Chevrolet Impala, 1959

Location: Santa Monica, California

$148,500 USD | Sold

After the impressive Impala for 1958, it might seem odd that Chevrolet never developed the styling concept further. There is no doubt that they had plans to, but they came to naught once designer Chuck Jordan peeked over the wall and spied Chrysler’s be-finned 1957 line, it was decided that GM change their design direction to keep up with new styling trends. All GM activity came to a halt while a Plan B was instigated, a corporate-wide design of all-new cars for 1959. The winged ’59 Chevys were the result. One distinctive difference between the Impala and its competitors were the Impala’s outward facing fins resembling the shape of a bird, instead of the customary skyward pointing fins. 1959 was the only year for this radical and innovative design.

This example offered is extremely well-equipped and has been the subject of an extensive, award winning restoration. Some of the factory options selected on the car include power steering, power brakes, wheel covers, two-speed electric windshield wipers, windshield washer, rear antenna, rear radio speaker, wheel spinners, body fill moldings, outside mount mirrors, front grille guard, tissue dispenser, deluxe contour floor mats, door handle shields, Continental wheel carrier and a deluxe pushbutton radio. Six years ago, it received a comprehensive, body-off restoration and today the car is in flawless condition and presents as virtually new.

The red paint and red interior are better than they were when the car left the factory. Just a couple of the many honors it has earned at shows are Chevy National Gold Award and GM National First Place award. The 348-cid V-8 runs perfectly with its three two-barrel carburetors and the Powerglide transmission shifts smoothly. Only 3,230 miles have been covered since the restoration and it is ready for the next owner to thoroughly enjoy.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca14/lots/r0071-1959-chevrolet-impala/