1958 Chevrolet Impala

Market Snapshot

Prosperity in America was hitting new highs, and one of the ways we expressed it was in our cars. Throughout the fifties they became faster and flashier, and sales of mid and upper range models were booming.

Low priced Chevy addressed the trend by creating a new top-of-the-line model, the Impala, for 1958. Available only as a 2-dr hardtop or convertible, the Impala was trimmed to the nines and available with all the options normally associated with higher priced cars.

Much of the new Impala's promotion conveyed upscale status.

Inside, the tri-tone trim and chrome-laden dash was decidedly upscale - almost Cadillac-like. GM led the way in integrating air conditiong into its dashboards.

Even the front end hinted at Cadillac style.

For a time, a comparable '58 flirted with overtaking the '57 in value, but that has eased off a bit the last few years, although they are still pretty close. The big blocks (348ci V8, especially with the triple carbs) are the most desirable, and the more options the better. These, in fact, do still command more than the '57's, save for a fuel-injected model. The majority come with the ubiquitous 2-speed powerglide automatic, though the more complex turboglide is not uncommon. Rare equipment includes the 283ci V8 with fuel injection, overdrive, and the troublesome air suspension.

It's doubtful that as a group the '58 will make another run at the '57 as far as values go. The '55-'56 models just have too much going for them, none the least of which is it's deeply ingrained iconic stature in American culture. Still, these will remain desirable cars and we believe they will outperform the fifties sector overall in the coming years. (photos courtesy of General Motors)

(C) Copyright 2005- VMR International, Inc. All rights reserved. This article first appeared in the October 2005 issue of Collector Car Market Review.