Chevrolet launched the Impala in 1958, and it became a hit almost immediately. The car launched as a Bel Air version in hardtop and convertible body styles, propelling Chevrolet to the top of the automotive space in the United States.
The battle with Ford continued in 1959, but Chevrolet won the race one more time thanks to its full-size lineup. The GM brand sold over 1.48 million cars, and the Impala, which was now available separately and no longer included in the Bel Air series, was already becoming the number one model bringing home the bacon.
A 1959 Impala landed on Craigslist earlier this week, and if you don’t have the money to buy it, you can still get your hands on this classic with some concrete work. The owner explains that the car will go to whoever builds a drive into their shop, so if you’re a builder who wants a classic car project, this is a fantastic opportunity to own the model that started it all for Chevrolet.
The owner doesn’t share many specifics about this Impala, but the most important tidbits can easily be observed in the provided photos.
The car is a project on all fronts, coming with the typical rust suspects. It lacks the engine and the transmission, and while many people would be tempted to walk away at this point, especially if they are interested in an all-original Impala, this isn’t terrible news.
An Impala without the original engine means the buyer can install another engine and get the car cheaper, eventually building a unique classic car with a more potent mill. The 1959 Impala could be had with a lazy six, the standard 283, and the almighty 348. If you want to stick with a period-correct engine, the 348 is undoubtedly the best option.
This Impala has likely been sitting for a while, so the metal problems are unsurprising. The owner explained that the car would need new floors and a new trunk pan.
It’s no longer complete, but the seller says the buyer will get some extra parts, even though the car still needs some trim parts.
If you have no clue how to build a driveway but still want to get your hands on this Impala, that’s all right. The owner says they’ll also let the car go for $7,600, but this is a bit too optimistic, considering the metal problems and the missing powertrain.
If you want to see it in person, which you are highly recommended to, given that this isn’t a project for the Average Joe, you must travel to Valley Springs. You’ll obviously need to take care of transportation, as the car no longer has an engine to put its wheels in motion.