In 1960, the Impala was in its third year as the top Chevrolet. Introduced in 1958 as a high-end Bel Air offered in just two body styles, it took the lead as the flagship model in 1959 when the cars received a redesign. The 1960 models were an evolution in styling compared to the year before. This example may have seen only two prior owners and could be turned into a runner with work, or a complete restoration could be undertaken. Located in Manahawkin, New Jersey, this open-air project is available here on eBay where the bids have reached $34,101. Another great tip from Barn Finder Larry D!
As the story goes, this Impala was first purchased in Maryland and stayed with the original owner until his passing. He left it to his neighbor who didn’t have the same level of interest and deposited it in a barn behind his house where it stayed for an undetermined length of time. We’re told it will start and run if your jury rig the starter as the seller doesn’t have the keys. If the drivetrain is original, a 283 cubic-inch V8 likely resides under the hood, along with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic. However, before the car goes very far, the gas tank will need cleaning or replacing.
There is some rust to be found here and there, such as in the rear tail panel, the lip of the hood, and on the inner bottom of at least one door. The canvas in the convertible top has given up the ghost and will need reworking, while we assume the hardware is good. The interior is a mixed bag: the front seat will need new upholstery, while the back seat and carpeting may be okay.
The 1960 Chevrolet Impala became the best-selling automobile in the U.S. that year and held the position throughout the decade. The GM division would build 511,925 Impala’s for the model year, including 79,503 convertibles, including the seller’s car. So, it may not be that rare. If you assumed this car to be in Fair Condition, Hagerty estimates it could fetch north of $8,000, assisted by the fact that it has new tires. If you prefer the more conservative styling approach of the ’60 vs. the ’59, is this a project you’d like to undertake?
Chico, this would make a great low rider.
So assuming it is in fair condition, Hagerty has it at $8000, but bids are currently at 34K and rising. Quite a discrepancy there….
Now Chevy is overjoyed when they have a car that sells 10% of that 1960 sales number.
$8000 seemed low, so I checked. Hagerty lists a 1960 Impala convertible 283/2bbl at $29,000 in fair condition.
“However, before the car goes very far, the gas tank will need cleaning or replacing.” How far is that? 15-20 feet?
Considering its location it must have (luckily) been out of service for a LONG time ‘cuz it doesn’t look bad at all rust wise. As for the transmission we don’t get a close look at the dash area/shifter quadrant, meaning auto doesn’t necessarily equal PG – Turboglide was also available this year. Another detail to notice is that it’s wearing ’61 ‘pala wheel covers.
I observe radiator has driver side inlet – the X-frames I’ve been involved with all had passenger side inlet, so does anyone know why some got the driver side variant?
Same guy has the Cuda convertibles featured the last few days. Actually doesn’t look that bad under it. It will have a little bondo but let’s hope for the best. 1959/60 Chevy’s were not kept long in salvage yards which favored the tri 5’s and later 1961/64’s for resale.