Some classics are a triumph of style over substance, but no such criticisms can be leveled at this 1959 Chevrolet Impala. It presents beautifully, but is far more than a pretty face. Lifting the hood reveals its original 348ci Tri-Power V8, placing plenty of ponies beneath the driver’s right foot. This classic appears to need nothing but a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jack M. for spotting the Impala listed here on Craigslist in Simi Valley, California. The seller set their price at $49,500 for what they describe as a wonderful driver.
Chevrolet introduced its latest Impala in 1959, and while it featured fins, their horizontal configuration gave the car a distinct look. Styled like arched eyebrows, that impression was emphasized by the taillights, which possessed an almost eye-like appearance. Buyers were spoiled for choice when it came to body styles, with this car’s first owner selecting the four-door Sport Sedan variant. The presentation is exceptionally impressive, seemingly supporting the listing claim that it has been the prized possession of an elderly, fastidious owner. Its color combination of Harbor Blue and Snowcrest White is stunning, and finding anything to criticize seems impossible. The paint shines magnificently, and the panels are laser-straight. The car has spent its life in a dry location, so rust isn’t an issue. The trim looks comfortably acceptable for a well-preserved survivor, the glass is clear, and the wide whitewalls provide the ideal finishing touch.
If a big-block is what you seek, then a big-block is what you’ll receive if you park this Impala in your garage. The seller confirms that this classic houses its original 348ci V8 under the hood, complete with its desirable Tri-Power induction system. Power and torque? Chevrolet quotes 280hp and 355 ft/lbs, which feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. That brings us to the only question mark hanging over this Impala. The seller describes the transmission as a Turbo 400, meaning it isn’t original if that is the case. It could be a mistake on their part, because buyers could team the 348 with the three-speed Turboglide. Potential buyers may wish to ask the question to remove any doubts. Otherwise, this Impala is a turnkey proposition, so flying in and driving home could be the ideal way for the buyer to develop a relationship with their new toy.
One aspect of this Impala with no questions hanging over it is the interior. The seller confirms that the owner had it retrimmed, and the finished product justified the cost and effort. “Factory-fresh” is the most appropriate term to describe it, as it is in as-new condition. There is no wear, no marks, no stains, and no evidence of neglect or abuse. The wheel is crack-free, and while there aren’t creature comforts like air conditioning, it does feature a modern Pioneer stereo that the installer perfectly integrated into the interior without compromising its “stock” appearance.
If you believe Hagerty, the seller’s price for this 1959 Chevrolet Impala is optimistic. However, wandering into the real world and examining recent successful sales results suggests that while it is at the top end of the market, the figure isn’t unprecedented. That doesn’t mean that someone will snap it up immediately, but I think the presentation and Tri-Power factors will motivate someone to hand over $49,500 for this classic. Do you agree, or do you have a lower price in mind?
Turbo Glide was not a 3 speed. It was a CVT. Unless you consider D, G,and R as speeds…which they were not. The factory front and tail seals on the Turbo Glide were prone to leaking.
I did not imply disparaging this car. It truly is a beautiful specimen, and I think the roofline is even as stunning in its own right. I had a 61 Impala back in the day and, well, that transmission just sucked. Even back then I wished it had a Powerglide.
I can only imagine Grandma just flooring this thing on her way to church…..or someone wanting to pull a camper with it. I like the first one better. It’s just odd to me to order a 4 door with this engine.
Back in about 1969 I was service/parts manager at a small in NC. A man came in the shop with a ’65 or 66 Buick Electra complaining about his gas mileage. I raised the hood and said no wonder it’s got two 4 barrel carbs. The gentleman asked what in the world could he do. I turned and asked my assistant if he wanted 2x4s for his Wildcat and naturally he did. His dad was a mechanic and swapped them over. I don’t know if the gentleman got better gas mileage but I do know my assistant had a fast Wildcat.
I agree Adam. This is beautiful in both appearance and what’s under the hood. The 59 was a triumph of design regardless of engine, prettier than the 58 which preceded it or the follow-up 60.
Regardless of the questionable transmission, this car is among only a couple Chevys I truly love. My friends know I’m not as much of a Chevy fan as they are; nothing wrong with Chevys per se I just favor other makes. This `59 to me has no real drawbacks and appears to be so prestine I would (if I had the dough) bid on it without seeing it in person—it’s THAT nice! It’s also my favorite `59 bodystyle! This jewel won’t be around long, I can tell already.
Pretty car. I had not paid attention to the sedans of this vintage but this one really catches my eye. IF the transmission has been swapped, I’d consider swapping again to a modern unit to make it a smoother cruiser.
I’m usually not a Chevrolet fan, but this one’s pretty cool. It looks like the space age. I believe we were in a recession when it was introduced, which hurt sales and people were looking for smaller cars at the time. But still, many twere sold and this is a beautiful example.
Nice cruiser ok its 4 door so price may be a little higher than actual value I would not want to work on the carbs should you have to.
Wow, times are changing. We get all the way down to the 9th comment before the extra doors are mentioned and then it’s not even a negative comment. What a beautiful 4 cruiser!
Back in high school one of my friends Dad had this exact same car but green.Every now and then he would let Billy borrow it. Every time when you left he would always say its got plenty of gas in it now and it better come back with plenty of gas and don’t put any of that cat piss in it and he referred to cheap no name gas stations…Yes Sir…
I’d take a Hydro over a slip and slide glide everytime. (Power or Turbo) This car is so nice that if I invested in it I would want to drive it all the time. So a 700R4 would probably find it’s way under the hump.
WAY WAY to high….and a four door to beat!……Old school guys have to agree……I would think anyway.
Fifty-nine Chevys are such interesting cars to look at. Whether you like the eyebrows or fins or that incredible dashboard and steering wheel, there is so much to appreciate. All from one of the low priced three. Top it off with that Vista roofline and you begin to forget it’s not a coupe.
Got a point but it still is not worth the $$ roofline dashboard eyebrows fins steering wheel even if it had a Continental tire kit …..Sorry…..
Commenting on the car. Not justifying the price.
Doing both….sorry. Now lets get a beer!
No worries, brother. Let’s pour one out. 🍻
I realize that the Hagerty Evaluation Tool is commonly thought of as over-valuing cars.
In this case the seller is reaching for the sky as Hagerty has a Concours price of $39,600 for this model.