For the second year in a row, the 1959 Chevrolets were all new cars. They were long and lean in appearance with “batwings” in the back, all supposedly because of the success of Chrysler’s Space Age “Forward Look” cars of 1957. The Impala was promoted to full series status, too, making it the top-of-the-line car with a variety of body styles. Located in Mira Loma, California, this ’59 Impala Sport Coupe is offered with little information or history and less than ideal photos. It’s available here on eBay for $39,000 OBO. Mitchell G. has once again scored in the tips department.

Chevrolet saw a downturn in sales in 1958, caused at least in part by an economic recession that hit all of the automakers. Production boomeranged by nearly 20% in 1959, perhaps due to styling and features that buyers found more receptive (and the economy had improved, so they had some more money in their pockets). Besides the new batwings in the rear that would also carry into 1960, the ’59 Chevies are noted for their “cat’s eye” taillights, a one-year styling cue.

The seller says this Impala has less than 20,000 miles, but since it’s not flawless, perhaps the odometer is on its second time around. We’re told the paint is grey, but it looks more like Snowcrest White, an official Chevy color that year. The vehicle has an automatic transmission (2-speed Powerglide?), but we don’t know what engine sits under the hood. It looks like it’s a small block, i.e., 283 cubic inches. The seller has had the car for about five years.

Besides it being drivable, we’re not told how well this Impala runs. If it’s a solid piece, why not pull it out from under the dark carport and take the photos in the daylight? The interior is a bit worn as the seat covers look quite stretched, either due to age or the fit. I wish we knew more about the Chevrolet because the ‘59 Chevies were quite the work of art, for their day and time.