The 1959 Impala was the first iteration of this legendary full-size model that landed on the market as a separate series. It debuted in 1958 as a Bel Air version, but thanks to its fantastic overnight success, it was promoted to a stand-alone lineup only a year later.
The Impala was a major sales catalyst for Chevrolet, which retained the number one spot in the United States with 1.48 million cars. Ford finished second with 1.39 million cars.
The engine lineup available in 1959 on the Impala was similar to the previous model year, and the big star of the show was the 348. Chevrolet offered multiple configurations, but the top was the Special Super Turbo-Thrust with three two-barrel carburetors. It could be had by anyone paying $333 extra and produced 315 horsepower.
The 1959 Impala in these photos is powered by the original 283ci unit – this was the base V8 in 1959, and despite the seller explaining on Craigslist that this is a six-cylinder engine, this is obviously an error or a typo. The engine is no longer running, but this is not surprising, considering the car was parked and forgotten in 1974.
The owner explains online that the Impala was involved in an accident decades ago. They parked the car in a garage shortly after the crash in 1974, and it remained in the same place for decades.
The Impala received a second chance not long ago, with the restoration including essential bodywork. The car is 95% complete and is already sanded, so it needs a fresh coat of paint. The mechanical part requires more attention, and it’s unclear if the engine turns over. It’s been sitting for decades, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see it locked up, but a good mechanic should be able to determine its condition in a few minutes.
The odometer indicates 43K miles, and the owner says they are all original – it’s unclear if they are the first owners or bought the car from someone else, but you should be able to ask all the questions during an in-person inspection.
This Impala might have too many doors, but the good part is that it sells cheaply, so if you were planning to restore a classic full-size Chevrolet, this project might be worth checking out. The owner says the photos they included in the listing are old, so it’s mandatory that you contact them to arrange a live inspection.
The car can be yours for $4,000, and you’ll need transportation to take it home, considering the engine condition. You can find the Impala parked in Leeper, PA. It comes with a title so you can focus on finishing the restoration project.