I’m sure it isn’t my imagination. It seems that some classics are designed to make us feel weak at the knees. That is undoubtedly the case with this 1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible. Its sparkling paint and spotless interior set the stage, but many would argue that the 348ci Tri-Power V8 is the star of the show. This car would suit a perfectionist, as the auction details seem to confirm. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this cool drop-top listed here on eBay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The seller has received no bids in their auction that opened at $107,500. If that figure doesn’t make your eyes water, the BIN option of $215,001 might set the tears rolling.
Chevrolet introduced the Impala badge in 1958 as the range-topping version of its all-conquering Bel Air. Available only in Sport Coupe and Convertible body styles, the company would grant the Impala standalone model status in 1959. This 1958 Impala Convertible is so stunning that it is almost impossible to know where to start. Finished in dazzling Snowcrest White, the fender skirts and Continental Kit accentuate its low and sweeping lines. The paint appears perfect in the listing images, and the panels are free from bumps and bruises. The underside shots confirm what I already suspected. Not only is this classic rust-free, but you could also eat off the floors. Bright trim remained a desirable design feature in 1958, and this Impala isn’t short of it. The condition is spotless, with no pitting or physical damage. Rounding out the exterior are steel wheels with spinner hub caps, wrapped in wide whitewalls.
This Impala is more than just another pretty face. Although it was possible to purchase a ’58 Impala with a 235ci “Blue Flame” six under the hood, this car’s first owner reached straight to the top shelf by selecting the 348ci Tri-Power V8. This motor delivers 280hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. They decided to leave the shifting duties to a three-speed Turboglide automatic transmission, equipping the car with power-assisted steering and brakes for effortless operation. The seller indicates that this car is mechanically original, but this YouTube video provides some vital information. It confirms that the Impala’s overall spotless presentation stems from a frame-off restoration. The video also shows the vehicle in action, with the car running and driving perfectly, and the big-block sounding sweet and smooth.
The builder didn’t drop the ball during the restoration, treating the interior to a complete retrim in the correct cloth and vinyl. If I were to mark the car harshly, I would criticize the installation of a retro-style stereo. I believe sourcing a factory radio to fill the gap would be more appropriate and is an option purists may consider. Otherwise, this interior is close to perfect. The upholstered and painted surfaces are spotless, the carpet is in as-new condition, and the bright trim sparkles like a new penny. Apart from the stereo, I can’t spot any other additions.
This 1958 Impala Convertible is a stunning classic, and any enthusiast would be proud to park it in their driveway. The neighbors would admire it, and it could hold its own in any show. Of course, buying a vehicle of this caliber will always cost a pretty penny, and the six-figure auction and BIN sums guarantee that the seller is pitching this Impala to a relatively limited market. The listing statistics are understandably modest, but it would only take one passionate enthusiast for it to find a new home. Do you think that will happen?
One of the cars that looks like it’s flying while standing still.
Very nice car but it has a ridiculous price tag on it. After all it;s only a Chevy.
Nice car if you can afford the ridiculous price.
I would prefer red car, white interior!
Mine was black, then I had it painted white, like this one, then I decided that I prefered it when it was black, so I sold it !!
The BIN is roughly 100 times what the car sold for new
Adam, the Turboglide is a Chevrolet constant torque, continuously variable automatic transmission, it does Not shift gears. It is Not a three speed!
The first year for the Chevrolet three-speed automatic transmission, known as the Turbo-Hydramatic 350, was 1969. This transmission was designed to be lighter and more compact compared to earlier models.
You beat me to it! We had a ’60 Impala convertible with Turboglide and even in my youth, I knew it was continuously-variable. It does have 3 gear sets but you don’t feel the shifts.
So was it really a Buick Dynaflow in disguise? Or the Powerglide with only the Drive gear, as the first of each transmission were – you could select Low if you wanted to go faster off the line, but otherwise they were a CTV. My friend’s ’58 Impala was a lot faster off the line than my father’s ’56 Chevy 6 Powerglide. The Powerglide was trouble free for the 144,000 miles it went before rust made mechanical repairs a money pit.
The Turboglide was an extra cost option over a power glide. This Chevy does not have a Turboglide. Nowhere in the listing is it mentioned and column shift selector it clearly shows the standard powerglide choices, “P RNDL_. It would show “HR” or “GR” instead of “L”The Turboglide had essentially a dual range torque converter that provided 2 forward speeds. The engine RPM stayed the same while the gear ratios change kind of like a continuously variable transmission. The transmission itself was a 2 speed kind of like the powerglide transmission to provide a low range, labeled HR, for hill retarder later changed to GR for Grade Retarder.
My first memory of the ’58 was a gorgeous new red convertible in a neighbor’s driveway. OH my!
We had a ’59 Biscayne, Heater only bare bones interior and white exterior. I always felt two upshifts. I’m guessing this was a hydromatic and the car originally destined for taxi service. Anybody care to confirm this? It kept breaking the power steering piston bracket and dear old Dad would take it to the gas station where it was repeatedly welded. Once I’d gotten into cars, I went to the Chevy dealer for a new bracket that had been properly beefed up and never broke again. Six Chicago winters holed each side with rust penetrations, some of which you could pass oranges through.
It was a competitive race at GM in 1958, not who could have the fastest car, more cubic inches under the hood, but which division could scrape more nickel off the surface of Earth to utilize the most chrome and stainless steel. The Impala tried, Pontiac’s Bonneville was a good contender, The Old’s 98 didn’t do bad and as suspected Caddy’s Eldorado gave it a good shot. But judgeing from this corner—the grand award was anchored by the Buick Limited. Just on the grill alone Buick was ahead in the pack.
US$215,000 with no power windows and no air conditioning.
No thanks. I’d rather buy a fully loaded ’56 Cadillac for way less money.
After the tri fives it’s hard to imagine how they came up with something so ugly. But then when you look at 59 it just gets worse.. So e love it but to me it looks bloated, fat and slow. To each their own.
If it doesn’t have the smokeless ashtray I’m not interested.
The 1958’s are all smokeless.
Lucky you
I respectfully disagree. It was a factory option or could be dealer installed. It wasn’t really an ashtray per se, more like a funnel where the lit cigarette could be placed and a vacuum line carried the smoke and ash to a removable glass jar under the dash. The jar in the ‘58 models was located on the passenger side. This option was available for the ‘56 thru ‘60 model years.
No support from me. Ditch the skirts, tire kit, and fake exhaust ports and you do have one of the best looking ’58 cars available. As for the price, nuts.
YAY
YAY
I agree with bobhess. My grandparents had a neighbor, Mrs. Root, a 70 year old whose husband had recently passed. She bought a 1958 convertible in a good looking green, no skirts, no tire kit and no fake exhaust tips. I was 5 years old and feel in love with the car. I don’t believe she ever drove the car over 30 mph
Nice car but …How does this qualify for ” Barn find ” Looks like a dealer in Florida showroom . = Showroom find !
One of my dream cars. Lotta money but he might get it ~ this is a unicorn.