Classics occasionally appear on our desks at Barn Finds, where it is seemingly impossible to identify a single strongest attribute. Such is the case with this 1958 Chevrolet Impala. Its stunning paint is an excellent starting point, and the upgraded drivetrain should deliver strong performance. However, this classic’s freshly retrimmed interior could be the star of the show, because it wasn’t a cheap investment. The seller states they would be willing to drive the Impala anywhere, suggesting the buyer could fly in and drive it home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Impala listed here on Craigslist in South Seattle, Washington. The seller set their price at $49,500, indicating that they can organize delivery for a fee.
Although the badge first appeared adorning a show car at the 1956 General Motors Motorama, Chevrolet introduced the Impala as its range-topping variant of the Bel Air in 1958 in 2-Door Hardtop and Convertible forms. This Impala rolled off the line that year, and much has changed since. The seller confirms that the car retains all of its original steel and has no history of rust repairs or other issues. It is rock-solid, and the panels show no evidence of bumps or bruises. The Teal Metallic paint is a mystery, as this shade does not appear on that year’s Chevrolet color charts. Given the modifications elsewhere, I’m wondering whether it is the same color used by Ford on the 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra. It could also potentially be an Oldsmobile shade from that year called Allegheny Green Irridescent, but it’s hard to make a definite call from photographic evidence alone. Although not visible in the supplied images, the seller acknowledges minor paint flaws and states that this Impala should be considered an extremely tidy, driver-grade classic. The bright trim looks excellent, and the tinted glass is clear. As befits a luxury car, the Impala wears new Coker whitewalls on steel wheels with spinner hubcaps.
Classic interior restorations can be a minefield, with seemingly limitless approaches. Owners can adopt a budget philosophy, disguising shortcomings beneath slipcovers, mats, and dash covers. Enthusiasts with reasonable sewing skills can take a DIY approach, using appropriate or custom material combinations. This Impala’s owner selected a trim kit, as supplied by Ciadella Interiors. This is a high-end approach, and would have lightened their wallet by over $3,000. However, the results justified the investment, as nothing within this classic warrants criticism. The chosen material shades perfectly complement the paint color, and the lack of wear confirms that this beauty has seen little action since work ended. The presentation is probably as close to showroom-fresh as you will find, and the retro-style stereo is nicely integrated.
One danger with custom builds is that the finished product can be a Frankenstein’s Monster that causes more grief than moments of motoring pleasure. However, the builder followed a well-trodden path, equipping this Impala with a 350ci V8, a TH-350 automatic transmission, and upgraded power-assisted front disc brakes for improved safety. Honestly, if I had a dollar for every classic I have seen with this setup, I could probably afford to buy this Impala! The small-block’s specifications are unclear, but I would be surprised if it produced less than 250hp. I believe a figure close to 300hp is a realistic expectation. The parts required for this conversion are readily available, and anything needed for ongoing maintenance is available at most automotive retailers. Therefore, years of reliable classic motoring should await the new owner. The seller indicates that this Impala runs and drives exceptionally well and is a turnkey proposition, ready for action.
This 1958 Chevrolet Impala isn’t perfect, but it would suit enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver that can be enjoyed immediately. The motor and transmission combination should be bulletproof, promising years of reliable service. Interior retrims can be expensive, but this Impala has that base covered. Modified classics write their own rules, and placing a potential value upon one can be challenging. However, a review of the current market suggests the seller’s price is likely realistic. Do you agree? If so, are you tempted to pursue this Impala further? I wish you luck if you do.
One of the few ’58 cars that survived the “dipped in chrome” look. Beautiful car.
’58 Impalas are one of my favorites. I still can’t bend my brain around how it was a one year only design from GM, when they ditched this and went to the ’59s. This one really caught my eye. I just assumed it was a stock color, it just looks so right at home with that expensive ( but well worth it) interior, whatever it is from, it is a job well done. The 350 V8 and THM 350 makes a lot of sense if you’re going to have to repower something from this vintage too, and it wouldn’t scare me away. The price is steep, but if you were to look at ALL the reciepts for all the high quality work done, I’m sure that dollar amount is well north of the ask. This is a great write up Adam on an absolutely gorgeous top of the line ’58. I really enjoyed your write up, and this car this morning. And Curvette, seriously, you could go into the line of hunting down classic cars for people!! You found an absolutely beautiful one here. Thank you!!!
Something this nice should be repowered with a 348 and 3 deuces.
First one I ever drove had a 348 with 2 4 barrels on it. Fast and furious.
Had friend who had one in 63 it was black 348 with three speed . Could really lay down nice long black tire tracks a little hard on gas which was cheap then . The interior was loud for that time but fit the car. Have lots of car memories back then being young with a lot of car guy friends
He’d better take anything close to his asking price as soon as he can get it. He’s likely into it for far less money than advertised.
Nice and clean, but re-worked pieces like this are all now entering the “novelty phase” of this hobby. People who want a low hassle driver that looks good. They don’t care at all about engine numbers, or anything like that.
Does it run reliably? Does it look good at the cars and coffee? End of story. Nobody GAF anymore about the rest of the gearhead nonsense.
Forget about using the word “investment” with these types of rides going forward. It’s not an original condition piece. It’s a pleasure toy.
The value here is buying it, riding it for a couple years, doing as little as possible to it, and selling it for a new toy. That’s the novelty phase that we are entering.
If you buy it at this price, is there someone on the other side of this in 3 years who will also pay $50k? Yeah, no, there won’t be. Who wants to be the guy who takes the $30K depreciation hit? There is no upside.
This is nice looking $15K novelty car these days. Better than most of them.
I agree with all your opinions, hit the nail on the, the only thing I disagree with you, it’s not a 15k car by no means, even if the restoration of this GrandPa doesn’t have #matching, that’s ok, because it’s a cool ride, with a Chevrolet history that will be his and his only, and every other Impala there after, takes a back seat to him, he’s the GRAND DADDY OF THEM ALL, and this car will always hold its value, if I had the cash, I’d buy it without a second thought, the car has been nicely restored and is worth its weight in money.
Hey Jesse, Actually, sorry I wasn’t clear and I can’t edit it. I agree with you that this will probably sell for a lot more than $15K in the near term, but probably a lot less than the $50k ask.
The $15K value I am talking about was looking out 5 to 10 years out.
Everything from the 1950s is going the way of the Model Ts and Model As and the late 1930s early 1940s mundane stuff, excepting genuine 1932 Fords and Duesys and Auburns and Cords and other Tier I cars of that era. That’s still multi-millionaire money and probably always will be.
The interested buyers from every era fade away and the more mundane stuff starts to sell at what I call “novelty interest” prices. Nobody expects to make money on them, or dump a lot into them.
That’s already happening to the 1950s era stuff. So the future price of this piece is on a continual downslope as buyers evaporate at these kinds of prices. This is not a “collector car”.
My question is this: Who wants to take the hit on the way down the price curve? Even if you pay $30k instead of $50k for this ride right now, that leaves you with a huge loss 10 years from now. Further, it will start to show 10 years of age from this current condition, especially if you cruise a lot in it. And that’s the only reason to own it, is to use it.
Younger guys are gonna buy Hellcats and over-powered modern Mustangs and WRXs and Supras and the like. They’re not gonna be seen in Grandpas 1958 Chevy unless it’s really, really cheap to do it.
This whole concept with cars that says that just because it’s old (1955 and later) and presentable, it’s going to go up in value. There’s already strong evidence that says that the market for each era fades rapidly after the guys who grew up with them are no longer in the market for them.
Most cars are novelty toys and should be bought with that in mind. Thinking that a average GTO Judge in good shape is going to soar to over $100k (current value, not inflation driven) at some point is pure fantasy. We’ve peaked here. The ride down is going to be steep.
I have a sentimental attachment to 1958 Chevrolets. I usually gravitate towards stock and actually prefer the lesser iterations over the top dog Impala. But this one really captures my fancy. I like the color scheme especially the interior. I like the running gear too. I imagine that it drives much better than stock. But of course I can’t have it due to my usual problems. Money and location. Do all of the cars I like always exist on the West Coast? GLWTS.
I love ’58 Impalas! This color may not be original but does suit the car well, as do the disc brakes and even the 350 (if I recall correctly the 348 could be an unreliable beast-enlighten me if I’m wrong). And hey-who doesn’t want to cruise up to the speaker at Mel’s drive-in in this with The Skyliners blasting “Since I don’t Have You” on the radio? Sadly, It’s true-the “American Graffiti” generation is passing into history. It was a great ride (I’m only a little younger than this demographic but old enough to remember the cars when they were almost new). I can’t imagine a future generation nostalgic for a Tesla Model Y!