The Impala for 1960 wore subtler gullwing rear styling than before, with three round taillamps; while, up front, a new grille let the local car spotters know one was driving around in an Impala, the top of the Chevrolet line. At the very peak of the top of the slick, sleek Impala offerings was the convertible.

Even then, some cars had just a little more than some others, such as a Tri-Power Super Turbo-Thrust V-8. These torquey engines gave the big cars all the get-up-and-go they needed, and it also made them the ultimate fair-weather highway cruisers.

A 2006 AACA National First Prize badge dates this car’s body-off restoration to that era, but close inspection will reveal a major, high-quality freshening that occurred in more recent years. This car was restored to concours standards with accuracy in mind. Opening the hood reveals an engine bay with a consistently high level of finish, with correct-style accessories and fittings. The long body panels show off excellent, straight sheet metal preparation and consistent panel gaps. Doors hang accurately and close easily, sure signs of quality in a large convertible body. Inside, a well-optioned, matching two-tone red interior shows little-to-no wear, and it features a correct Wonderbar radio, as well as exterior mounted dual aerials, a power top, power steering, power brakes, power windows, a speed minder warning indicator, a defroster, a throttle holder cruise control, and a rear speaker.

Even underneath one finds minimal wear, evidence of loving care and intensive maintenance. This Tri-Power Impala Convertible can both be driven with confidence and shown with no excuses. It offers tremendous potential to acquire a very high-quality car without requiring a full restoration.