It’s always risky for an automaker to modify a body shape that’s proven highly successful, especially when that lineup was the tri-five Chevrolets that flew off dealer lots between 1955 and 1957. Chevy knew it had big shoes to fill, but the ’58 models were well thought out and solid successors to the now-iconic mid-fifties offerings. The new Delray replaced the 150 as the entry-level car, and the Biscayne moniker took over the 210’s duties. The Bel Air retained its place in the hierarchy, but in 1958 a new flagship was introduced that would last 10 generations: the Impala. This first-year example here on Facebook Marketplace in Los Angeles is a project, and an expensive one, with the seller asking $50,000.
The seller calls his Impala a barn find, but it’s now sitting in a garage, and the photos show only the right side. The ’58 has a distinctive body style that lasted only one year before the car got a redesign, making it easy to identify. The car was longer, wider, and lower than Chevrolets of the past, and it was also the first year that quad headlights were legalized nationwide. The inaugural Impala proudly displayed 4 up front, while some competitors stuck with the traditional 2. The seller describes the exterior as straight but notes no other details. However, the finish shows visible wear and a few scratches, with some rust around the rear window, so the sheet metal will need a few repairs before it’s ready for a respray.
In addition to the inline-6, the first-year Impala offered two different-size V8 engines, including a 283 and a 348. The 327 didn’t debut in the Chevy lineup until 1962, and the owner reports that’s what’s under the hood here, so unfortunately, this one isn’t a numbers-matching vehicle. There is also no confirmation that it’s currently running, and no close-up photo of the bay, so this car may also need mechanical work before it’s ready to get back on the road. The transmission is listed as a Powerglide, which was an option in 1958, but there’s no word on whether it’s the original component.
We only get a couple of interior shots, and while it appears mostly intact, the front seat needs fresh upholstery. The dash and instruments look decent cosmetically, but it’s unclear whether they still function, and the owner provides no clues about the condition of the frame below. This 1958 Impala seems like a good restoration candidate overall, but I’m not sure it’s worth anywhere near the $50k ask. How much would you be willing to spend here?
No information, no interest.
Seriously, this much work to do, and a silly asking price? Cut your dreams by at least in half, cellar dweller.
I know these have a following and they tend to have strong resale value. But $50,000 for a project needing everything seems to be as overpriced as the most overpriced Mopar E-bodies, 68-70 Charger, 67-70 Mustang fastback and 67-69 Camaro people like to rail against.
Steve R
Smoking crack
50K!!? California dreamin !!! Guy needs to wake up.
Once again, the seller is on glue thinking 50k. More like 10 in it’s present condition.
I’m thinking $5k, and I even like these (sorta).
How dare he… I wouldn’t give him less then 100k for this mess…
It may be worth $50,000 when you’re done with a frame off restoration. Does it run? I’d be skeptical. What’s missing? Do you need a lot of parts?
Too many unsnswered questions, and I like the 58 to 64 Impala the best. I agree, $5000, tops.
1958-64 Impalas are the ones I like the best also but this car is not worth $50K especially with all the work that needs to be done.
Toad is that you in that beautiful car
LOL! I just watched “American Graffiti” last night!
Great car movie.
$50 K for a finished one,,not this one tho way over priced
The seller is suffering from MBJ (Mecum Barrett-Jackson) Syndrome.
i really don’t want to sell it but give me 50k and i will. light another johnny.
How about a few actual pictures of the car?
you could probably buy a real nice one for anothner 10.000 .50,000 is way too much for a car needing total restoration.about 2500 is what this car is worth
I happen to have a soft spot for ’58 Impala’s because my sister’s first car was a white 348 tri-power beauty, and she was responsible for getting me enamoured with anything fast, particularly hot rod Chevrolet’s.
That being said, this seller either isn’t familiar with the market or needs to lay off the whiskey. I just saw an absolutely stunning pro built example finished in dark maroon w/ saddle interior, pro charged LS, 6 speed Tremec, custom suspension, etc for 62k, and it would take 50k plus to get this car to that level.
If it had an original 348 tripower with 3 speed manual, which was a very fast car , maybe 8k tops. The auto trans models where slugs even with the 348.
Maybe if it was owned by Steve Bolander at some point in its early history.
Crack pipe! Put down the crack pipe.5000 more like it.wont be long and they won’t be able to give these away.
🤣🤣🤣 Put down the crack pipe!
50K will get you a frame off restored ’58 Impala. At best, facing that rust, 10K.
Even if you get this for say 10gs being the iconic 58 frame off restoration is the only way to go however too much info not being disclosed that being said the asking price is unrealistic cuz the frame off work is going to cost you about 40gs depending on what you discover once you start the process.
Is this some sort of Candid Camera prank?
Why not shoot for the moon when you’re not serious?
Someone else who told his wife he would list it just to get her off his back! He don’t really want to sell this thing! Another $15k car at best!
Wishful thinking that this 58 is worth that kind of money.If it had a 348 and a 4speed positraction perhaps 12,000 this car is a complete restoration and you better have some deep pockets when jump on this one.I’m just being real
Dream On.
I loved the 55-57, but the 58 Impala coupe is one of the most beautiful cars ever built. This one deserves to be rebuilt but that price is ridiculous. $10-12K would be more like it.