1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala Convertible
Harley Earl’s styling team drew inspiration from Cadillac when designing the chrome grille and sculpted bodywork that distinguished this new flagship model from lesser Bel Airs.
Dual headlights (a first for Chevrolet) bracketed the prominent grille, while chrome side moldings stretched nearly the full length of the body. Simulated vents and mock exhaust ports adorned the lower rear quarter panels, creating a visual richness that appealed to buyers seeking upscale appointments.
The interior featured polychrome vinyl upholstery and anodized aluminum trim that ranked among General Motors’ most stylish cabin treatments. Power-operated soft tops were available on convertible variants.
Underneath sat a new X-frame chassis with coil-sprung suspension supporting the low, wide proportions. Chevrolet’s new 348 cubic inch Turbo-Thrust V8 (also used in trucks) powered the car, with the top Super Turbo-Thrust option featuring three two-barrel carburetors producing 280 horsepower.
The Impala debuted in 1958 as a new top-of-the-line Bel Air series, establishing a nameplate that would become one of America’s best-known automobiles. Chevrolet built 55,989 Impala convertibles for 1958, making them among the most desirable of all first-year Impalas.
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