Antique Automobile Club of America-
SENIOR GRAND NATIONAL WINNER FIRST PRIZE 1998
Specs:
348 Cubic Inch
280 HP
Suffix Code FA= 348 3-2 Barrell Carb
Correct Style Rochester Carbs w/ Vacuum Diaphragm
M20 Muncie Four Speed
Hurst Coat Hanger Shifter
Dual Snorkel Air Cleaner
Correct Heavy Duty Generator
Tri Power Intake
Harrison Radiator
Correct Fan and Shroud
Correct Bellhousing
Power Steering
Power Drum Brakes
Hood Insulation
OE Style Dual Exhaust
Fender Skirts
Dual Outside Mirrors
Dual Rear Antennae
Rocker Panel Trim
Reverse Lamps
EZI Tinted Glass
Day/Night Rear View Mirror
Windshield Washers
Electric Wipers
AM Radio
Heater/ Defroster
Cigar Lighter
Font Fender Ornament
Correct Impala Badges
Rear Speaker
Factory Gauges
Tissue Dispenser
Bowtie Floor Mats
Dual Horns
T-3 Headlamps
Finger Nail Guards
Dome Lamp
Electric Clock
Spinner Hubcaps
8.00-14 Wide White Walls
Front Bumper Guards
California Bumper
White Convertible Top
When the 1959 Chevrolets arrived, the field of competitors was strong, but Impala immediately made a lasting impression on the public. This 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible stands out among its peers, showcasing some of the very best options available to customers. This Impala convertible took home AACA First Prize honors back in 1998. Perhaps most desirable about this car is its driveline, which hosts a 348 CI W-head V-8 engine and 4-speed manual transmission. Atop the bright orange engine is a Tri-Power intake layout that hosts three Rochester 2-barrel carburetors, with 280 HP callout tags visible on the valve covers. Subdued detailing beneath the hood keeps it sophisticated. The 4-speed transmission uses the so-called narrow-arm “coat hanger” shifter topped by a yellow knob. Other accessories aiding in this car’s driving enjoyment include power steering, power brakes and an HD generator.
The 1959 body lines took advantage of pointedly crisp styling cues, with the pinched upper front and rear fender edging both accented with thin-line chrome while a single chrome rib runs up the center of the decklid. Refreshingly covered in clean Snowcrest White, this car’s exterior is accented with fender skirts, a white convertible top, dual rear antennas, a full-length chrome side spear with Impala identification, front bumper guards, the iconic rear tail lamps and the twin-arched rear fin design. The front of the car, with its stamped grille and twin overline accents, makes this model year instantly distinguishable from all other Chevrolets.
Inside, one finds a beautiful red interior with tri-tone seat inserts, a dash with lower-edge brightwork, functional gauging, a two-spoke steering wheel, dial-type radio and a factory-design tissue dispenser. Finalized with full-size wheel covers, wide whitewall tires and steel wheels, this car was born to be seen as refined. As noted, this is not a current-era restoration, which actually makes this car’s potential for simple driving enjoyment that much more attractive. The ad copy boldly noted, “There’s Nothing New Like Chevrolet New,” and this gorgeous 1959 Impala stands out even from its peers.
