Fins had reached their automotive zenith by 1959. Manufacturers had literally and figuratively climbed to new heights, but Chevrolet adopted a different approach with its Impala. It equipped its latest offering with fins shaped like arched eyebrows, accentuating the car’s inherent sleek lines. This ’59 Impala Sport Coupe is stunning, although the seller describes it as a high-end driver rather than a pristine classic. It has generated considerable interest since hitting the market, with the seller listing the Impala here on eBay in Walker, Louisiana. Bidding has soared to $75,300, driven by strong bidding. However, it remains below the reserve. There is a BIN option of $87,500, and I suspect someone may hit the button if the bidding gets close to that price.
The Impala badge first appeared in 1958 as the range-topping version of the Bel Air two-door Hardtop and Convertible body styles. Chevrolet granted the badge standalone model status in 1959, with the First Generation remaining on sale for only two years. This ’59 Sport Coupe is stunning, and it forces me to eat my words. I am typically not a fan of Tuxedo Black paint because I think that Chevrolet had plenty of better shades on that year’s color palette. However, it provides a perfect contrast to the bright trim that graces most of this Impala’s panels. The seller confirms that this beauty underwent a restoration around twenty-five years ago. It hasn’t been hidden away during the last quarter century, seeing service as its creators intended. Therefore, close inspection will reveal minor imperfections, although the listing stresses that it can be considered a high-end driver. What this Impala has avoided is the rust issues that often develop with time. The seller states that the car retains its original steel, with no evidence of patches, repairs, or the dreaded Bondo. The glass is spotless, and the whitewalls provide the ideal finishing touch to this Impala’s exterior.
My major criticism of new cars is that manufacturers seem to have lost the ability to provide vibrant interiors. Most favor varying shades of Gray, and you will struggle to find anything on a showroom floor with trim as dazzling as the tri-tone Red and White inside this Impala. The cloth and vinyl have aged exceptionally well, with no evidence of wear or deterioration. The matching painted surfaces are equally impressive, and there are no carpet or wheel issues. It isn’t 100% original, but it features air conditioning and a modern stereo with door-mounted speakers.
Another automotive trend that appears to have disappeared is manufacturers offering customers a broad range of optional engines. The original owner could have ordered this ’59 Impala with a 235ci six under the hood, but they selected the 348ci V8. This motor in standard form didn’t offer the same level of power as the most potent version of the optional 283ci “Fuelie,” but mechanics found the 348 easier to maintain. It should generate 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the road via an automatic transmission. Chevrolet offered more powerful versions of the 348, but this motor represents an excellent compromise between performance and price. I am surprised that the first owner didn’t select power-assisted steering or brakes, but it shouldn’t require a bodybuilder’s physique to handle this classic. The seller recently replaced the fuel tank, the shocks, and the brakes. They describe the motor as running like a sewing machine, confirming that the buyer could fly in and drive this Impala home.
This 1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe has the “wow” factor, which explains why it has attracted fifteen bids. The listing view and Watch List tallies are equally impressive, and there is ample opportunity for the numbers to climb significantly. This beauty appears to have no needs, and it can’t help but attract attention and positive comments wherever it goes. The BIN looks realistic, but would you hit that button, or would you take the risk by joining the bidding war?
I’m with the author, just for gits and shingles, bring up 1959 Chevy Impala “images”,,,all the colors of the rainbow, they is, I’m pretty sure it was an original paint, or someone did an awesome repaint. It is oddly optioned, 348, a heck of a motor, $199-$305, depending on model, automatic, probably Powerglide, $199, A/C, naturally the biggie, $468! Radio, $87, windshield washer, $12, 2 speed wipers, $16, but couldn’t sport a 2 tone paint for $27 bucks. I read this car cost $around $2700, and as optioned here, over $3grand, when a base ’59 Impala was about $2200, it was a big difference then. The Impala was the #1 seller, with over 473,000 sold. The Sports Coupe “only” sold 165,000, so not exactly rare, but a lot of people want this, and I bet it’s in part, the black color. With the red interior, it is sharp, and PLEASE,,,no clown wheels?
I agree about the colors Chevy had, and hlw great they looked. I’ve always thought that a gorgeous body with deep black paint and a red interior is like the automotive version of a tuxedo.
This is just stunning. Another great write up Adam!!!
-Dave
Couldn’ agree more on the “no clown wheels” comment.I hate those things!!!
Howard, agree with everything you said. But I think A/C would be mandatory with black paint. Beautiful car that is going to pull stupid money. But it is worth whatever someone will pay for it.
As the “factor”said, WOW! Classmate in college had a black with red convertible and the 348 with a tripower setup. Looked good, ran good, and one of the cars I have never forgotten.
Have heard the 59 chevy had a tendency to have rear end lift at high speed. Evidently because of the desire of the rear wings. Is this true?
I believe that’s just a rumor!!
In 1959 on my senior class trip to Manhattan I was impressed by the vast number of the base model 4 doors employed as Yellow Cab taxi’s. The streets were terrible, potholes, digging by ConEd, and the cars were, body-wise, junk. The tail lights had almost all been replaced by flat pieces of red plastic. They rattled and squeaked, front ends sounded like they were about to fall apart, cheap but sturdy hard plastic seats, drivers would floor the PowerGlide 6’s and then jam the brakes for the next red light. As a driver explained to me, seated in the front seat so 4 of us could share the cost, “These are a piece of s… compared to the Checkers but they cost half as much so the big boss bought hundreds of them and we get stuck driving them. They won’t last a year.” So, assuming all ’59 Chevies were similar, this is an amazing survivor.
As my only trip to Manhattan in 1971, I was scared that at any second one of those cabs would have a failure and come rocketing onto the sidewalk. (mostly Checkers) They were hauling down those potholed streets and you could just hear the ball joints rattling and suspensions bottoming out because the bumpstops and been broken off many miles before. Besides the trepidation on the sidewalk, later that day (when I was back at the Holiday Inn resting) My 2 buddies got beaten up and robbed. In my opinion New York was just a bigger dirtier, bumpier Chicago. (Where I grew up) I have no desire to go back.
The rear end always made me think of an angry bug.
There isn’t anything I don’t like about this car! Well yeah there is the price, but that’s only because I can’t afford it.
I just witnessed a condition 5 with 283 and powerglide go for 32 thousand. I saw the car, rough, needed everything. Dorsey Mansion auction, Springer NM
One memory that I have as a young child was how much different the styling of the ‘59 was compared to the ‘58. Even as an eight year old I was already a car nut. My dad had purchased a new ‘58. I thought it was the most beautiful car ever. The ‘59 was an acquired taste for me. I love the interior design and colors of this one. I also like black cars but keeping them clean is a part time job. I’d imagine that this will sell as the bidding isn’t all that far from the BIN. Still three days to go. GLWTS.
I have always loved the dashboard/instrument cluster and the steering wheels on these cars.
Love those rear “cat eyes”!
As my only trip to Manhattan in 1971, I was scared that at any second one of those cabs would have a failure and come rocketing onto the sidewalk. (mostly Checkers) That were hauling down those potholed streets and you could just hear the ball joints rattling and suspensions bottoming out because the bumpstops and been broken off many miles before. Besides the trepidation on the sidewalk, later that day (when I was back at the Holiday Inn resting) My 2 buddies got beaten up and robbed. In my opinion New York was just a bigger dirtier, bumpier Chicago. (Where I grew up) I have no desire to go back.
Too true, Adam! Most manufacturers have lost the ability to provide dazzling interiors. They seem to err towards “bean counter” cars; things that are birthed in an economics class. Are there no more designers with flair?
Has this led to (or caused by) a less colourful, diverse society?
Will it ever change?
I describe new car cloth interiors as exciting as grocery store paper bags. That’s why everyone gets leather, which I like.
Everybody was ridiculing me when I paid (19K) for my 59 at Mecum six years ago. The editor for a certain magazine that used to come out weekly even wrote an editorial saying that guys like me were making 59’s unaffordable. Now people say 75K isn’t all the money.
This is a beautiful Chevy, really love it a lot. The funny thing, if it were a Pontiac or Olds, the price would be a fraction of the Chevs price, yet the Pontiac or Olds, are far better cars in every way. Speaking as I came home with the family in a brand new 59 Kingswood wagon from Luby Chevrolet, and today I have a collection of 1960 Oldsmobiles.
I love’59 Chevys! When I was little, we had a’59 Brookwood wagon. It’s too bad I would have to sell a kidney to own one today.
And it’s gone….
Ended at $80,200.
Reserve Not Met
31 bids.
Then, relisted and SOLD for $80,500
Then, relisted and at $30,100 with 4 days left.