There are many things to like about this 1958 Chevrolet Impala. Some will be drawn to its stunning exterior, complete with the iconic Continental Kit. Others will find the spotless interior irresistible. However, I suspect that many will consider its Tri-Power V8 the star of the show. That means there is something to please everyone, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this beauty. The seller has listed the Impala here on eBay in Claysville, Pennsylvania. They set their BIN at $63,000 with the option to make an offer. The listing suggests they are already sitting on one offer, so potential buyers may face competition if they want to take this beauty home.
Chevrolet introduced the Impala in 1958, drawing its name from a concept vehicle unveiled at the 1956 Motorama. The First Generation Impala only graced showroom floors for a single year, and our feature car is one of those classics. It presents exceptionally well in Snowcrest White, with the paint holding an excellent shine. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the underside shots reveal no signs of penetrating rust. The first owner equipped the car with a pair of accessory spotlights, a popular feature at the time that fell from favor only a few years later. The trim and glass are spotless, and the spinner hubcaps look right at home, but two characteristics accentuate the Impala’s long and low stance. The first are the fender skirts, but the Continental Kit is the one that stands out. This was another popular addition during the late 1950s that would disappear almost as quickly as it emerged.
Lifting the Impala’s hood reveals what many will view as its defining feature. Chevrolet expanded its V8 engine range to include its first big-block for the 1958 model year, with its 348 the first cab off the rank. Producing 250hp in standard form, buyers could up the ante by selecting the Tri-Power unit. That is what the first owner selected for this Impala, raising the engine’s output to 280hp. A two-speed Powerglide handles shifting duties, making this Impala as equally happy in city traffic as it would be on the open road. The listing suggests that this classic has no mechanical needs, running and driving well. They mention an odometer reading of 3,975 miles, but they would need pretty compelling documentation to convince me that the reading is genuine.
This Impala’s interior continues the positive vibes. Trimmed in Burgundy cloth and vinyl, there are no signs of upholstery issues or shortcomings. There are some visible additions, including a range of gauges and speakers in the rear parcel tray that may indicate the presence of a hidden stereo. The headliner is excellent, the carpet is free from wear, and the Impala retains its clock, Wonderbar radio, and power windows.
The 1950s was a golden age in automotive history, driven by growing buyer confidence. The decade brought us some of the classic scene’s most iconic badges, including the Corvette and the Thunderbird. We can add the Impala to the Roll of Honor, and this first-year example is amazing. There is seemingly nothing to criticize about its presentation, while its engine demonstrates that Chevrolet was serious about producing cars with impressive performance. The seller is holding one current bid for this classic, and we can only speculate what the figure might be. What would you be prepared to pay for this classic? Do you think the existing offer is lower or higher? More importantly, are you tempted to try your luck by submitting a bid yourself? I wish you luck if you do.
Wow
Terry the Toad’s car, which was actually Steve Bolanders car on loan.
That’s exactly what I would do with this: delete the fenders skirts and continental kit and create an American Graffiti tribute!
I’ve always liked the ’58s and got an early ride in one with the upgraded engine and floor shift transmission. The abundance of chrome was right at my “too much” maximum but did fit the overall design. That said, what’s over the top is the slab sided Continental Kit, the fake exhaust ports, fender skirts, and the spotlights all on one car. Still love the cars but this one gets the “too much” award of the month.
Missed the blue dot taillight lenses….
No power steering or power brakes, probably drums all around. What good is it if driving it is a chore? I like the engine, two speed giddy up and go transmission not so much. Car would be a hit in East Los Angeles though.
Power steering it does have. You can see the filler neck behind the generator, the P.S. pump was connected to the back of it. I’m surprised it doesn’t have the Turbo-Glide trans., but the ad just says automatic? Nice looking car for 63 grand I thought it would be pristine.
I liked this `58, that is until I saw the velour seats. All that $$ and work, and then cover the interior in non-original fabric? And like most `58 Impalas, this one has been over-restored, with the fish eyes, continental kit, skirts, and doodads. Not my choice but someone will like it. GLWTA!
I had a chance to buy a rust free ’58 Impala, way back when, black with black interior, 327 and a 4 speed Hurst. All for $500. Nobody wanted them. Everyone wanted the tri-fives. I still wish I’d have bit.
Actually, considering what 58’s have been commanding recently, this is a bargain. Lose the continental kit so you can actually get in and out of gas stations ( you’ll be visiting a lot) and you’ve got a sweetie!
Sorry but that “Continental” kit just ruins the car but that’s just my opinion. Otherwise very nice.
Agree … also affects the handling … I had two ’55 TBirds, wouldn’t have a ’56 because of the continental kit … ’58 is one of my favorite Chevys (had a ’59, 283, three-on-the-tree), like the one my uncle had as seen in American Graffiti …
My blue 1958 Impala convertible had the Continental Wheel.
First thing I did was remove that wheel.
Just not the right look at high school.
What happen to the designers of the wonderful Tri-Fives? In 1958, they must have retired. The new ones came In with these bloated gunboats! That extended continental kit made a bad looking car worse.
The best thing about 58 Impalas was the interior! Too much for this car with a seat covers are us interior.
There was a candy apple red 58 Impala parked down the street from my mil’s house back in 1970. One day I saw 2 young men standing next to it so I asked if the car was for sale. Yes for $150.00. I bought it. It was a mild custom. Paint and interior were done in metal flake candy apple red with tuck and roll seats and door panels. It had the high performance 348 with a 3 speed manual with overdrive. It was a really nice car. My mother in law drove it to VanCouver B.C and back to Tacoma and said it drove perfectly. I ended up trading it for a custom 41 Chevy pick up with 392 Hemi and stick shift. Those were the days my friend we thought they’d never end.
God Bless America
I Love this car!!! If I had the money, I would already be on my way to pick it up. The ’58 is my favorite year of Impalas. I think this one is absolutely PERFECT!!!!!
FORGET it! Tired of getting knocked-off by ads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you talk to the staff about that? As a member, you shouldn’t have any ads. It’s one of the pluses of being a member, jeez, if I wanted a Ford E van, I’d buy one,,,anyway, let them know, rattle some cages. I enjoy your comments, and I’ve belonged to many sites, and commenting snafus( and hooligans) aside, it’s still the best interactive site.
8 years old, I learned how to drive in this car.put it up on two wheels on one curve,slowed down and I was good.radio playing some cool songs.it was magnificent!
I have no idea how to talk to the staff. I was ad-free for about ten days after I joined; then, BANG! — I was buried under ad after ad after ad! The ad will pop-up and cover the lower two thirds of my screen, and not allow me to see what I am texting. So, I struggle to get rid of that ad, because I can’t scroll it down and get it out of my way. Then, the very SECOND that I do that, a FULL screen ad appears! And when I get rid of that one, ANOTHER full-screen ad appears. Then, when I get THAT one out of my way, I am no longer logged onto the car I was commenting on/discussion I was participating in — and whatever I had already texted is GONE! — I have to start all over! After about ten times of this, and over an hour of my time, I give up! The ads will start right when I am working to SEND what I have written. Strangely, it did not happen this time… Yes, it did — as soon as I tried to type-in my name and email address, I was BLOCKED by an AD!!! And I couldn’t get the ad out of my way!
Try installing an ad blocker on your computer… they help A LOT.
Try Duck Duck Go as a browser. I use it, I’m not a member and I have zero ads.
I am using a ‘phone; I do not have a computer and would not know how to use one if I did have one.