1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala Sport Coupe
Launched during a recession year yet helping Chevrolet reclaim the production crown, this inaugural model marked both the birth and near-death of a legendary nameplate.
The 1958 model year introduced Impala as an exclusive Bel Air variant, available only as a Sport Coupe and Convertible before becoming its own series the following year.
Distinguished by its shorter roofline, longer rear deck, and extended overall length compared to standard Bel Air models, the Impala featured signature triple taillights and quad headlights.
Joseph Schemansky’s design, overseen by Harley Earl, created the only Impala developed under the direction of one of Detroit’s greatest stylists.
Power came from Chevrolet’s new 348 CI “W-series” big-block V8, the first big-block offered in Chevrolet passenger cars, with configurations ranging from 250 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor to 315 horsepower with mechanical lifters and triple two-barrel carburetors.
Built on a new X-frame chassis, these cars rode on a 119-inch wheelbase and measured 211 inches overall.
Production totaled 125,480 Sport Coupes, accounting for 15 percent of Chevrolet’s total output and establishing the foundation for what would become America’s best-selling car throughout the 1960s.
Source
