The Impala was introduced in 1958 as the top trim edition of the Bel Air. The car became its own series in 1959 when the full-size Chevies were redesigned after a single year. The ’59-60 versions were the boldest ever in terms of styling, with tailfins taken to new levels. Folks sometimes refer to these autos, especially the ’59 models, as “Batmobiles”. The seller has a ’59 Impala Sport Coupe for sale but provides no information about it, leaving the photos to do the talking. It’s a true barn find located in Colby, Kansas, and available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $13,800.
A down economy in 1958 put a dent in overall automobile sales and Chevrolet was not exempt. Instead of building 1.5 million cars as in 1957, production drop to 1.2 million the next year. Fortunately, it was not an extended decline as the 1959 redesign helped output to grow back to 1.46 million automobiles. The snappy new Impala Sport Coupe accounted for nearly 165,000 units, with both inline-6 and V8 engines. We don’t know what powerplant propelled the seller’s Chevy as there are no photos of the engine compartment. Choices ranged from the 235 cubic inch six-banger to either a 283 or 348 eight-cylinder.
There appears to be a hole in the transmission tunnel, suggesting a floor-mounted shifter was there at one time, perhaps a 3-speed manual. We’re not sure if the Impala is complete as the trunk lid is missing in one photo and no mention is made of its whereabouts. The exterior looks to have been painted two-tone white over red, but the condition of the finish is unknown because of layers of dirt, dust, and bird droppings. The windows may have been left open, which wouldn’t have helped preserve the insides.
The interior may be complete, but the seat cushions are out and propped up against the wall. There are lots of items stored inside the car, which may or may not belong with the Impala. This car will be a big project for someone, and it would help to understand what’s there and its condition. But if I was searching for a ’59 Impala to restore, the listing and photos don’t take things far enough.
Lots missing and it’s bid up to what ?
Too late to bid. A bird is buying the Impala. He has already put a deposit on it!
Crappy (!!!!!) Listing. Low feedback seller. Most of the bids look suspect. No idea what Mill it has if any. Smells fishy to me. up to 10 Large??? Be scared. Know what you are buying. Good luck.
Cheers
GPC
The only way I’ll buy something that looks like this is if I’m the guy discovering it. If the seller won’t even raise the hood he can keep it. Gee, just put a little effort into it. I don’t begrudge anyone making a profit. I also think greediness and laziness are close friends. I mean I dig as found pics but I wouldn’t bid based on what I’m seeing.
More crap in that garage than a chicken coop plus some larger ones. That’s a little high unless it has a 348 and 4 spd and zero rust.
Any body pay more than $2500 for that is out of their mind. complete engine rebuild, complete interior restoration and frame up, trans overhaul, front end repair, maybe, tires, complete brake system, body parts, trim, all new window seals. I hate to see a car go to waste, but if that bid is actually that high, I won’t even make an offer!
Time to go to my local junk yard and find a POS vehicle and take two pictures and not touch a dam thing in the trunk or interior. Throw an ad on Ebay, Craigslist then to Barn Find sit back and watch some person with teenage ideas and plenty money. Can we make a living?
As I always say, Find the very best example of a car at the best price you can afford. You are better off in the long run, and may not have the headaches of putting something like this back together. Paying too much for a car that needs too much is what you want to avoid.
Exactly, the guy who builds it spends too much because he’s generally trying to please him/herself and invests way too much. Pick them up later when the new has worn off and they want to put the new SUV in the garage. Almost as good as stealing it.
E-Bay description – “Chevrolet Impala”
That’s it? Just Chevrolet Impala? Checked out the seller’s other auctions and found this answer which explains a lot:
Selling multiple cars for my dad who had a stroke. He wanted to fix up multiple cars to give to his grandchildren. I am now selling to help him. I don’t have a lot of information and I am not located in the same state that these cars are located. I will do my best to answer questions, but I am not very knowledgeable. I will answer questions as I can, but I have over 50 messages at any given time and overwhelmed with requests. Please be patient.
What year and models
Three human diseases, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and psittacosis are linked to pigeon droppings. A fungus that grows in bird droppings and soil causes histoplasmosis, a disease that affects the lungs.
…’Nuff said.
A ’59 Impala deck lid is gonna be pricey eyebrows for those cat eyes. ~S.
Barrett Jackson syndrome strikes again.
It’s worthless without that trunk lid. Don’t make a reproduction and another one is impossible to find.
Bidding up to 16k from a low feedback seller, no description and pictures of less than a parts car? I call BS on this auction.
Ad updated to include the trunk lid
Found better ones for a lot less, Worth $6500 plus or minus a grand. Would not pay a penny more!
In the 70s Denmark there was made a series of movies named Olsen Banden. They had a 59 Impala four door. I think it was $250,000 it was for sale for last year. A real rustbucket.
Decades of chicken poop and dust should take $7k off this asking price. Very few pics as well. I bought a 64 Impala SS for $6000 and a running engine only 6 yrs ago and it was in way better shape than this turd. Strong pass for me.