Chevrolet redesigned its cars for the second year in a row in 1959 after seeing the success Chrysler was having with its “Forward Look”-winged wonders of 1957. The Impala became a series of its own in ’59 after being an extension of the Bel Air the year before. The seller (or someone before him/her) elected to take a basic Biscayne sedan and graft the necessary hardware on it to become an Impala convertible. You have to wonder why go to this trouble. Is there a shortage of viable ’59 Impala drop-tops out there? This interesting unfinished project is in Valley Springs, California, and is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $50,199, yet the reserve is still elusive.
In 1959, Chevy built nearly 282,000 2-door sedans, which included the entry-level Biscayne (we assume this car began in this body style rather than a 4-door). On the other hand, more than 72,000 convertibles were produced, all wearing Impala trim. The seller says this car is now titled as an “F-code” convertible, which suggests all its history as a Biscayne has been erased. We’re told that a clean convertible tub has been “grafted” into place, which I would never have guessed. The sheet metal from front to back seems to be the same blue-ish finish and I thought I was looking at a real Impala until I read the ad.
This car has all-new floors so that work is out of the way. We’re told that the original convertible body braces have been installed along with the frame needed for attaching the new canvas. The interior is mostly a shell, but the seller has a full interior kit and a white top that can come with the auto at extra cost (how much?). The windshield is out, but we’re told the inner trim is still around. The seller says the car has its original 283 cubic inch V8 with a Powerglide automatic transmission, but no photos are provided, nor do we know if the Chevy runs.
So, what do you call a Biscayne that’s on its way to becoming an Impala? A Bispala? An Impcayne? Or just whatever the title says. The seller adds that this should be an easy project to finish, but do you agree? And at the current bidding, just the acquisition cost alone will surely be in the mid-five figures. If you really want a convertible, why not wait for the best example to come along that you can afford? Add the 1960 model year to the list and the population will increase.
Seems way too much for what is there, or not there. , top should be included at this price .
Seriously?! So now cars that Could be awesome but are actually rusted skeletons of what they once were are fetching these prices? And not even a top? And invisible seat covers?! And the seller has interior parts for extra money??!! I’ve been looking at Barn Finds for over a year now, and this is, without a doubt, the most ridiculous posting and subsequent bidding that I have witnessed. Somebody is apparently seeing something that I for sure do not! GLWTS y’all!
Needs a proper 348 and a 4sp.
Over 50 grand and still “reserve not met”. What’s it going to cost to finish this? You might 60 to 75 g’s into this. How much is a real ’59 convertible going for?
I had a friend that was in high school in the early ’60s. His father took him to friends car lot, he had his choice ’60 Impala convert. or ’60 Chrysler convert., both were 300 bucks. He took the Impala and the dealer threw in a new paint job, his choice of color. He didn’t want the Chrysler because he thought the 3 speed stick on the floor was a backyard setup. Those factory Chrysler shifters looked right out of the J.C. Whitney catalog.
That’s a lot of money for a “whatchamachevy”. I smell shill bids.
I agree, shill bidding was my first thought when I saw what the bidding was up to, at that price you’ll be into it well over 80k
OK now! Did everybody win the lottery, or has everyone lost their minds?
Call me old, out of touch or whatever, but $50,000 for a chopped up Biscayne? I had been an avid collector car enthusiast most of my life, owning several over the years. But like many retirees, I finally got priced out of the hobby. But if anyone is willing to pay that kind of money for this car, I’m glad to be out.
Simply amazing,”to me” I recall long ago when these were considered out right garbage. I loved them. I bought a 600.00 red and black two tone one from the original owner that had a very tired 283 but sported power windows, steering, brakes, seat, auto dimming, and factory ac. I redid the driveline and motored through the 80s until I traded it off for a 59 Caddy convertible. The Chevy still resides with me as does a very rusty parts convertible. To this day I remember what my buddies said when I pulled up the first time all those years ago, ” You paid money for that piece of $#!+…” Yes sirrey, times they have definitely changed.
Frankenstein with a sketchy VIN plate.
50 grand+
What could go wrong ?
This site is definitely not without it’s humor.
Dad bought a 59 Black/Red convertible blue flame 6, powerglide new. Mom loved it, as a GM employee dad traded it for a 60 Corvair…..sporty?
As with the others, I don’t get it. I can’t say the floor installation is stellar, still rust repairs to make and everything needs everything. And who’s going to put a 283 and powerglide in this? And who is it bidding to $50k plus? Just saw ads for done cars ranging from $55k – $75k (348 Tri-Power, 4 spd) and one which the owner is quite proud of at $400k
I can’t imagine anyone will get their money out of this since it’s a clone with questionable title.
If anyone who buys this wants to keep it
stock I have a complete rebuild 1959
283 Engine to sell. Let me know.
Tony
Wow, scrap prices have really shot up, might be a good time to sell some junk
I think I’ll take the Sawzall to my Biscayne tonight.
Doesn’t even have the 348 tri power, $50,000 is tooo much for tooo much restoration.
I think it’s supposed to read “$500. 00. Period is in the wrong place. I do see a nice set of Hub Caps.
The ’59’s are hot right now. Since almost every other Tri five convertible out there has been found and restored and are untouchable for most buyers. I saw a rusted hulk of a ’59 convertible bring $35,000 at a farm auction recently.
Yeah, they’re hot alright, hot and fugly, if I was gonna go the chevrolet route, it would be a 60, much better looking than a 59
I have a soft spot for 1959 Chevrolets, I fell in love with them when they came out. We never had one, and I’m not sure I ever even rode in one. I did see an article in a car magazine about someone who turned a 1961 Biscayne 2 door into a convertible, and it’s really sharp. It was done within the past 25 years, and the remaining part of the original is pure Biscayne, except for the parts that turned it into a convertible. I’d love to know what was going through the mind of this ’59s owner. At least it’s not white, red, or black.
Based on the bidding someone really wants this car.
Pontiacs of 59! First wide track. Awesome cars! Outhandle Chevy’s and all were big block powered except Canadian ponchos; all Chevy underneath
Yeah, this is WAY Overpriced, and I am Amazed that the bidding has surpassed 50K for a project! Save your money and time, and buy it done, or needing only detail things. With a restoration you would have well over 250K into this car, with the cost of parts and labor.
This reminds me of the auction in Colorado last year with all the old 50s Chevy projects getting auctioned. Every 59 Chevy brought over 50K with the Real Convertibles selling between 75K and 89K. It’s NUTS! Who spends that kind of money on a project. I guess it’s all about timing and 2 insane people wanting the same thing bad enough. As much as I have loves these cars, I would focus on one I can drive and save 170K.
CRAZY!!!! What happens if person that “grafted “ convertable stuff in car is right on the money??? Put aton of work into it and windows don’t seal correctly wind noise leaks!!! Then what. Foolish proposition for WAY too much $$