Between 1957 and 1959, Chevrolet used three different designs. First, there was the Tri-Five layout of 1955-57, then the one-year wonders of 1958, and finally the “bat wing” Chevrolets from 1959 to 1960. The latter was in response to the “Forward Look” products that Chrysler introduced in 1957, making the bulbous Bow Ties of 1958 look outdated. This 1959 Impala is said to have its original 348 cubic inch V8, which has been rebuilt and also has the desirable Tri-Power setup (triple 2-barrel carburetors). The rest of the car is a project waiting to be completed here in Leavenworth, Kansas. Mostly complete, the Chevy is available here on craigslist for $27,000 OBO. Our thanks go to Gunter Kramer for another great tip!
Unlike most of the automobiles of the late 1950s with tailfins, Chevrolet went the horizontal rather than vertical route. On the Sport Coupe, like the seller’s car, the rear deck looked long enough and flat enough to launch small aircraft! With an economic recession in 1958, it’s not surprising that this body style grew in sales from 142,600 units to 164,900 the following year (or about 15%). If the 348 V8 that’s ready to go back in this car is a factory Tri-Power version, the stock horsepower would be 315-320 hp.
The buyer will not only take the car and refreshed engine home, but it will also go with two automatic transmissions. One is the original Turboglide, a continuously variable automatic (which has not been rebuilt), and a modern 700 R4 (also not rebuilt). And, going for the Trifecta, a T-10 Borg-Warner 4-speed manual is included should the buyer prefer to shift his/her own gears. Some mechanical work besides the engine has also been done, which includes the brakes.
Like with so many other sellers, this one has too many projects, so it’s time to thin the herd. We’re told this Chevy is complete except for a gas tank and straps which will have to be sourced. No mention is made of rust, but it looks like the lower portions of both rear quarters have been cut out and new metal laid in. And the photos also reveal a hole or two here and there, like in the floorboards. Is there a Bat Wing Chevy like this one in your future?
Lot of asking money for a pile of parts and a crusty body. Upside down before out the door.
I’ve spent 20+ years scouring the swap meets to get this far (parts wise) on my factory 4 speed 348. Now that I’m going on 40, there went half my life! Body work and mechanicals for the next 20 years now…
My golden rule is, buy the very best most complete example of the car you want that you can afford. Personally, I can think of alot of other cars I’d want for $27K. Chevy sellers always tack on an extra “O” to the price “because it’s a Chevy”. They think no other car skyrockets in value like a Chevy. Oh, the dreams of the ill-informed.
Paid 5k for my Impala. No engine/trans but very complete, 4 speed column still intact and a rust free floor with the special hole. Pulled a ’65 656 block 409 out a running dump truck down the road, stole the super T-10 from my dad’s Trans AM. I know it will never be original, but someday there will be another batwing running around to scare the next generation of rice burners.
4 speed column!?
Meaning no gear shift apparatus
Good evening Zack.I notice you stated you have a correct 4 speed car.If you can contact me Id be very grateful.I have a rare 59 Utility Sedan and also a totally complete 59 4 Speed setup.Im looking for someone who can make a template drawing of the shifter hole. Your help would be very much appreciated!! Hope you and yours are doing well!
Correct Mr Dave. Joe if you can wait till the weather clears, I’d be more than happy to send you a template. I’m about 3′ of snow and rising, the Impala is wintering outside this year. My 3 speed Biscayne drove inside, though.
There were several versions of the 348 Engine.The standard 250HP single 4BBL,280HP with the 3×2 carbs,315 HP with single Carter 4BBL,and the 335HP with the 3×2 setup.Now the low horse 3×2 version shares internals and cylinder heads with the 250 HP.The 335 HP has 11:1 Compression,mechanical camshaft and the large 2.2 intake valves and the 2 1/2 inch exhaust manifolds and the large 13/16 venturi carburetors.Only 2 versions of the 3×2 carb 348 were offered for 59 until the Special High Performance version came out for 1960 pushing 350 HP.I have a correct 59 Impala and a friend in the area has a correct 60
I had a 348 3×2 turbo glide 59 convertible. manual steering, brakes,, NO options except that crummy driveline. This was the early 80s and I hated the thing. The car wasn’t fast. It was cantankerous. The transmission was crap. I never understood the excitement about these engines., infact they were considered boat anchors by most. I sold that car and bought a fully optioned small block two tone convertible with factory ac. What a difference. I still have that car and yes the prices are insane as a convertible just passed through Meccum and the gavil dropped at 225,000.00. 59s are one of the top cars right now but the prices of these are no worse than the rusty Mopars. In all fairness the cars are wonderful to drive. I have enjoyed mine more than half my life.
Yep….lots of batwings got crushed as a odd duck by salvage yards back in the day….they are rare and if you got one – you gots one !