Chevrolet started the Impala adventure in 1958, two years after presenting the car as a concept at GM’s motor show.The company first launched the car as a Bel Air version, promoting it to a stand-alone series in 1959.
The overnight success recorded by the Impala convinced GM to start selling the car separately, though its new nameplate and the Bel Air continued to share most engines and styling improvements for a few more years.
However, the 1958 Impala is often considered the model that started GM’s revolution, so it has a very special place in the hearts of many wealthy collectors.
This first-year Impala is fighting for another chance to return to the road, though the images shared by the owner on Craigslist suggest that doing this isn’t going to be easy.
While restoring a 1958 Impala can be a very rewarding experience, both financially and from the gained experience perspective, finishing this particular project isn’t necessarily something that everybody can do. The Impala flexes a solid frame, but on the other hand, it lacks many parts that would have made the restoration more convenient.
The engine, for example, is no longer around. While this can sound like awful news at first, especially if you were particularly interested in restoring the Impala to factory specifications, the lack of an engine makes the project more affordable. At the same time, it also leaves the door open for a restomod, so if you already have another engine that fits a 1958 Impala, this car could be the right project for you.
The 1958 hardtop has already been the subject of partial restoration, as a previous owner wanted to fix the trunk pan and the floors. Unfortunately, more fixes are now urgently required, including in these areas, as the car would have to be revamped from one end to the other.
The best thing about this Impala is the selling price. A 1958 Impala is typically a highly desirable car, so whenever one shows up online, it’s all just a matter of days until it finds a new owner. On the other hand, its customer appeal also depends on a series of factors, including the overall condition and the missing parts.
Unfortunately, this 1958 hardtop no longer sports the original engine, and this significantly impacts its market value. Someone with a working 348 (5.7-liter) V8 sitting around would probably consider this car a gem, so I don’t expect the vehicle to remain available for too long.