It’s hard not to like a 1958 Impala, and even Chevrolet’s engineers fell in love with the car from the first year of availability.
The Impala was an instant hit. It launched as a Bel Air version and gained series status a year later, rapidly becoming the best-selling car in the home market and breaking record after record.
The 1958 Impala could be had as a hardtop or convertible, and the best engine choice was undoubtedly the 348. The big-block unit debuted in 1958 and was specifically supposed to make the Impala an overnight success. It served its purpose precisely, albeit the 348 could also be ordered on other full-size Chevys, including the Bel Air.
The 1958 Impala in these photos looks like a beautiful example of the first year on the market, albeit we know almost nothing about the car. However, the part that’ll probably make most people walk away, especially if they’re interested in an all-original setup, is what happens under the hood.
The original engine is no longer in the car, and the owner installed a 327 from a later Chevy. The 327 debuted in the Impala lineup with the release of the 1962 model, but it’s unclear if the engine in this Impala comes from this model year or a later Chevrolet.
However, we’re being told the engine runs and drives. It’s paired with a four-speed manual transmission, so if you’re looking for a 1958 Impala ready for the road, this could be it. If you want an all-original Impala that retains its factory magic, you must look elsewhere.
The car seems restored, and this is probably how it got the 327 engine in the first place. However, all photos, occasionally with a potato quality, don’t reveal much about the car. It’s parked in a garage, which could be a sign that you won’t find any rust issues or metal problems, and the paint should be more beautiful when you see it live than online.
It’s hard to tell if this Impala is the right car for anybody unless you contact the owner to discuss all the details. However, as a 1958 Impala, it’s an intriguing presence, and thank God it wasn’t abandoned in the middle of nowhere.
The car can be yours if you agree to pay $22,500, but you should first see it in person before committing to a purchase. The car is parked in Carleton, close to Detroit, and you’ll have to ask the owner if a trailer is required because it’s impossible to tell if anything is missing and the Impala is road-worthy. The engine runs, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the vehicle is prepared for a long trip.