This 1959 Chevrolet Impala has left its life in a barn far behind. No more hiding in dark, under a layer of rust and dust and everything in between. The model rocks a drop-dead gorgeous exterior over a red and white leather interior.
For the 1959 model year, Chevrolet redesigned the Impala for economic reasons, even though it was an era in which nobody cared how much petrol the car would use. The oil crisis was nowhere in sight at the time. However, the Impala ended up sharing bodyshells and many of the components with the Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models. Production costs were thus reduced. Maybe Chevrolet was seeing something on the horizon.
The Impala was built around a brand-new X-frame chassis, which put the roofline 3 inches lower than in the previous generous, which had only stayed on the market for a year. The body was also 2 inches wider, while the wheelbase stretched between one and one and a half inches more. With all the modded proportions, the model grew in curb weight as well.
Large 'teardrop' taillights flanked the radiator grille, while two slim, non-functional front air intake scoops, sitting just above the grille, were there just for the show.
Photo: Vanguard Motor Sales
Sport coupes came with a shortened roof line and the wrap-over rear glass, the so-called "bubble window." It disappeared for the 1961 model year, when the "bubble back" roofline made its way to the lineup.
The Chevy Impala was the popular kid on the GM block
The Impala soon became this popular kid on the block, so, from the top-of-the-line version of the Bel Air, it turned into a separate series. It was available as a four-door hardtop, a four-door-sedan, a two-door Sport Coupe, a convertible, and a five-door station wagon. It just had one version for every type of customer out there.
The one we are dealing with, a restomodded 1959 Chevy Impala, is a two-door. Flaw finding has no room in here. This 1959 Chevrolet Impala went through a rotisserie restoration, with no expense spared, and now, it looks better than it did the day it rolled off the production line.
The model is finished in eye-catching red. All the chrome and stainless still have been retained to match the 18-inch chrome Ridler wheels. The "Impala" lettering on the rear fenders is a confirmation of elegance.
Photo: Vanguard Motor Sales
What powers the car is a small-block 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8 engine, mated to a 700R four-speed automatic transmission. An Edelbrock 4BBL Carburetor and an aluminum radiator are on the menu.
The restomodded Imapala rocks new hardware, stock gauges
The vehicle sports a stock rear end with a 3.73:1 gear ratio. Power brakes with discs on the front axle provide the stopping power. The car sits low and top spindles are to blame for it. However, the suspension is stock. There is a new gas tank and a dual exhaust showed up.
The interior of the Chevy has been fully restored to its stock specification. The contoured-hood dashboard and door cards are covered in red. The stock steering wheel and gauges kept their ground on board. This bright red Impala only has less than 500 miles added since its completion.
Meanwhile, the split bench at the front and the one at the rear sport stripes in two shades of red and contrasting white. The trunk looks as large and elegant as a lounge, sporting brand-new paint and carpeting.
Photo: Vanguard Motor Sales
Greg from Vanguard Motors takes the Chevy for a spin. The V8 spins just the right way, purring like a tiger and growling just like one, too. He brags about getting thumbs up from other motorists while driving the 1959 Impala. While many Impalas sit in barns, away from the eyes of the admirers, still waiting to be rescued, this one is enjoying the glory of the road.
This 1959 Chevy Impala is looking for a home
It is a car that stood the test of time for the first 65 years. Come what may in the next 65. Those who want to spend those decades in the company of this 1959 Chevy Impala must know it is for sale with Vanguard Motors for an asking price $199,900.
Michigan-based Vanguard is also offering financing. To drive this Impala home would cost you $1,670 per month, based on a 20 percent down over the next 120 months. Vanguard can deliver the car anywhere in the world. We can only hope that whoever buys it won't turn it into a garage queen.
But if you're not into that much red, you can always go for something that is not screaming "Look at me!" from the top of its lungs. According to ConceptCarz, analyzing data from 220 auction sales, a 1959 Impala in good condition would start at around $65,000 and go as far as $102,300.
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