Classic Impala Parts
The classic Chevrolet Impala was introduced to the public in 1956 at the Motorama
car show that was sponsored by General Motors. The Impala was originally a Corvette-based
prototype car with a sporty four-passenger coupe and was originally created for
Bel Air executive coupe and convertibles. Two years later, the consumer finally
tasted the one-of-a-kind driving experience when the Impala was out in the market.
With much room, performance, amenities and quality, the Impala was the answer
to what Americans look for a car.
The classic Impala option added special trim, deluxe interiors, and resulted
in the steepest price in the Chevrolet lineup. Chevrolet produced 125,480 Bel
Air Impala coupes and 55,989 convertibles in its debut year. Engine options for
the model were a 235-cubic-inch six-cylinder, a 283 V-8, or three new 348 V-8s;
a 250hp turbo-thrust, a 280hp with 3-2bbl, or a 315hp Super Turbo-Thrust model
with high-compression heads and solid lifters. The base price of the 1958 Sport
Coupe ranged from $2,586 to $2,693 while the convertibles ranged from $2,724 to
$2,841. The Impala was known with it images of fun, youthfulness, spontaneity
and pride.
A year later, the classic Impala became its own model with both two and four-door
version. It was radically different making the preview year model obsolete. It
was improved with mechanical advancements, improved brakes, new suspension and
easier handling point. The 1959 Impalas were longer, lower, wider, and curvier.
Chevy's bold new face dropped the headlights seven inches from the previews year
to the minimum height allowable. Interiors gained as much as five inches in width.
They also had the wildest tailfins besides Cadillac. The rear end sported "bat
wing" rear fenders, "cat's eye" tail lamps, and a huge decklid.
At the turn of the 60's, the Impala redefined itself. The tail fins were gone,
chrome trim was subdued, and the outspoken designs of the '50s gave way to cleaner,
crisper, faster-looking edges, and streamlined, rocket-like shapes. A mid-year
option on the 1961 Impala was the Super Sport which was available on all body
styles. The SS model was also introduced in the 60s.
Several redesign brought classic Impala to greater popularity in the years to
come. Several body modifications were conducted and improvements were made. Today,
the Impala continues to hit the road with different definitions but still posses
the classic characteristics the made it popular in the hearts of Americans.
