Perhaps the most recognizable ’58 Chevy Impala in the world is the customized Impala Ron Howard’s character, Steve Bolander, owned and loaned to his buddy “Terry the Toad” in the 1973 movie “American Graffiti” *. Set in 1962 this coming of age movie immortalized the Impala. The original movie car was restored by Ray Evernham in 2016. Ray says, “Even Bob (Bob Falfa [Harrison Ford]) sits on the fender at the end of the movie.” “In its 22 minutes of screen time, all the characters interact with it”.
While the “American Graffiti” car might be the most famous, we would suggest that the most beautiful ’58 Impala is the one in Ken’s “car barn”. Acknowledged by the vast array of awards it has amassed, nothing compares to this visually stunning 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala Convertible for sheer captivating beauty.
The 1958 Chevrolet Impala was notable for several reasons. It was an unusual one year only design that did not remotely resemble the designs that preceded or succeeded it. It also debuted several features including the model name “Impala”, the “quad” headlight design, new wrap around windshield and the 348-cubic inch V8 “Turbo-Thrust V8 Engine”. 1958 was also the first year for the lavishly equipped Impala trim package. It was only available on the Bel Air in two body styles, convertible and sport coupe. The Impala script, insignia and crossed flag emblems on the front of the hood, ribbed body sill panels, large chrome air scoops ahead of the rear wheels on the fenders, a competition style deep two spoke steering wheel with Impala medallions, and Impala script on the dash along with six taillights gave it a substantially luxurious sporty look that was distinct from other Chevrolets. A rear radio speaker grill was standard.
The 1800 series V8 Bel Air Impala Convertible displayed in the Ken Nagel collection started life in the now shuttered Janesville Wisconsin assembly plant as car #95799. Chevrolet made a goodly number of Impala convertibles in ’58 but few were as highly optioned as this “Super Turbo-Thrust” 348 Cu In 280 HP Tri Power (three two barrel carburetors) concours quality example. Kens stunning Impala Convertible features 28 unique and very rare factory or dealer options (i.e. rare Vacuum Ash Tray) making it a highly desirable collectible. The optional dual side exhaust ports located on the quarter panel behind the rear wheels accentuate the sport look.
Finished in flawless Rio Red with matching interior and silver grey top, the Impala was the recipient of numerous awards, among them; Gold 1st Place Award in the Trailered Restored Class scoring 996/1000 points at the 26th Chevy International Convention held in Minneapolis, MN August 6-9, 2006. The “Carl F. Benz Award” in 2008 at the prestigious Geneva Concours d’Elegance and the Senior Class 33 award from the Antique Automobile Club of America fall meet in 2007.
Ken acquired this highly optioned and rare Impala Convertible in 2005 from Bill Oldenburg of Galena, IL. Bill did the complete restoration and for 3 years it was his personal car. Bill bought the convertible in Catoosa Oklahoma in November of 1996. Ken heard about the car at a cruize night in Plainfield, IL from Carl Bryant who had a summer home in Galena and knew of the car. Ken got in touch with Bill and after three months of talking about a purchase (Bills main concern was what Ken was going to do with the car) Bill agreed to sell because Ken was going to keep it in his collection and show it. Parts for the ’58 convertibles are expensive and hard to find. Restoring one to the highest standards is a very costly labor of love. Thanks to Bill's extraordinary workmanship it is one of the best 1958 Impala's in the country.
The public introduction of the Chevrolet “Impala” name actually took place in 1956 when the one-of-a-kind Impala show car debuted at the General Motors Motorama. The Impala was originally conceived as a Bel Air executive coupe. The sporty four-passenger coupe had a strong Corvette flavor and was referred to as the “Corvette Impala” in some of the motoring press of the time.
In 1958, General Motors celebrated its 50th anniversary. This was the first and only year Chevrolet offered the luxury Impala option level on the Bel Air model line. It was the most exciting new shape in a generation of cars! The “Impala” was the only full-size Chevy model to offer a convertible body style for 1958. Production consisted of 43,000 2 door hardtops and 55,989 convertibles 17,000 of which were V8 Impalas (Marit Anne Peterson, Sports Car Market magazine). The number of convertibles still in existence today is unknown.
In addition to being lavishly equipped, Impalas were soft-riding. Chevy redesigned the chassis into a rugged new “X-frame” that resulted in a new longer lower wider wheelbase featuring coil spring suspension on all four corners. For an even cushier ride an optional Level-Air suspension was available. When it came to get up and go, that's where the 1958 Chevy really shined. A new 283 cubic inch V8 engine coupled to an automatic transmission with triple-turbines was like nothing seen before. The optional 348 Cu In V8 with 3 2bbl carbs pushed HP to 280, more than enough for spirited performance and effortless cruising.
In 1959, the Impala shed its Bel Air affiliation and became its own model. Unfortunately, the ’58 styling was scrapped along with the Bel Air designation. The radically restyled 1959 model received a cool reception by the public. For this reason, the ’58 Impalas one-year-only styling continued to be more desirable and sought after than ever, a status that it still enjoys today.
In spite of 1958 being a recession year, consumers made Chevrolet No.1 and the Impala was at the center of Chevy's popularity. From 1958 through 1996, Impala sales were in excess of 13 million, more than any other full-size car in the history of the automobile.
Awards:
Details on My 1958 Chevy Impala Convertible
| Rio Red - 923
Cost New: $3261.50 348 Cubic Inch V8 |
280 Horse Power Tri-Power (3 2bbl carburetors)
Turbo Guide Transmission |
Options:
| Factory Air Conditioning
Dome Light Power Steering and Brakes Courtesy Lights Under Hood Light Dual Rear Mount Antennas Electric Windshield Washer Continental Kit Power Seats White Wall Tires Autronic Eye Dual Exhaust Ports Factory Power Windows |
Dual Exhaust
Wonderbar Radio Spinner NOS Hub Caps Rear Speaker Emergency Brake Indicator Tissue Dispenser Door Handle Shield Vacuum Ash Tray (Very Rare) Cigarette Lighter Light Day-Night Rear Mirror Fender Skirts Accessory Floor Mats Traffic Light Viewer |
SOURCES:
GM Media/Corporate Archives- Larry Kinsel & Julie Fiegal GM Public Relations- Virginia Beaty (File #1-63524074) NAISSO World Headquarters-“History of the Impala” Impala 1958-2000 by Dan Burger & Robert Genat Chevrolet SS Muscle Car Red Book by Peter Sessler Chevrolet SS by Robert Genat Impala & SS: 1958-1972 a Musclecar Portfolio by R.M. Clarke Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 by James Flammang & Ron Kowalke Chevrolet Chronicle –The Complete Colorful Story of Chevrolet from 1904 by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
*The American Graffiti car:
http://www.superchevy.com/news/1509-american-graffiti-white-1958-chevy-impala-goes-to-auction/