Chevrolet Impala, 1959

Location: Santa Monica, California

$75,000 - $100,000 USD | Not Sold

Forgotten hot rods have captivated the imaginations of collectors and enthusiasts everywhere. Their stories have sometimes been lost, but the craftsmanship from decades ago remains just as it was. Each car tells a story, especially cars built by their owners with dreams as their only limitations.

Forest Cutler built this 1959 Impala custom in South Dakota in 1963. When Cutler first customized the Impala, it was painted pearl white with gold wheels but it did not stay this way for long. Shortly after, Cutler customized it again to the specification it is seen in today. Everything on the car was upholstered, including the trunk, under the hood, and the wheelwells although the upholstery there has been lost. Cutler brought it to local shows in his area and then decided to trailer it to a larger show in Denver. Unfortunately, the car came loose from its trailer on the way and was slightly damaged. Out of frustration, Cutler put it in the garage and nailed the door shut.

It sat there for 40 years, nearly completely forgotten, but in 2004, he pulled the car out of the garage and sold it to its next caretaker.

Today, the car exists just as it did in 1963. Every modification including the frenched headlights and taillights, nostrils in the hood, white interior, Buick Lido Lavender Metallic lacquer paint, chromed hood hinges, four-speed with a console, floor-shift, and bucket seats from an SS Impala are still present. Few period built customs have remained in such a time warp state.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca15/lots/r0297-1959-chevrolet-impala/