1958 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible
*348/280 HP Tri-Power V-8 engine
*Powerglide Transmission
*Dual Exhaust
*AM Radio
*Spare Tire
*Dual Antennas
*Dual Chrome Side Mirrors
*Factory Wheel Covers
Lift this Impala’s glossy turquoise hood and you’ll find a 348 cubic inch Super Turbo Thrust V8 that wears a 1958-exclusive 3751872 casting number and a June (F) 13th (13) of 1958 (58) casting date. Fully rebuilt, this top-of-the-line, 280 horsepower big block is almost too pretty to risk putting heat into. And absolutely every item, from its fresh coat of Chevy Orange paint to its unique bowtie branded valve covers, has been completely detailed for show. At the top of the block, a satin black, dual-snorkel air cleaner funnels wind into a fully restored tri-power set up that includes three Rochester 2-carburetors, a network of stainless fuel lines and a familiar glass sediment bowl. At the sides of the block, restored exhaust manifolds allow the oversquare cylinders ample breathing room by funneling spent gases into a new true dual exhaust system. At the back of the block, a traditional points distributor sends fire through fresh 7mm High Temperature plug wires.
Steel 14” wheels wear Chevrolet-branded chrome covers and are mounted with 205/75 Coker Classic whitewall tires. A spare wheel wrapped with a BFGoodrich tire is found in the trunk. Stopping power is provided by front disc brakes and rear drums.
The cabin houses two rows of bench seats that are trimmed in green vinyl with gray, black, and white inserts along with green carpeting and brushed-aluminum trim on the dash and door panels. Lap belts are fitted for all occupants and amenities include a Chevrolet-branded cassette radio, an analog clock, and power windows.
A two-tone steering wheel fronts a horizontal 120-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature.
The quality of the restoration on this car is exceptional. Bodywork is beautifully straight with panel fit and detailing executed to a “better than factory” standard. The factory correct Glen Green paint is a wonderful match for the Harley Earl styling – a fabulously flamboyant shade from an era when designers weren’t trapped in grayscale. It rides on factory steel wheels with “spinner” wheel covers and bias-ply tires for the correct look and handling.
One of the most costly areas to restore on a 50’s American cruiser like this is the chrome and stainless brightwork. Judging by the quality and fit on our feature car, it is safe to assume a princely sum was spent ensuring the flash was up to original standards. The bright trim carries over to the interior which has also been beautifully restored using correct and original-type materials. Again, we marvel at the colors which are bold and daring, yet without being garish. The darker aqua green of the dash, door panels and seats complements the Glen Green exterior brilliantly, with gray, silver and green seat inserts tying the two colors together. From a design standpoint, it is a wonderful thing to behold. The dash is dominated by a flash of patterned alloy trim, and all switchgear works brilliantly. A wonderful oval clock is fitted to the passenger side and the Vintage Air A/C console blends unobtrusively under the dash. Carpets and door panels are excellent and up to the high standard of the rest of this fine car.
