280 bhp, 348 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with coil-spring trailing arm suspension, and four-wheel power hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 119.0 in.

Having completed two redesigns in two years, over five full lines of cars, General Motors was not in a position to do anything radical for the 1960 models. It didn’t. This was particularly apparent at Chevrolet.

The principal changes were seen in the front and rear. The horizontal slots over the grille, never very popular, were gone, and the grille itself was made simpler, with horizontal bars. The bat-wing rear motif was straightened and made angular, and round taillights replaced the cat’s eyes, set in a full-width cove panel. Side trim was restricted to the rear quarter, where, on Impalas, it gained a contrasting swath of color. The series lineups were the same, with the addition of a two-door hardtop to the Biscayne line. The V-8 driveline choices now involved just two 283 small blocks, fuel injection having been dropped, and the four 348s carried over from 1959. This car has the milder of the two multi-carburetor variants, with 9 to 1 compression and three deuces. The transmission is the faithful two-speed Powerglide. With a torque converter and a spirited engine, two speeds were entirely adequate for neck-snapping acceleration.

Fully equipped with power steering, power brakes, power windows, a power top, and a power seat, it has an AM radio with straight-line tuning, a rear speaker, a padded dash, fender skirts, and a rear-mounted Continental spare tire. Spinner wheel covers harmonize nicely with the whitewall tires.

The contours, paint, and brightwork are all excellent. The red body is contrasted with a white accent panel on the rear quarter and red-and-white vinyl and cloth houndstooth upholstery. These, in turn, are reprised in the white vinyl convertible top and red vinyl boot cover. Matching red carpet lines the floor. The detailing of the engine compartment and undercarriage is very good.

Its carryover design notwithstanding, Chevrolet was back in first place for 1960, with its 1.87 million cars surpassing even the 1955 record year. It would not be challenged again until 1970. This red Impala is an excellent example of all that was right with Chevrolet and the unparalleled desirability of its performance cars.