If we look back, we will see that the year 1958 marked the beginning of an era of dominance of the Chevrolet brand in the American automobile market and one of the architects of this was the Impala. This model, which quickly became a bestseller, was marketed in coupe and convertible versions. As you can see in the photographs, this time we are based on the second of them.
That same year, 1958, was accompanied by another first for the General Motors group. We are referring to the debut of its energetic 5.6-liter V8 engine, capable of offering up to 280 HP of power. This figure grew even more thanks to an evolution of said mechanics that took place at the end of that same year to bring the power to 319 HP and the maximum torque to 483 Nm.
It should be noted that these figures were truly surprising for a car of that time and its size. If the aforementioned V8 engine was already a true pole of attraction for the initial coupe model, it was even more so when the aforementioned convertible version was launched. And it was despite the economic situation, since throughout 1958 an economic recession took place that was born in North America and that also affected our continent.
But this did not cloud the arrival of a model as iconic as the Impala, which over time clearly became a prestigious classic. In fact, it should not be overlooked that today it occupies one of the top positions among the American automobiles of its time most valued by collectors and four-wheel lovers in general.
Likewise, this is surely one of the models with which many drivers would dream today of traveling the mythical Route 66, one of the most emblematic roads in the world. Already when it was launched, in 1958, Chevrolet was clear that it was a car designed not only for everyday use but also for long trips.
For this reason, the firm equipped it with elements such as an optional compass on the driver’s side, as well as a specific space to house the road maps necessary for the journeys. Among the equipment included in the vehicle were also electric windows, a Continental kit with an additional spare wheel and curious details such as a tissue dispenser within reach of the front seats.
In the unit that you can see in the photos, the interior was modified with blue upholstery that contrasts with the white tone of the body. For its part, the hood is also different from the one fitted on the standard car.
Despite its nearly seven decades of history, this example has a fairly low mileage, with just over 70,000 km.
If you want to enjoy a 1958 Impala in motion and feel as if you were behind the wheel, just take a look at the video that accompanies this article.
