The 1958 Chevrolet Impala - A Timeless One-Year Wonder Featuring a Coveted Cabin Surprise

The Impala nameplate, which faced its third discontinuation in 2020, initially graced a Chevrolet concept in 1956 at the GM Motorama, boasting design elements reminiscent of the iconic Corvette.


However, it wasn't until 1958 that the Impala emblem made its way onto a production model, emerging as the pinnacle of luxury in Chevrolet's two-door Bel Air lineup.

The Impala's debut in 1958 took the market by storm, with over 180,000 units sold in its inaugural year. Although this figure pales in comparison to its sales in the 1960s, the 1958 Impala contributed to 15% of Chevrolet's total production, propelling the company back to the top of U.S. production, overtaking Ford.

What truly sets the 1958 Impala apart is its one-of-a-kind design, making it a highly coveted collectible in 2023—arguably even more sought-after than the iconic SS-badged hardtops of the 1960s.


While not exceptionally rare, given the production numbers, the 1958 Impala remains more elusive than most subsequent generations, especially considering many have been left to decay in junkyards or have barely survived as rust-ridden relics.

The stunning white example showcased here is a testament to a lovingly restored 1958 Impala, making it exceptional in its own right. But its allure doesn't end there—this two-door hardtop also boasts a uniquely rare interior.

While most 1958 Impalas featured three-tone stripes on the seats, this gem showcases vibrant green seats and door panels, complemented by black center sections. The striking combination of green—a rare color for the first-generation Impala—and the eye-catching white-over-green-and-black exterior ensures this remarkable vehicle is truly a sight to behold, unlikely to be replicated anytime soon.


This captivating classic car may appear somewhat unassuming from the outside (color-wise, of course, as the 1958 Impala exudes elegance from every angle), but it truly dazzles once you open the door and settle into the driver's seat.

While the common striped seats might be tempting, the rare green and black combination is a striking alternative that adds a touch of exclusivity to this beauty. But the surprises don't end there—inside the cabin lies a prominent hammer-style Hurst shifter, an unmissable addition.


Though not a factory feature, this cool upgrade strikes the perfect balance between preserving the classic essence and adding a touch of modernity. As for the transmission, this Impala is equipped with a four-speed manual, although it remains unclear whether it's the original one.

The full-size model was indeed offered with a four-speed manual in 1958. Although we don't have information about the engine, the presence of the four-speed gearbox hints that the Impala might not have the top-of-the-line 348-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8.

This engine, producing 250 or 280 horsepower, was only available with three-speed manual, two-speed Powerglide, and three-speed Turboglide automatic transmissions. This leaves the entry-level 235-cubic-inch (3.9-liter) inline-six and the 283-cubic-inch (4.6-liter) V8 as possibilities.


Ideally, it would be the latter, as the 145-horsepower Blueflame would be underpowered for a car of this size. The V8, generating 170 horses in base trim and 250 horsepower in its fuel-injected variant, would be a more fitting choice. Regardless of what lies beneath the hood, this 1958 Impala remains an absolute showstopper.

Discover its charm for yourself in the video below.

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