Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Beautiful Bubbletop! 1960 Chevrolet Impala

The 1959-61 Impala Sport Coupes are often referred to as “bubbletops” due to their expansive use of glass, but the term didn’t really get coined until the 1962 Bel Air Sport Coupe came along. This 1960 Impala has been the recipient of a rotisserie restoration and presents extremely well. As good as it looks, perhaps its biggest selling point is its 348 cubic inch V8 with triple 2-barrel carburetors. Located in Denver, Colorado, this beauty is available here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $85,000.

Chevrolet had a big year in 1960 with the introduction of the air-cooled, rear-engine Corvair compact. But Chevy didn’t forget about its full-size cars, giving them a streamlined look compared to the rather radical styling of the year before (at least compared to the ‘58s). The Impala, in its second year as the leading full-range car in the Chevy lineup, continued to dominate sales, thanks to the popularity of versions like the seller’s Sport Coupe.

You could order one of these cars with an inline-6 motor if you wanted to save gas (at 20 cents per gallon), or you could work your way up to the biggest engine offered by Chevy at the time, the 348 V8. Several configurations of that motor were available, but if you went with the “six-pack” set up, you could realize the full power of 335 hp at $333 extra. The tricky fuel-injected small-block that was offered in years past was retired.

The seller’s Impala looks to be a part of a collection as we get some glimpses of other cool vintage cars, including a 1967 Chevelle Super Sport (the SS wouldn’t grace the Impala until 1961). This magnificently restored classic has factory-correct Tuxedo Black paint with a red interior. The engine is paired with a 4-speed R700 automatic transmission as opposed to a 2-speed Powerglide. To make cruising in this auto as comfortable as possible, vintage air conditioning has been added. From what we can tell, there is no reason you couldn’t drive it straight to your next car show (after a stop at the DMV).

Comments

  1. Avatar bobhess Member

    Nice clean design. As heavy as they are, with this engine they were very fast. They don’t look right with the fender skirts though.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar David Townsend

    I have been involved with 58-64 Chevrolet’s since 1974 and always heard bubble tops were the 61 and 62 only. Just in the last few years they include 59 and 60. Never knew that!

    Like 2
    • Avatar gbvette62

      I agree. Years ago it was only the 61 Impala and 62 Bel Air Sport Coupes, that were called “bubble tops”. It’s only been the last few years that people started using the term when referring to the 59-60 hardtops too.

      Seeing this car really brings back some good memories. In the 70’s I had a black 60 convertible, with the same red houndstooth interior and a white convertible top, though mine was a 2bbl, 283, with a Powerglide. It was a great car and I had a lot of fun with it, till I sold it in 79 to pay to have my 62 Corvette painted. 60 and 62 are still my two favorite year Chevrolets.

      It looks like a nice car, and the Vintage Air and overdrive automatic are nice upgrades for someone who plans on driving it. Good luck to the seller!

      Like 5
  3. Avatar Timothy Wasson

    Can not call it restored with a 4-speed R700 trans !

    Like 3
  4. Avatar John P

    ‘59-‘60 coupes are not “bubble top” designs. That’s a moniker for ‘61 Belair and Impala and a limited number of ‘62 Belairs only.

    Like 3
  5. Avatar Gary Thompson

    Memories – Owned a ’60 Impala similar to this one while in college…It had the 348 with tri-power with a powerglide..I would drag race at the strip in Great Bend, KS ..I’d add a 4:11 rear end and it ran (and usually won) DS-A (D Stock Automatic.. 15 sec – 89 mph…

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to gbvette62 Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.