Motorama showgoers in 1956 saw a hint of what was to come for Chevrolet, which debuted a new, range-topping nameplate: Impala. The 1958 Impala that emerged two years later within the Bel Air series was both the brand’s new flagship and an anniversary celebration for Chevrolet, available as a two-door coupe and convertible. With efforts to attract more upscale buyers underway, the styling intentionally recalled Cadillacs of the era.

The Impala was based on the Bel Air, but its Cadillac-inspired chrome grille penned by the legendary stylist Harley Earl helped it stand apart. Dual headlights, another styling landmark for Chevrolet, flanked the grille. Chrome side moldings ran nearly the entire length of the car, pairing well with mock exhaust ports in the lower rear quarter panels and numerous simulated vents. Inside, polychrome vinyl and loads of anodized aluminum trim made this one of General Motor’s most stylish cabins.

The first-year Impala’s striking body sat upon a new X-frame chassis with coil-sprung suspension. Period advertisements touted the beauty and the “low, thrusting silhouette” of these full-size models. Power came from a repurposed Chevrolet truck engine, the 348-cubic-inch “Turbo Thrust” V-8, fed by one of three optional carburetor configurations.

The remarkable 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala Convertible offered here features the desirable Super Turbo-Thrust engine with triple two-barrel carburetors producing an impressive 280 horsepower. It was the beneficiary of a complete frame-off restoration by Jeff and Bill Steinmetz of Columbus, Ohio, resulting in the wonderful presentation seen today. A collection of photographs on file show the car disassembled to its base components, ready for new or rebuilt equipment to be installed.

Finished now as it left the factory, the Impala Convertible’s lustrous Rio Red paint coordinates perfectly with the well-detailed, tri-tone gray, black, and red interior, replete with a handsome dash clock, Wonder Bar push-button radio, compass, heater, two-tone steering wheel, and anodized aluminum trim beneath the power-operated soft-top. The Antique Automotive Club of America recognized the incredible restoration work with a Senior National First Prize in 2022 and a Grand National award in 2023, a year in which it was also one of only 19 finalists nominated for the AACA’s Zenith Award, which recognizes outstanding restorations.

Those looking for the very best in 1950s Chevrolets need to look no further.