This 1958 Chevrolet Impala isn’t 100% original, but its engine bay still houses its numbers-matching V8. It has accumulated a few interesting additions over the years, but these add to a car that is loaded with character. The owner has decided to part with a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed, so he has listed the Impala for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in San Leandro, California, and the asking price is $48,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder MattR for spotting the Impala for us.
The Snowcrest White Impala isn’t completely original, but it features many aftermarket components that you might expect a classic like this to accumulate over the years. These items are period correct and carry date information that is in keeping with this car’s character. These include a Kustom Parts grille, along with a set of 1960s spotlights. The wheels that it rolls on are a set of NOS vintage American Racing five-spoke wheels with Impala flag spinner knock-offs. All of these additions make this feel like an Impala that has just driven off the set of American Graffiti. The panels are laser straight, while the Chevy is rust-free. Its cause has undoubtedly been helped by the fact that it is garage-kept. The trim and chrome shine as nicely as the paint, while the tinted glass looks flawless.
There’s no other word to use when describing the Impala’s interior than spotless. This interior needs nothing, and once again, it features a few modifications and updates that are in keeping with its character. The chrome Stewart Warner tach looks just right, as do the fuzzy dice. An aftermarket radio/cassette player has been installed, and the seller is including a collection of ’50s and ’60s tapes to add to the atmosphere when the buyer hits the road. Otherwise, the upholstered surfaces look spotless, the carpet shows no significant signs of wear or fading, and the dash is perfect.
When we lift the Impala’s hood, the news seems to be very positive, with the numbers-matching 348ci Tri-Power V8 still in residence. This should be pumping out around 280hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed M21 manual transmission. That is the only drivetrain modification, but there has been plenty of recent work performed on this Chevy. It has received a new flywheel and clutch, a new Magnaflow dual exhaust, and a set of Coker Redline tires. The owner says that the new exhaust offers a nice burble and that the Impala’s original power steering works perfectly. The engine bay’s presentation is perfectly completed by the addition of some chrome highlights and a set of vintage Offenhauser valve covers. This doesn’t flatter to deceive because the owner says that it drives like a dream.
I loved American Graffiti the first time I saw it, and while most of my friends wanted Milner’s Yellow ’32 Coupe or Falfa’s Black ’55 Chevy, I wanted Steve Bolander’s ’58 Impala. This isn’t a tribute to that car, because I think that it is better. It harks back to a simpler time and is a classic car that will grab plenty of attention. I would guarantee that someone will strike up a conversation about that great movie if the buyer takes it to a show or a Cars & Coffee. It is that type of a classic, and I hope that the buyer appreciates it for what it is. If I were to buy it, I wouldn’t change a thing. How about you?
The first one of these I ever drove was a friend’s powder blue car with the identical power train. Probably the best sounding engine under power I’ve ever heard. As my dad used to say about his ’70s Camaro, “makes great sucking sounds”!
My personal favourite Chevy was the ’58 … love this
When I was in jr high, my brother had a Bel-air 2 dr hdtp. turquoise. Had a 283 with 327 heads and an AFB off a Cadillac–that carb was almost as big as the motor. Three on the tree. Would run a hole in the wind, as long as yu had gas in it. Would love t have a 58, but don’t have the coin for that kind of toy.
Real nice car, wouldn’t change a thing.
‘Cmon Toad, Peel out……”
It just needs the tuck ‘n roll upholstery.
American Graffiti anyone? I know that one had a 327, but still…
actor said it was a 327 but actually was a 348.
My favorite Impala, but the red line tires are out of place on a 50’s vehicle. I would also loose the phony spotlights. Beautiful car.
The spotlights remind me of an AMT customize kit, all it needs are skirts, flames, and pinstripes.
I could go with the pin striping but not the flames. But, I hear what you are saying.
My 1st car was a ’58 Belair. I also my wife and I were born in ’58. I would love this. I would want to add power brakes and split system for safety, maybe disc front. And possibly lose the spotlights. Other than that Not change a thing.
Well here again I’m taken back to my young adult life. I think it was 1970, down the street fro my mil sat a candy apple red 58 Impala 348 ho with three speed with overdrive (converted from automatic) with red and white tuck n roll leather interior including door panels. I stopped by several times to inquire. The owner was in the service, then one day I saw a couple guys standing by the car so I went down to see if one of them was the owner, sure enough one said he was and he was awol and was heading for Canada. I asked if he would sell the car, he said he would take $150.00. I bought the car on the spot. It was one of my all time favorite cars.
If this car was in the south land I’d buy it. But these days I won’t buy anything north of the red river in Texas.
God bless America
Why not? This is a California car, not a Bondo rotbox from the Rust Belt.
my high school car in 1964 was a all black 1958 impala ht 348 4 barrell 250 hp factory 3 on the tree loved that car
I’ve recently been obsessed with the roof vent above the back window on the Impala of this year.
Is this stamped in or bolted on, anybody else know?
The roof sheet metal is stamped to receive the non functioning vent trim
My first car was a ’58 Impala 2-door hardtop like this, bought in ’64. Although the exterior was red and white, it had the exact same interior! Takes me back a bit! Mine had the basic 283 2bbl with powerglide, but I livened it up a bunch with a dual four-barrel setup from a late 50’s Corvette. I think that set me back $60 plus some shop time adapting the throttle linkage.
My first car was the 58 Chevy Biscayne with the 348. Bought it my last year of highschool 1967. Black tuck & roll Naugahyde interior with 2 speed power glide
2 small screws from the outside
The 280 hp 348 was a great choice as it had the tri-power 3-2 setup and no hassle hydraulic lifters while the 315 hp had solid lifters that required periodic adjustment. I was 18 in 1958 and thought the new Impala was the coolest car ever.
My late uncle had the same car with the same powertrain. It was great fun to go cruising it.
Very nice close to original Impala with what little that was done over the years of different trends doesn’t hurt the appearance and even adds to with the possible exception of the spotlights in 58 when the spotlight trend was nearing the end. The 348 gets a bad rap by many but if the correct modifications were made they could really run back in the day. Beautiful car and with its condition and what’s under the hood a fair price. Not sure about the one emblem on the front fender that would have to go.
I agree, that fender emblem belongs on a Pontiac or maybe Oldsmobile. I alway thought fender skirts looked good on the Impala.
not a barn fined
The 4 speed is not original. 3 speed was the only manual transmission in 1958. First year for 4 speed in a full size Chevy was 1959.
i have a 58 -348 with original 4 spd.
Those are not vintage torque thrust wheels. They are pretty modern, you can tell by the curved spokes.
I had a 57 so I am very familiar with tbe 51-57 Chevy’s. The seats in the 58’s with the wild colors blew my mind. I did know about them until 2 years ago. This has them and in such great shape.
This is perfect with the 4spd and 348. I wouldn’t change anything…
Somebody took the front turn signals off. Or maybe they’re behind the kustom grille?
My friend had a 58 belair standard it would do 100mph in second gear what a beast it was. Never had to go any faster in third gear.
it must have had 3 36 rear end same as my 1958 348 mine was 250 hp 3 speed did the quarter in 2nd gear never got to 3rd great car
Chevy emblem on trunk lid is for a 6-cyl.
I could go with the pin striping but not the flames. But, I hear what you are saying.
I’m not sure about the asking price. It seems a bit high to my thinking. Even though there is a lot of work done to this car, I’m afraid I wouldn’t go any higher than $20K. I’m not trying to low ball the owner, either. Just my thinking.