No car better symbolized 1950s automobile styling than the ’59 Chevy Impala. For the second year in a row, the Chevies would be all-new cars and these models are especially well known for their “batwing” tailfins and “cat eyes” taillights. Styling-wise, perhaps the Forward Look Chryslers are just as bodacious. This 1959 Impala convertible in pristine condition is being offered by a dealer and not only comes with the Tri-Power 348 V8, but it also has factory air conditioning. Located in Bee Spring, Kentucky, and available here on eBay, the bidding has risen quickly to $125,100 with the reserve not yet met. Wowsers!
Chevrolet and Ford always battled for sales dominance and 1959 was no exception. The all-new Chevrolets beat out the third-year Fords by about 86,000 cars or about a six percent spread. The Impala, which had been introduced the year before as a specialized model, became a series of its own for ’59 and would lead the Chevrolet portfolio for years to come. There were no less than 11 engine choices available to Impala buyers that year, beginning with the 235 cubic inch inline-six and going all the way up to a 348 V8 with 3×2-barrel carburetors which were good for at least 315 hp. The latter is what can be found under the hood of the seller’s car.
We don’t get any background or history on this car, but we do get a long list of everything the car comes with. The list of equipment is extensive and this might be the most loaded Impala you could buy that year. While power steering and brakes and a Powerglide automatic weren’t rare, the factory A/C in this car is. Air conditioning didn’t begin to take off as a “thing” until the late 1960s. The radio has dual outside antennae which adds to the slimline look of the car. While they’re the coolest thing since sliced bread, continental kits like the one on this car have done nothing for the aerodynamics of the automobile.
The two-tone paint on this car is said to be a rare combination, Harbor Blue (code 912-A) and Crown Sapphire (code 914-A), and the automobile wears it well. Nothing this nice can be original, so we have to assume this car has received a complete restoration, perhaps of the rotisserie variety. Fender skirts were popular in those days and this automobile has them along with matching cruiser skirts. The convertible top looks like it has never even been lowered or raised.
Chevrolet built more than 72,000 convertibles in 1959, split between the Impala and Bel Air. But production numbers don’t get broken down any further, so we don’t know how many Impala’s left the factory with the Tri-Power 348 V8. Nothing is mentioned of how well the car performs, but the seller offers a brief video of the car in motion. While driving this star-quality car, you could listen to the custom stereo system that has been installed in the trunk.
This drop-top has just 41,748 reported miles on it. The car is priced substantially higher than what Hagerty suggests, but this car has more going for it than their guide likely anticipates, like the big motor and A/C. Whether this car is worth north of $125,000 depends on what someone is willing to part with to have it. But what a gorgeous piece of 1950s auto memorabilia they would have!
A White 59 came through here a while back. Just as impressive. I commented then that I really don’t like Continental kits or fender skirts, but these things both seem to work on a 59 Impala Convert. Maybe because of those flat fins? Dunno, but I sure like it. Not enough to bid on it, but very cool Chevy.
A/C a huge deal on this car.
Yes. I have always been fascinated with early automotive HVAC systems. The first Chevrolet factory a/c I ever viewed was in a highly restored ’55 Belair. The car in question was fully loaded with pw and a power seat. Couldn’t have been too many built.
It’s a great looking car from what I can see, but that price takes all the joy out of it. Only those with some serious money can consider a car like this one IMO.
Great car, I’d lose the skirts and Continental kit if I could afford this beauty
Sorry, continental kits, ugh.
There were no Bel Air convertibles in 1959.
This exact car was posted here in Feb., and just last month you had a yellow one from the same seller.
With all the cars that are submitted to BF on a daily basis, I am always surprised when you keep posting the same cars.
I’ve always read that Ford beat out Chevy in 1959 , in part to the bizarre styling of the 59 Chevrolet
This car would have the 280hp/348 cu.in. Engine. I believe the 315hp version was only available with stick shift transmission. Both engines featured the 3X2 set up. 315hp had solid lifters, 280 had hydraulics.
Depends on the styling with fender skirts,some look good,others don’t. This car no! Continental kits are lipstick on a pig.
Dear old Dad left a job that gave us a 2 year old Imperial every year on a hand me down pecking order. So I was thrilled with his selection, a brand new ’59 Biscayne post top, which I preferred to the flat top anyway. Dear old sensible shoes Dad: a 235 with not even a radio. I do believe it was set up for taxi service though because I always felt 2 upshifts and concluded it had a hydro instead of a Powerglide. Anybody know if this could be correct? Six Chicago winters left it with holes you could push grapefruits thorough and we got another styling masterpiece, a ’65 Bel Air (post of coursre) with the same 235 and wow! full wheel covers which should have bought the difference between the six and a 283. Dear old Dad: sensible shoes.
The ’59 cost us $2315, and the ’65, $2500.
This is the same car shown in Hemmings Classic Car mag this month in the auctions results pages. It sold at the Mecum Glendale auction for $200,750. It has had a rotisserie restoration but actual mileage wasn’t mentioned.
Hi-perf 348 NA w/ AC or auto. There were only two colors used on the side inserts on 59s–black w/white cars, white with everything else. PERIOD. Lots of ‘owner’s choice’ changes/additions (top color, exhaust, skirts, etc.) which, to me, do not enhance the car OR the price.
Chuck, you are correct about the owner choice mods, but these are common mods that many owners made when these cars were new. They are all easily removed, other than the top, if the new owner wishes to. I have to disagree that this type of mods don’t enhance the price and/or the desirability of the car, as the over $200K shows.
I’m also reminded of an article I read somewhere not too many years ago depicting a very similar car in the middle of a major restoration. The car in question was very similar to the OP car and retained its original Level Air air ride suspension. Wondering what ever became of this car….
This is like a full size version of an AMT customizing kit model car from the 1950’s. Skirts, Continental Kit, too many antennas and mirrors. All it needs is spotlights, pinstripes, and flames.
The dual antennas were just for symmetry. Only one of them actually was connected to the cable attached to the radio. The other was just for show. It wasn’t connected to anything.