When a car was in production for as long as the Chevrolet Impala, picking a favorite model is a difficult task, and it becomes even more challenging when there were some very high performers over the years. In terms of outside presentation, I might have to give my nod to the ’60, and that’s based solely on the quarter panel presentation. It’s a small detail, but the space-age styling and ornaments adorning this section are among my favorites in Impala history, though plenty of other generations also offer praiseworthy styling. This one here on Craigslist is running, but it could use some work both inside and out, so it might be worth considering if you’ve got the skills to bring this early Impala to a higher level cosmetically. It’s located in the El Paso area of Texas, and the owner is seeking $18,000 cash or a possible trade for a decent ’63 Impala.
Our thanks go out to tipster Mitchell G. for finding this cool Chevy and bringing it to our attention! The ’60 model came from an era when tail fin popularity was starting to wind down, and many enthusiasts refer to the rear section here more as resembling bat wings, which sounds like a reasonable comparison. It looks like some sheet metal repairs were already made on the driver’s quarter, but the same section on the other side is still showing rust behind the wheel, which seems to be the worst part of the body. Hopefully, most of the panels will be sturdy enough to salvage, and I’m envisioning a sharp cruiser once the exterior is straightened out and painted.
An inline-6 was the base engine for the Impala in 1960, with the next size up being a 283 cubic-inch V8, available in both two-and-four barrel configurations. The only mechanical details the seller provides here are that the small block runs well and the transmission is a Powerglide automatic. It’s not specified whether this is still the original combo, but it might be worth keeping intact indefinitely if these prove to be the factory components. If not, the sky’s the limit on what could be chosen to put under the hood in the future.
A peek inside reveals the seats will need new upholstery, but fortunately, the dash still looks pretty good overall. We don’t get to see the exposed floors, but a few shots from the trunk are provided, showing some corrosion on the pan. This 1960 Chevrolet Impala certainly has some needs, but I see some promise here, though it will be up to potential buyers to decide if the $18k cost justifies what you’re getting. What are your thoughts on this one? What’s your favorite Impala of all time, and why?
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