1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a full-size car produced by Chevrolet for the 1950–1975 model years. Initially, only the two-door hardtops in the Chevrolet model range were designated with the Bel Air name from 1950 to 1952. With the 1953 model year, the Bel Air name was changed from a designation for a unique body shape to a premium level of trim applied across a number of body styles. The Bel Air continued with various other trim level designations, and it went from a mid-level trim car to a budget fleet sedan when U.S. production ceased in 1975. Production continued in Canada, for its home market only, through the 1981 model year.
The Chevrolet Bel Air, especially its third generation design, has been considered an icon of the 1950s. Well-maintained and preserved examples are highly sought after by car collectors and enthusiasts.
In 1958, the Impala was only offered as a two-door coupé or convertible, but, for 1959, there was a full line of Impalas that included two-door hardtops, twodoor convertibles, four-door sedans, and four-door hardtops. The 1959 Impala body was also sleeker and, most importantly, had a more contemporary look, enough for it to overtake the Bel Air in the sales stakes. Minor cosmetic changes were made to the Impala in 1960, including altering the tail lights from a massive cat’s-eye shape to six separate round lights — which would become a staple look for the Impala over the next few years — while the tail ins on the car were made less radical, as such design curlicues were becoming old hat.
Options on the car include the 348-cubic inch V-8 with Tri-Power, an R704 automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, a power seat, a dashboard-mounted clock, an AM radio with a dual antenna, a rear-mounted Continental kit, and Vintage Air air conditioning, which has been well-installed under the dashboard. The engine exhales through a dual exhaust for more power and a wonderful note, and it has been fitted with auxiliary electric fans and an upgraded alternator to improve reliability. The car has been driven only 381 miles since it was restored, preserving its exceptional condition.
An all new chassis and fresh sheet metal allowed 1958 Chevrolets to be longer, lower, and wider than ever before; giving the Impala a sleeker more modern look. It would be a one year only body style that incorporated quad headlamps, an impressive array of bright work, and six tail lights, a classic styling cue that would become its trademark.
The Impala has become more than just a car since it was first introduced in 1958 — its unique combination of style, performance, and value has made it an off-the-charts favourite for millions of Americans. In fact, with sales in excess of 12 million from 1958 to 2002, more American households have chosen the Impala over any other full-size equivalent car in history.
