Named after a speedy antelope, the 1958 Chevrolet Impala danced onto the scene like an Elvis impersonator at a sock hop. As a posh cousin to the Bel Air, it flaunted a snazzy design with horizontal headlights and triple tail lights—perfect for attracting envious gazes. Under the hood, it offered a smorgasbord of engine choices, from a peppy Blue Flame six to a hearty 348 V8. With its jazzy interiors and “eager-to-please” handling, this car was the bee’s knees, helping Chevy reclaim the sales crown.
Posts Tagged: Impala
The 3rd generation Chevrolet Impala (1961-1964) is like a fine wine—it only gets better with age! Launched with a sleek, new body on the GM “B” platform, it introduced a two-door sedan in ’61 that’s now a collector’s dream. The ’62 model year boasted a snazzy “C” pillar and a new 409 V8 engine, which even got the Beach Boys singing. By ’64, the Impala was smoother with muscle car fans rejoicing the return of the 409 engine, this time with two four-barrel carburetors for a whopping 425 hp.
The Chevrolet Impala’s fourth-gen era (1965-1970) was like a rock ‘n’ roll concert, loud and unforgettable. In ’65, it sold over a million units, a record still unbroken today—take that, modern cars! The Impala transformed with groovy full coil springs and frameless windows, while the Caprice joined as the fancy sibling with wood-grained bling. Fast forward to ’69, and the Impala ditched its coke bottle curves for a more sophisticated vibe, sporting wrap-around bumpers and a cool ventilation system.
The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air has had a complete makeover, now sleeker, heftier, and longer—just like my uncle after Thanksgiving dinner. Sporting seven body styles, it’s the first time Chevy introduces the Impala name, but only as a coupe or convertible. For those who love power, a big block engine is on the menu, offering 348 cubic inches of pure muscle. This “baby Cadillac” can be decked out with every imaginable option, making it the automotive equivalent of a luxury buffet.
Behold the 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS, the crown jewel of the Generation 3 lineup, rolling in on the trusty GM “B” platform. This beauty flaunts a more squared-up look with an aluminum panel, chromed border, and the iconic three-taillight configuration. Under the hood, you could opt for the popular 283 or 327 engines. And if you’re feeling fancy, why not splurge an extra forty-three bucks for those “controversial” power brakes? There’s even a rare factory dash-mounted tachometer, just for kicks!
Chevrolet Impala SS, the epitome of performance from 1961 to 1969, started as a humble trim option but evolved into a symbol of Chevy’s prowess. With engines ranging from a modest 250 cu in six-cylinder to a mighty 409 cu in V8, it offered muscle enthusiasts a buffet of horsepower. The 1965 model even ditched “idiot lights” for full instrument clusters, proving it’s smarter than your average car! By 1966, Chevy added side chrome trim to combat “door dings,” because who needs battle scars, right?
Step back in time to 1959 when the Chevrolet Impala got its own nameplate, shedding its Bel Air disguise. This second-gen beauty was a chameleon, offering a range of body styles with fins that could make a fish jealous. The Impala embraced the ‘bigger is better’ motto with its massive rear deck and tail fins that practically screamed, “Look at me!” For those who liked their cars like their pizza—loaded—the Turbo-Thrust V8 delivered a spicy 315hp. And who could resist the 1960 model’s chrome flair?
In the world of muscle cars, the Chevrolet Impala Super Sport stood out like a peacock in a parking lot. The 1966 model, with its thin-shelled bucket seats and optional gauge package, was more of a benchwarmer as buyers flocked to mid-sized stars like the Chevelle SS396. By 1969, the Impala SS was a “sleeper” in disguise—sporting a 427 cu in engine that could make your morning commute feel like a scene from a high-octane movie. Just beware of those sneaky “Tribute” cars masquerading as the real deal!
Rev up your engines and take a ride through Chevy’s legendary Big Block W series! From the 409’s thunderous entrance in ’61, celebrated in the Beach Boys’ hit “409,” to the mysterious 427, a drag racer’s dream and Daytona record-setter in ’63, these motors packed a punch. With horsepower soaring to 425, Chevy’s engines were the stuff of dreams—and maybe a few nightmares for competitors. As the ’60s roared on, the Turbo-Jet V8 brought even more power, leaving tire marks on history!
