Between 1959 and 1962, full-size Chevrolets in sport coupe form had thin rear roof pillars and an oversized rear window. That shape would earn them the nickname, “bubble top.” Both the Impala and Bel Air shared the roofline in ‘59-60, just the Impala for ’61 and only the Bel Air for ’62. We’re told this 1960 Impala sport coupe hasn’t run in about five years and is somewhat cancer-free, but not entirely. Once restored, this car would make an excellent throw-back example to what once was American automotive design. Located in Follansbee, West Virginia, the bidding here on eBay has reached $6,800.
The Impala was only in its third year in 1960 as the brand’s top full-size car (the Corvair would debut that year to explore Chevy’s footing in the “new” compact market). Styling was like that of 1959 with continued use of tailfins, but the “cat’s eye” taillights would revert to the triple cones/squares that the Impala would wear for many years to come. The 2-door sport coupe was a popular model, representing more than 204,000 of the cars that Chevy built that year. We don’t know the breakdown between Impala and Bel Air, but more of the Impalas were likely built.
We’re told this car has not been running in at least five years and has a V8 and automatic transmission. The latter would be the 2-speed Powerglide, but there is no indication if the motor is a 283 or 348. When it was running, the engine smoked a little and the radiator and fan shroud now find themselves living in the trunk. So, it’s likely that a rebuild of the drivetrain will need to top the project list.
The surviving blue paint has the requisite patina for possibly being 61 years old. We’re told the frame, front floors, doors, and trunk lid are good. The rear floor has one rust hole and the trunk a few more. The rocker panels may be good although one of them is dented. Both quarter panels and front fenders have a crust along the bottoms as does the hood. The seller says the interior is complete but will need redoing, although only one photo of that area is provided. The assumption is the glass is all there and the side windows are simply rolled down.
Perhaps there are several options here. Get it in running condition and leave the rest alone. Fix it up and turn it into a hot rod of some sort (the seller’s preference). Or go for broke and restore it to 1960 standards. But just don’t break the budget if you decide to give the car the Full Monty treatment.
The seller may not have given any indication if the engine is a 283 or 348, but the car does. The V and Chevrolet crest in the center of the grill, and on the trunk lid, indicate that this car started life with a 283. Six cylinder cars came without the V, and 348’s replaced the Chevy crest with a pair of crossed flags.
I’ve always liked 60 Chevrolet’s, and one or two have passed through my hands over the years. Unfortunately, 60 Chevrolets were a magnet for rust, and this one has all the typical rust issues, and probably a few more hidden ones too. Overall it does look like a fairly straight project car for someone looking for a 60 to build.
Cool car, but these are not the classic “bubble top” cars. The “bubble top” only existed on the ‘61 Chevy Impala and Belair and ‘62 Chevy sport coupe Belair bodies.
What John said – I never ever heard or read – wait just read that on here – a 1959 or 60 hardtop Chevy referred to as a bubble top.
59 -60,61 and 62 bel-airs all have the same roof tops ” bubble top*
Quit being a contributor of wrong information to the internet..59-60 Coupes are not the same as ‘61-‘62 Bubble coupes..
Oh I should say my sweet Lucia got one just like this one at 15 teen and drove on a hardship license to take care of her mom and aunts needs. I wrenched on it and kept it going so we could all have a ride until one day she came by to pick me up and my dad ran her off with some choice words. Didn’t find out what they were until years later. Always wanted to buy her another but she’s down in Mexico.