One of the problems with automotive history is that it has produced some incredible cars. In fact, there are so many that even picking a favorite decade can be challenging. Enthusiasts preferring the distinctive styling of the 1950s may find this 1959 Chevrolet Impala Hardtop Sport Sedan impossible to ignore. From its known ownership history to its spotless presentation and the V8 nestling under its hood, there is much to like about this remarkable survivor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Impala listed here on Craigslist in Orange, California. The seller set their price at $43,500 for this turnkey gem, indicating that they won’t entertain trades.
The Impala badge first appeared as the range-topping version of the Chevrolet Bel Air two-door Hardtop and Convertible variants for the 1958 model year. The company granted it standalone model status in 1959, and it would maintain a constant presence until 1985. Chevrolet later revived the badge, but it is fair to say that the early examples are most sought after by collectors. Chevrolet offered 1959 buyers a choice of five body styles, including the four-door Hardtop Sport Sedan featured here. One of the secrets to the Impala’s success was that, although it was a large car, the vast expanses of glass made those with a roof look light and elegant. The first owner ordered this classic in the Code 953D combination of Highland Green and Snowcrest White. The seller admits that the car received a repaint, although it is unclear when this occurred. However, this two-owner classic’s overall condition suggests that it has been treated respectfully and protected from adverse weather since that day. The paint shines impressively, there are no visible panel imperfections, and the underside shots reinforce that this Impala is rust-free. The trim looks exceptional, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.
I recently purchased a new car off the showroom floor as my daily driver, but my shopping expedition revealed something very interesting. With very few exceptions, modern cars tend to feature interiors that are a sea of unremitting Gray. It appears that manufacturers have abandoned the practice of being bold and daring, and this Impala demonstrates how incredible the automotive scene once was. Its tri-tone Green cloth and vinyl make a bold statement, guaranteeing that even the shortest and most mundane journey would feel like a special occasion. The padded dash and bright trim accentuate that impression, which is further heightened by the beautifully preserved and original nature of this interior. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and no evidence of wear or other issues beyond slight wrinkling on the door trims. However, I believe that the trims could be carefully stretched into place, achieving close to a factory-fresh appearance.
Chevrolet introduced its first big-block V8 in 1958 in the form of the 348ci “Turbo-Thrust” found under the hood of this Impala. The first owner ticked the box beside the three-speed Turboglide transmission, with this classic also featuring power-assisted steering and brakes. The company offered several versions of the 348, with this car featuring the version that produced a factory-quoted 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. Interestingly, although the big-block was less potent than the optional 283ci “Fuelie” V8, its low-end torque delivery made it a clear favorite with buyers. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their mileage claim, but the vehicle’s overall condition makes the figure plausible. However, they state that this beauty runs and drives nicely, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.
I have never hidden the fact that I have a weakness for classics wearing a Ford badge. However, I admit that General Motors, across all of its marques, nailed vehicle styling in the 1950s. The 1957 Bel Air demonstrated this, and it remains more popular today than it was when new. Chevrolet’s decision to follow a different path during the height of the fins era meant that the 1959 Impala could never be mistaken for any other brand’s offering. This Sport Sedan is a stunning vehicle, and although its price sits at the market’s top end, it isn’t unprecedented. It has been on the market for under a day, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?
Love it. Just imagine someone buying this brand new and bringing it home parked in the driveway with all the neighbors coming over to take a look. Back then cars had style and great colors and as an owner you were very proud of your car.
“The first owner ticked the box beside the three-speed Turboglide transmission….”
Turboglide was not a 3-speed transmission in the usual sense. In operation it’s more like a CVT.
Beautiful example, but priced about $6k above Hagerty’s highest, No. 1 concours condition price. Interestingly, though located in Orange CA it’s in the Imperial County, not Orange County, CL.
Thanks for the information.
It’s probably listed in Orange County to draw more eyes. More potential buyers will search the Orange County Craig’s List than Imperial County. If it was my car and I lived in Imperial County I’d do the same thing.
Steve R
You have it backwards. It is in Orange County (City of Orange) which has about 3.5 million people and has many affluent areas but it is listed in the Imperial County Craigslist. Imperial County has about 179,000 people and is one of the poorest counties in SoCal.
Haven’t we seen this one before ?
Vance, thank you for clarifying my mistake.
Steve R
Turbo glide was actually a form of Buick’s Dynaflow which had no perceptible shifts. This trans was a big failure among GM’s offerings.
Absolutely stunning. These 4 door hardtops are beautiful cars. This one, with the two tone green and that gorgeous interior looks like it came straight out of the 1959 Chevrolet sales brochure. My Grandpa had a ’60 4 door hardtop Impala with a 348 ( not sure which trans) and manual steering. I could only imagine him parallel parking that thing in front of his home. This is just beautiful. Hope it goes to a good new home.
Did you Americans have parallel parking in 1960? I took my driving test in December 1956 in what was then Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, and the first thing the examiner asked me to do was to parallel park. I told him that my tutor had never shown me how to do that and his answer was, “now is the time to learn!” remarkably I did it first time and then he told me that it wasn’t yet on the drivers test but it would be from the 1st of the next month, January 1957. I passed with flying colours.
Absolutely yes, at least in NJ. He lived in a city area in Hudson County NJ, so Parallel parking was a must. His brother in law only drove the car once….. He loved the car, hated the manual steering. But my Grandpa said he didn’t mind it.
Absolutely. My girlfriend taught me how to do it in her 1960 Pontiac Catalina, which was every bit as big as this car. We also learned it in Drivers’ Education at school, but I’d already passed my test by then. I still think about the “rules” every time I do it, but I’ve not had to park a behemoth like this for a long time.
An excellent car for drive-in movies… back in the day.
Very nice but the price. 59 Buick at the Raleigh classic right now or possibly just ended was at 30 yesterday
“glass made the roof look light and elegant” Yes, just do not roll it over. As a first responder I see many modern cars that have rolled over, and with strong roofs in combination with a multitude of air bags, occupants often walk away, even after two or more tumbles.
But, this is a beautiful car!
Pristine survivor. Beautiful, just beautiful.
I remember checking out the new Chevys in 1959 with my dad who was a diehard bow tie guy. He about had a heart attack when he saw that rear end! I sort of like it now! Beautiful one listed here today.
I had a 1959 4 door sedan that I loved when it was standing still as I thought it was one of the best car designs that I had ever seen. Then I got to drive it and fell immediately out of love with it as it sounded like everything was made of tin, and there was a terrible noise when shutting the doors. From that car onwards I was a FORD man. I have owned many American cars since then and all of them were better than that Chev. As for class, my 1951 Buick Super was the best of the lot.
total beauty. First time i ever saw the p/s pump joined to the alternator or was it a generator back then
That’s the way it was then; had a splined shaft sticking out the back of the generator to drive the P/S pump. I had a ’59 Impala coupe.
My father bought one of these new in Chicago White over red with a 6 and 3 on the tree. Beautiful car. Took a trip to California in it on Rte 66. No match for climbing the hills on the way. Traded in on a 64 Pontiac Catalina. It was all Pontiacs after that!
That is a fine looking automobile. The roof on those GM cars in 59 and 60 were the best ever.
If some testing entity buys this and runs it into a late model Impala, they will be shot on sight! That’s what happened to another nice one about 10 years ago…
My mom bought a new ’59 Impala 4 door hardtop in Cameo Coral and Satin beige. V8 and PG. Kept it for about 30 years and sold it with just over 30,000 miles. She got more than the $3500 dad paid for it.
The seller wants all the money for this car. Comparables are difficult to find considering the thin number of unmodified 1959 Impalas which have been offered for sale. Hagerty values a concours vehicle at $37.6K.
The one thing I know about ‘concours’ vehicles is none of the big three/four etc. rolled concours vehicles off the line. Judges can be much more discerning than line inspectors. This car can’t be at the concours level because the right rear door jam is missing a rubber bumper. Other than that I dunno…
Is the asking price too high? Only potential buyers get to make that decision.
nice looking impala done in true 1950s colors. priced a bit high but if went through 1 of the well-known auctions i bet it sell for more.
I utterly HATED the 1959 Chevrolet when it came out — HIDEOUS CAR!! — especially after the stylish ’58 and crisp ’57. But somehow, I don’t know why, it has “grown” on me. And I rather LIKE THIS one! Were those seat-belts original? Our ’58 Impala convertible did not have them. But, if I had the money, I’d actually consider buying and driving this car, which looked UGLY to me in the showrooms in late 1958. Am I “losing it” in my old age??
What an stunning example of the ’58 Chevy, I don’t care if it has two (2) many doors on it as this thing is amazing.
Bringing it home would be like what my parents would have experianced when I was 7 years old. They drove older Chevys at that time, I could only droll at the example across the street wher I live in Pheonix at the time.