Ready To Cruise! 1960 Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet redesigned their cars for the second year in a row in 1959. Most think this was in response to the “Forward Look” Chryslers of 1957-59 whereas the all-new 1958 Chevies were bulky and round. However, the Bow-Tie folks may have overreacted as the ‘59s were wild in appearance, so things were toned down a bit in ’60, such as with the “batwing” tailfins. This 1960 Impala is in very nice overall condition, but it’s not perfect. It has a few modern features, like vintage air conditioning and front disc brakes. Located in Elbert, Colorado, this sharp Chevy is available here on craigslist for $45,000. A nod goes to T.J. for another neat tip!

With the redesigns of 1959-60, the automobiles sold by General Motors got more futuristic in appearance. The 1960 Impala would be in its second year as Chevy’s model leader over the Bel Air and Biscayne. It would become the best-selling car in America that year and would hold that position for the next decade. As sales increased in ’60 over ’59, the styling evolution must have met with buyer approval. The “bullets” in the grille were gone as were the “cat’s eye” taillights around back. More than 204,000 2-door Sport Coupes were built in 1960, split between the Impala and Bel Air.

The seller bought this Impala about seven years ago. We’re told the odometer reading of 74,000 miles is honest and the seller has worked to improve the car since acquiring it, though those changes limited originality. For example, besides the A/C and brakes, the original 348 cubic inch V8 now sports electronic ignition. If you wanted to go back to 1960 specs, the seller has retained the original parts that will go with the car at full price. We assume the Powerglide automatic transmission is numbers matching.

This Chevy wears a single repaint of its original rare color, Crocus Crème, and looks quite nice but there are a few chips and small creases that a perfectionist will have corrected. The chrome looks great, and the interior is original except for the carpeting having been replaced (one photo shows what may be an imperfection in the driver’s seatback). The Impala has aftermarket wheels, and they don’t seem to flatter its appearance, so I’d find a set of stock rims and wheel covers before making the rounds at Cars & Coffee. That’s after I produce the healthy asking price.