1959 Chevrolet Impala Tri-Power Convertible
It was called “Fresh, Fine and Fashionable” in the magazines, and the 1959 Impala arrived on the scene featuring yet another reworking by the styling division of Chevrolet. This release culminated the 1950s era for the brand and took advantage of in-vogue crisp edges and fins.
A repaint in factory Roman Red was commissioned under previous ownership, with the current condition of the finish and replacement white soft top captured in detail in the photo gallery below. Notable exterior features include quadruple headlamps, almond-shaped air inlets, a wraparound windshield, rear wheel spats, horizontal tail fins, and “cat-eye” taillights.
Steel wheels feature a matching red finish and wear full spinner-style covers and wide-whitewall tires. A matching spare resides within the rear-mounted Continental kit. The car is equipped with power-assisted steering and brakes.
The monochromatic red treatment is carried inside to the steel dashboard, replacement seat upholstery with tri-tone inserts, and matching door panels. Amenities consist of a heater, a defroster, and a modern retro-style stereo with USB as well as an RCA Victor record player mounted under the dash.
A stock steering wheel with white accents and a horn ring frames instrumentation including a five-digit odometer.
The 348ci Super Turbo-Thrust V8 is equipped with three Rochester two-barrel carburetors, indicating a W-block 348ci engine produced between 1958-1961. The GB suffix on the pad stamping corresponds with a 280-horsepower version for Powerglide-equipped applications.
No car better symbolized 1950s automobile styling than the 1959 Chevrolet. For the second year in a row, the Chevies would be all-new cars and these models are especially well known for their “batwing” tailfins and “cat eyes” taillights. Styling-wise, perhaps the Forward Look Chryslers are just as bodacious. Wowsers!
