sporting significant changes, including in styling. The engine lineup remained unchanged, with Chevrolet updating the powertrain offering in 1961 when the third-generation series received the go-ahead (and the famous Super Sport received the green light for production).
A 1960 2-door hardtop is fighting for survival on Craigslist, as the owner decided to post it online, hoping someone is brave enough to begin a restoration project.
The owner says the car is “fairly complete,” though the two most important parts you won’t find on this Impala are the engine and the transmission. It’s a shame they’re missing, as the car rolled off the assembly lines with a 348 (5.7-liter) – this was the most powerful choice on the 1960 Impala. However, fortunately, you can still find a period-correct unit if you want to restore the car to factory specifications.
You should properly analyze the vehicle because it was most likely used as a donor for another Impala project and you never know when other parts can be missing.
This Impala seems like it has been sitting in someone’s yard for a very long time, thus it is simple to predict its state. Although it doesn’t look good, the body doesn’t appear to be totally destroyed.
However, given that rust frequently damages the floors and trunk, I anticipate worse news in these areas. If a car is sitting outside, it is unlikely that the flooring are excellent unless some metal work has been done previously. Carefully examine these components before making a decision to buy.
It’s difficult to tell from the images if the car is original, but I think it is—especially given how long it has been left on private land. Even if restoring it will be difficult, if you have another powertrain in the house just waiting for a project, the absence of an engine and a transmission opens the possibility of a restomod.