Impala Convertible

Vehicle details

The Impala first appeared as a Chevrolet production-car name in the 1958 passenger-car range introduced in autumn 1957. Initially offered as two upper-level Bel Air two-door bodies, it became the starting point of the long-running Impala model family. The convertible used a folding soft top to offer open-air driving in a large car with front and rear seats. Its long rear body contained a separate trunk, retaining useful everyday luggage space within the open body. The 1958 283-cubic-inch overhead-valve V8 used a two-barrel carburetor and produced 185 gross horsepower in standard specification. A three-speed manual drove the rear wheels, with automatic transmissions and other engine specifications also available. The wide body, multiple rear lamps and elaborate exterior detailing reflected the optimistic design of contemporary American full-size cars. This was the historically significant first production generation that brought the Impala name beyond the show-car stage into customer use.

Production years

1957–

Illustrated model year

1958

Body

Convertible

Powertrain

Petrol