The custom car scene in the 1960s and 1970s was really something else. In many ways, I look at this era as a mini-renaissance in America, when creativity manifested into things of real, tangible value, and not just expression for the sake of expression. The variety of memorable hot rods, low riders, and other wild four-wheeled creations was like no other time we’ve seen in history, with the exception of some of the imports built around the earliest stages of The Fast & The Furious era – but let’s face it, those cars had nothing on creations like this 1965 Chevrolet Impala listed here on eBay. Supposedly an original Joe Bailon creation, it is listed for $10,000 or best offer.
Here’s a photo of the car in its glory days when it was known as “The Executive.” The Impala featured numerous custom touches, including a grill that Bailon himself claimed was incredibly intricate and difficult to create. Other details include a custom targa-style roof that was built entirely from scratch for a true one-off design. The wheels were a brand-new model called TRU SPOKE and manufactured by Cragar. Obviously, the paint was stunning as well, and some older photos show an interior with custom bucket seats and upholstery. It was a known quantity around the California show circuit and supposedly took home numerous awards.
And we haven’t even mentioned the suicide-style doors! The car has apparently sat in disrepair and outside for many years now, with the interior removed; it was supposedly in storage at one point but the seller reports in the listing that it is not included or otherwise available. The paint is completely shot and the drivetrain long gone. It apparently had a 427 in it when in prime condition, but I’m guessing that was pulled out and sold many years ago. The extent of surface rust in areas like the inner doors suggests long-term outdoor storage, but I don’t see any major rot holes in the photos provided. You can see lots more history here on AEClassic.com.
Interesting anecdotes from that website suggest that the owner prior to the current steward still had archival-grade photos and all of the awards associated with the car, but that his grandmother would not release any of them. There’s a ton to unpack here, as there often is when a special car ends up in the condition this one is in. It’s a shame show cars like these aren’t preserved in a museum-quality environment, but hopefully, the next owner will figure out how to bring “The Executive” back to life. While it’s hard to put a price on a car like this, I don’t think the seller is far off given the historical and cultural significance of this Impala. Do you think it can be saved?
I like the ’58 lurking in the background. It may or may not have an engine but it still looks rough and ready!
Get the price down a bit, rebuild it, and go blow some minds at the next cars and coffee.
Very interesting. I hadn’t given much thought what happens to former high-end or exotic show cars after their show car life. Especially if they have little capability of being reworked into “useable” vehicles. I suppose some go into storage, but I guess many just get discarded to the bone yard like this one.
Talking about a fall from grace. I didn’t think it was all that during it’s “car show days”, but wow, what happened? This car reminds me of Madonna.
Featured on this site in January of 2015 with an asking price of $15,500. Good deals don’t last.
Steve R
January 2025, not 2015.
Steve R
When a ‘show car’ comes up for sale the thing to remember is many custom cars were built for a show (quick and dirty) and not longevity. As this car demonstrates kerfing plywood is easier to do than shaping sheet metal. The wheels on this car may be worth more than everything else.