Chevrolet needed just one year to realize the potential of the newly launched Impala. The car gained series status in 1959 after previously launching as the top-of-the-line Bel Air version.
However, the new Impala wasn’t significantly different from the Bel Air. The two models continued to share the main full-size platform, so the looks and the engines remained similar.
Impala became Chevrolet’s superstar, getting the best the GM brand offered for every new model year. The Bel Air was downgraded to a second-class citizen, though it retained a significant fanbase in the United States.
A 1959 Chevrolet Impala recently made its way to Craigslist to look for a new home, though the lack of details will probably make it a tough sell. The car leaves many questions without an answer, and despite looking promising, it comes without essential details that could increase customer appeal.
First, the owner says the Impala has a straight body, but the potato-quality photos don’t allow us to see much behind the dust layer. It’s clear the Impala has been sitting for a long time, but it’s hard to tell if this is a barn find or just a project waiting for restoration. The metal doesn’t seem to exhibit heavy rust damage, but I’d still put the Impala on a lift to check out the undersides.
A 1959 Impala will likely come with massive floor damage, especially if it still sports the original panels. It’s also unclear if someone previously restored this Impala or if the car received any repairs, but it’s safer to assume the vehicle is an unrestored model requiring many repairs.
The good news is the Impala comes with the original V8 engine and transmission. No other specifics are available, so it’s impossible to tell if the V8 starts and runs. Let’s hope it turns over by hand, as an original engine is worth nothing if it’s already seized.
The interior looks rough, but the horrible photos don’t help decrypt too many specifics. Overhauling the cabin will be a challenging job, given the seats look wrecked, but you’ll have to check out everything in person to get more details.
The selling price indicates the Impala comes with solid metal and a working engine, but it could also result from high expectations on the owner’s side. They want to let the car go for $6,000, but whether it’s a fair price is impossible to tell without a visual inspection. You can find the car in Dewey, and it’s safe to assume you’ll need a trailer to take it home
