Occasionally, a car will appear on our desks here at Barn Finds, and I can’t help but think we’ve seen it before. That is the case with this 1958 Chevrolet Impala. A spot of detective work confirmed that it was referred to us earlier this year, but the vehicle sold very quickly before we could have a chance to produce an article. However, it seems that the sale fell through, so the owner has listed it for sale again here on eBay. It presents superbly and would appear to need nothing beyond a new owner who will appreciate its stunning good looks and power. I have to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting a genuinely amazing car for us. It is located in Bee Spring, Kentucky, and frantic bidding has pushed the price to $37,000. This figure remains short of the reserve, meaning there’s still a chance that you could park this classic in your driveway.
It is genuinely hard to know where to start with this Impala. Its Signet Red paint shines beautifully, with no evidence of flaws or defects. The paint covers steel with no signs of ripples, dents, or other imperfections. The car presents in a condition that is close to showroom fresh. The owner supplies some clear shots of its underside with the vehicle raised on a lift. The floors and frame are as impressive as the exterior, and if you want to eat your lunch off any surface, you can do so with complete confidence. It clearly reveals that this old Chevy is totally rust-free. The 1950s was an era when manufacturers loaded their offerings with plenty of chrome, and this Impala is no exception. The bumpers are fresh from a trip to the platers, while the remaining trim retains a winning shine and no evidence of physical damage. If I am disappointed by one aspect of this car, it is that the owner has fitted a dual exhaust that doesn’t utilize the ultra-cool exhaust ports in the lower rear quarter panels. If I were to buy this Impala, I would be tempted to change that. The glass looks perfect, and the wide whitewall tires add a classy finishing touch to this beauty.
If this Impala’s exterior presents beautifully, its interior provides us with more of the same. The tri-tone upholstery on the seats is spotlessly clean, with no evidence of wear or stains. The same is true of the carpet and remaining upholstered surfaces, while the dash appears perfect. Steering wheels of this era could be prone to cracking. The two-tone one on our feature car has avoided this fate and also shows no sign of wear. The bright trim pieces hold a winning shine, and there have been no aftermarket additions. That means that the dash continues to house its factory pushbutton AM radio and clock.
Buyers in 1958 were spoiled for choice when it came to engines to slot under the hood of their new Impala. The original owner of this car selected with 348ci Tri-Power V8 that produces 280hp. Those horses find their way to the rear wheels via a two-speed Powerglide transmission. While the Impala retains its original power steering, the current owner has upgraded the brakes to power front discs. If someone pointed this classic at a 1/4 mile, the journey would be over in 16.4 seconds. That figure looks pretty impressive for a car produced in 1958 that could comfortably seat five people. The only way it could be any better would be if the original owner had specified a manual transmission. Doing so would see the ¼-mile ET drop to 16.1 seconds. The seller describes this classic’s overall condition as very good, which seems to be understating the case. He says that this Impala runs and drives exceptionally well, meaning that it is ready to hit the road for some relaxed touring.
Considering the overall presentation and specifications of this 1958 Chevrolet Impala, it ticks many of the right boxes for classic car enthusiasts. It has few visible faults, and its storming V8 should offer satisfying performance. The person who purchases this classic will need to do nothing more than slip behind the wheel and hit the road for an enjoyable motoring experience. That makes it a tempting proposition for anyone who doesn’t have the time or ability to tackle a project build. The fact that it has already attracted sixty-two bids suggests that plenty of people like what they see. While I am a blue-oval enthusiast, I can’t say that I blame them. If circumstances were different, I’d have it parked in my garage any day of the week. Would you?
As I age the 58 keeps looking better than I thought originally. No American graffiti has nothing to do with it. Everything in 58 was big and loaded with trim. I suppose it was the times, interstate system was being built and manufactures we’re going to get 6 people down those wonderful new roads in comfort.
Cadmanls I agree, I never liked them either but they grew on me as did the 59’s. 1958 was, imho, a terrible year as the trim was way over the top on every GM, including the Corvette.
That was due to Harley Earl, who retired from GM that year. His mandate was to load every GM model with chrome–some more than others. The `58 Cadillacs/Buicks/Oldsmobiles are held by many as the most over styled chrome-laden monsters of any mfr. It was also the same year a recession was in full play, and everyone’s sales were way down from `57. The only cars to produce a profit were the new 4-seater Thunderbirds and Rambler’s American in `58.
I was curious about the exhaust ports on the quarter panels, so I did a little digging. I think they’re just a dress-up accessory. The exhaust would need to pass through the trunk to reach the ports. Beyond that, the spare resides in the right quarter panel, so there would be no room for the exhaust. Fully-restored examples with the exhaust ports also have normal exhaust outlets peeking out from under the bumper.
Then make them work, not impossible…
They did that on some earlier models, but the exhaust corrodes the chrome. Didn’t ’56 T Birds do it?
But why would you? It would require cutting holes in a stunning Impala and it would result in permanently sooty bodysides aft of the ports.
Mid ’50s Caddys had the tail pipes exiting through the back bumperettes. They looked good at the time, but rusted out fairly quickly.
The tri-power 6 barrels has 335 h.p
There were two versions of the 348 tri-power available. It has 335 hp only if it is the top level engine option with a solid cam. The hydraulic cam tri-power was correctly a 280 hp engine.
I think you will find that the solid lifter 3-2 engine produced 315 hp in 1958. Hydraulic lifter model was 280hp. Single 4 bbl was 250hp
I will correct my own posting. As Mike has correctly said the top engine for 1958 was rated at 315 hp. The 335 hp version was introduced late in the 1959 model year as a running change. Thank you Mike
Not in’58! 315Hp!
The seller has had a good number of his Impalas featured here (located in KY?) Not sure where they all come from but many have been really nice.
To me, the 1958 Chevys were better looking than the ’57s. I have always wanted one. But I would need a larger garage. a bit crowded now. When I just now opened this site and saw this car, I made a strong verbal exclamation, a bit on the Loud side. I usually don’t do that. My wife came running in expecting to see a spider on the wall, or the dog doing some weird doggie thing. I was impressed. I am fine now.
The 58 was a great looking car, but if I could only afford one of the two I would choose the 57. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To this beholder the 57 was the most beautiful American car ever. I respect your choice, I just fail to agree with it.
No two ways about it esthetically, the design of the 57 Chevy will be the most pleasing to the eye which is one of the reasons there are so many of them still rolling on the streets. If I were the designer, the only thing I would have changed is the dash. I would have put in a 59 Chevy dash (which I think was the best Chevy dash in the 50’s) with that 57 body. If you could fabricate that you would have the most beautiful car ever built.
I totally agree with you ! To me, the 57 is just a warmed over 55 ,and a bit more garish . I’d prefer the slightly shorter 58 Bel Air over an Impala, but I certainly wouldn’t turn it down
Always liked, since new, the 58 way more than any 55-57.
Then the 59, that one I bought. 348, 4-barrel, Turboglide, 2 door hardtop Impala, two tone blue.
1969. My first car, a 56 Belair. V8, 2 bbl, Powerslide. Local junkyard where I’m sourcing bits has a 348 Tri power w/manual trans and they want a whopping $350 for it.
My hot rodder neighbor told me it’s a garbage motor, not to waste my time. Always sorry I listened to you, Chris.
Hi Adam,
I believe the actual color of this ’58 Impala would be Rio Red instead of Signet Red. Rio Red has a very slight pink tint to it. But yes, it is one beautiful car. I love it.
I always say I like 1955, 56 & 57 Chevrolets.
But I love 1958,59 & 60s.
I’m always dumbfounded by the excessive salivating some people express for these low-class, junk-box Chevys. None of them hold a candle to what are in fact the most spectacular and innovatively designed passenger cars of the late 60’s; the ‘57, ‘58 and ‘59 Imperials. Drop dead gorgeous! Beauty is in the execution not the eye of the amateur beholder.
@Elliott
Just because you like certain kinds of cars doesn’t mean everyone does. And it sure doesn’t mean that they are drop dead gorgeous to everyone either. By the same token, I don’t criticize the cars others like.
I express my opinions about certain cars that I love but I never say that everyone else should love them too. And I never say that just because you don’t love them that you have the eye of an amateur beholder.
Sir, I am in my late 60s and have loved cars all my life as far back as I can remember so I am NOT an amateur with anything regarding cars.
And I have my opinions and you have yours.
We’ll then I guess being in my early 70’s makes my opinions just a little more informed, relevant and experienced than yours, sir. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with preferring chopped liver to filet, but it’s important to acknowledge and accept the difference. Beauty is in the design and not the eye of the beholder.
Like Ronald Reagan said, “There you go again.”
Get off my lawn.
I’m 80 now but when I view cars presented in Barn Finds I comment on them based on how I related to them at that time. In 1958 I looked at Cadillac, Imperial etc as cars old, rich people drove. It was all point of view at that period in time. Today I would appreciate a restored Imperial.
Well… Well……………………..So I am 87 and I declare myself the winner of this age outing. For the record , I like everything.
What I really wanted in 1958 was a DelRay 2dr. post coupe with the 315 hp engine, three speed column shift, push button radio in charcoal gray. Don’t recall if Posi-Traction was available yet but would have been nice to have.
Posi was available half way through ’56 on the Corvette and all Chevys in ’57 on!