Chassis no. F58S187624

348-cid, 280-hp OHV V-8 engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with trailing arm coil spring suspension, and four-wheel power hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 117.5-inches

Chevrolet embarked on a major redesign for 1958. Starting with an all-new “Safety Girder” chassis, a cruciform-type backbone without side rails, the evolution included lower, wider and longer bodies. Styling adopted a sculptured theme, with cove-like rear fenders wrapping around into the rear fascia where the taillights were ensconced.

A new subseries was created for the Bel Air Convertible Coupe and hardtop Sport Coupe. Called “Impala” after the swift African antelope, it had distinctive rear sheet metal with three taillights per side, and special trim. Also new was a 348-cid engine, the first of what would gain fame as the “Chevy Big-Blocks.”

Powered by the 280-hp Super Turbo-Thrust V-8 with three two-barrel carburetors, this 1958 Impala has the sturdy and reliable Powerglide transmission. Equipped with power steering, power brakes and power windows, it has teardrop fender skirts, a Continental kit, spinner wheel covers, Wonder Bar radio and electric clock. Contours, paint and brightwork are all excellent. The white vinyl top has a red boot, matching the seat bolsters. The seats have the famous Chevy tri-tone weave in red-light gray-dark gray.

The engine compartment is clean, but not over-detailed, while the flat-black undercarriage is also quite tidy. The new Impala convertible was popular; nearly 56,000 were built. Certainly this is one of the nicest.