Chevrolet had a different design for each model year in 1957, 1958, and 1959. The 1959s were “swoopier” and gained “batwings” in response to the stylish success of the 1957 “Forward Look” Chrysler products (the Space Age had arrived!). Things were toned down a tad in 1960, with small circular taillights replacing the “cat’s eye” lens that you either loved or didn’t. The seller has a 1960 Impala convertible that we’re told was previously renovated, but the level of work done isn’t better defined.
If you wanted a drop-top in 1960, you only had one choice, the Impala. A convertible was not offered with the more pedestrian Biscayne or the mid-range Bel Air. So, the seller’s car is one of more than 72,000 assembled that year, meaning the original population was plentiful. But nearly 65 years later, not many are left running around.
Based on the “renovated” comment, we assume the black paint was redone and is still nice, although a couple of camera angles might disagree. And the seller says there is some rusting beginning to brew. The tow-tone interior has recently been worked over, so we assume there are no issues that would affect passenger comfort. Besides the factory AM radio, there’s an aftermarket AM/FM tunes player inside the glove box.
Under the hood is a 283 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel automatic and 2-speed “aluminum” automatic transmission (not a Powerglide?). At 196,000 miles, we assume both have been rebuilt – at least once. The ignition is now electronic (goodbye pesty points!) and we’re told the machine is a great daily driver as it sits (does the car look its been lowered a little?). If you’re into these flying machines on wheels, this Chevy is in Rowlett, Texas, and is available here on eBay where $35,100 has yet to crack the seller’s reserve.
My parents had a white 59 Impala 2 door with red interior, 283 automatic. Not sure what transmission because I was like 7 years old. I remember it used to vapor lock and die. You had to sit for a few minutes and it would then crank. Well one Saturday night on the square in Glasgow, Ky with everyone out cruising, the 59 decided to stop right in front of the courthouse. I can still hear Dad cussing. He traded it a couple days later for a turquois with white bucket seats 65 Impala SS with 327 2 speed powerglide. I wish I had both in my garage now, great memories eating at the tasty freeze with the waitress delivering food on the window tray. Damn I’m showing my age!
The flags on the car indicates the motor was a 348. WHY IS IT A 283 . Was it fliped at some point. Standard were the flags for the 348???
Student in our dorm had a tri powered ’59 convertible, black with red interior. To this day I loved both the ’59 and ’60 cars and while a bit over the top in size just looked like they were moving while standing still. It was a floor shifter and listening to that engine wind up was pure music.
Nice looking car, I think, looking at the grille that it was originally a 348 car though.
The hood and trunk crossed flags indicates a 348.
It hasn’t been lowered,the coil springs are probably shot after all these years!
Could be the 2″ lowering springs available and popular. Also, with 196000 miles on the car the 348 probably gave up and was replaced with what’s in it now.
This reminds me of “Freewheelin Franklin’s” remote controlled car from the Freak Brothers comics, but that was a coupe. Was Micky Mouse doll in the driver seat?
Just sold my 1960 impala 348,4 speed ,power steering,it went to Miami FL BEAUTIFUL CAR
I bet the restorer just put on the 348 indicating emblems because they look cool. I should have the plain ‘V’ emblems. Yes, it needs new coil springs on a 4 corners. That’s how they came.
I drove a 60 Impala convertible in high school, and wish I had kept it. I still love the car’s styling, and the smoothness of the ride. When the car was idling and in gear (powerglide) people thought the engine had stalled because it was so quiet and there was absolutely no detectable vibration in the wheel or the seat. Simpler cars and simpler times. I hope this chevy goes to a loving home.
Pretty sure it’s a scam…..
I love 59 and 60 Chevrolet’s. When I was a kid my father got a new Chevrolet Biscayne company car every year, so he had both a 59 and a 60. I was 5 in 1959 and the rear fins on my father’s 59 Biscayne were just the right height that I was able to cut myself above the eye on one of the fins as I ran past his 59, leading me to need a few stitches. In 60 my mother got a new Parkwood wagon so I grew up with these cars.
In the late 70’s I had a black 60 convertible with a red interior, a 283 2bbl and a Powerglide. It was a pretty car and fun to run around in, but I ended up selling it to a local cop to get the money to paint my 62 Corvette.