It seems inevitable that an owner will have a selection of original parts left over when undertaking a custom build. The dilemma becomes what to do with those components. Some will send them off for scrap, but this owner, thankfully, decided to move them on to an enthusiast seeking the ideal foundation for a project build. This rolling chassis started life beneath a 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible, but the custom route has left it surplus to their requirements. It isn’t just the frame that is attractive, but the included drivetrain components that have attracted attention since the seller listed it here on eBay in Cape Coral, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $8,100.
It seems the seller decided to go the full custom route with their Impala, dropping its beautiful body onto a more modern frame and drivetrain. It isn’t clear whether this was a late decision, but this frame is spotless. It has been restored and repainted, and the only areas not wearing Black are the spots where the Impala’s body bolted down. However, touching up those areas before proceeding further would not take much time or effort. There is no evidence of rust or prior repairs, making this frame the prime candidate for anyone caught with a rotten frame under their Impala project. There is more to this package than a frame, which may explain the interest in this listing.
Chevrolet introduced the big-block V8 to its model range in 1958, and this Impala features a 348ci version. If that isn’t good enough, it has a Tri-Power setup bolted to the top. This was an option in 1959, although it is unclear which version this is. The most commonly ordered produced 280hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. Those feeling the need for speed could select the company’s range-topping powerhouse churning out 335hp and 362 ft/lbs of torque. Its specifications are a mystery, but it should provide enough power to satisfy most owners. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a bulletproof Powerglide transmission. The seller indicates the Impala ran and drove extremely well before being dismantled and was in sound mechanical health. If you aren’t already tempted, this roller features new suspension, new steering, new brakes, and a shiny dual exhaust. It rolls and steers, ready to be loaded onto a trailer by its new owner.
For an enthusiast considering a project build, parking this 1959 Chevrolet Impala rolling chassis in their workshop could be an excellent starting point. Its structural integrity is beyond question, and the drivetrain adds to its appeal. Finding an appropriate body shouldn’t be challenging, and marrying the two would produce a classic combining stunning good looks with excellent performance. There have been eleven bids so far, but are you tempted to submit the twelfth?
Been a long time since I’ve had a body off frame project as after my first few restorations all the following were unibody cars. Would loved to have tripped over something like this. Would be interested to see how this one turns out.
This is going to save someone a boatload of money.
Thank goodness that I saved that 1959 Impala body all these years…
Hmmm. Would this fit under the 1960 ‘Sedan Delivery’ featured here?
https://barnfinds.com/last-of-a-dying-breed-1960-chevrolet-sedan-delivery/
…might be a teriffic match.
Thank goodness I saved that 1959 Impala body all these years…
It was funnier the first time..
And marginally so.
A 348 Tri-Power convertible seems like it would be rare and valuable. I know,” it’s your car, do what you want with it”, but this seems wrong.
That “X” frame design is a sobering thing to see without a body. Zero side protection except whatever sheet metal or fiberglass, etc. the body panels are made from.
58-64 impala ,biscayne ,bel air would fit however i would want to know if its got 605 conversion for power steering. Plus powergilde gotta go and those 2 barells got to be setup right. This would be better suited for original 58 or 59 as 348 was gone by 60 i think. Good price though if it goes for under 11 as all the hard work mostly done
last year for 348 in passenger cars was 1961 after that they still where offered in trucks but mid 1961 the 409 was born
This Modo-Thingo trend makes me sad. That car has just received a lobotomy.
Are comments broken?
That would be a blessing for some considering the drivel that gets posted
I would love to see the custom build that was worth sacrificing a running and driving 348/Tri-power 1959 Impala convertible!
I agree with you Ccfisher
BaB (Bring a Body). LOL!!!
Wonder what the car looks like now.Kinda ashame to ruin a 59 tri power impala convertible that must of been really nice.At least the frame will help another one. To each their own.Glwts.
I envision this under a restored `59 body of some sort. I’ve always loved GM’s `59 4dr. hardtops–the flat-roofs. Would love to put this under one! Who is to say a `59 Chevy Sport sedan couldn’t have been factory built with tri-power?
last year for 348 in passenger cars was 1961 after that they still where offered in trucks but mid 1961 the 409 was born
What’s up with your site?
Needs a “Florida Flood Report”.
What. A flood report. Report just in no flood. Report just in no fire Report just in not stolen lol
Looks like a great head start for someone thats in the right situation.
This sale makes me sad.
I wonder if it comes with a title? It would be interesting to see what took it’s place…
pwtiger…I would doubt it. The seller will probably keep the title for his new chassis and the original body. This sale does not make me sad. Will make a great body style drive like a new car. Would love to be in the sellers situation.
Use the title you have with your body or a donor you buy just be sure you get a title with it. Pull up the picture I don’t see where this engine has had a rebuild. Maybe a degreaser an hose off.. no sign of any kind..
Make it into a family sized dune buggy!
Shorten the wheelbase, sand paddle tires and um. Naaaaa! Never mind.
This would fit a 59 or 60. Same frame. Use to years ago had a 60 with a 409 3 duce.factory csr.
Shame a tri power convertible wasted.it must have been pretty solid.i don’t think the custom would be worth as much as the original.
Those curved value covers should be on a engine bigger than this 348, I saw one in a Biscane that was over 425 cubes…..(or was it a 454?) what’s the history here.
It’s a mad mad mad mad world. The big W.