Chevrolet Impala

But there’s more to the Chevrolet Impala than big wings and fins

The Impala was America’s favourite car for around a quarter of a century and a holder of many sales records, perhaps the most signifi cant being over a million Impalas were sold in a single year (1965) which has never been bettered by any other manufacturer since. This full size saloon available as a four-door, two-door and convertible was portrayed as having an upmarket image, came fully loaded and most importantly was still very affordable for the mass American market and folk queued up to buy them. It was a time when there was still no substitute for cubic capacity, petrol was cheap, and the 1959 models were longer, wider, lower, and heavier than their predecessor. Whether your penchant is for a late 1950’s model, the more sleeker, boxey saloons of the 1960’s, or even something from the 1970’s, you’ll be in good company, over 12 million buyers can’t all be wrong!

History

The Impala, which incidentally was named after a southern African antelope, was initially a high level option package for Chevrolet’s hugely successful, Bel-Air from 1958, but became a brand new model in its own right from 1959. Suddenly the fi ns ‘n’ chrome theme took on a whole new meaning, with the rear styling of the ’59 often colloquially referred to as ‘bat wings’, and a tad tongue in cheek, they looked so sharp, you could almost cut yourself on them! The distinctive six tail lights gave way for an unusual teardrop design, but came back again in 1960 and was to become an Impala trademark There were plenty of engine options available too, ranging from a 235ci straightsix, right up to a 348ci V8, and you could evenhave fuel injection. Underpinnings comprised of a heavy X-section sturdy chassis, upper and lower A arm, coil sprung suspension at the front, and four-link live axle and coil springs to the rear. Performance was quite respectable too, for such a large car (which boasted a 32cu ft boot space) the most powerful engine option propelled the Impala from 0-60mph in nine seconds. Handling qualities were further enhanced by heavy duty springs, Positraction axles, and power brakes, though they still comprised of drums all round. For 1960 the Impala styling was still very distinctive, but somewhat toned down at the rear, which now looked distinctively gullwing and still easily identifi able. The frontal aspect styling was quite reserved in comparison. Tom McCahill of Mechanix Illustrated reckoned the rear decklid was big enough to land a Piper Cub aircraft! This was the beginning of the age when stylists were being infl uenced by jet aircraft design. The Impala sported a rear three quarter metal moulding of the overhead profi le of a jet fi ghter leaving a long contrail behind it picked out in another colour. The contour of the doors didn’t just drop straight down from the lower level of the window to the sill, they angled right out before swooping downwards. The convertible model, fi nished in a pale metallic blue looks particularly stunning with some 79,903 produced in 1960. The Impala lead the way right the way through the decade, during which time 7.8 million cars were sold. Through the 1960’s the Impalas were still as huge in size as ever, but much more subdued in the styling department, becoming sleeker and boxey. New designs arrived in 1961 and 1965 with lots of restyling along the way. Engine options ranged from a straight-six to 283ci through to 427ci V8s, the latter being used in the SS Super Sport model, which ostensibly was the designation for Chevrolet’s more sportier package, but not exclusively. In 1972 sales of the Impala exceeded 10 million, and when the fuel crisis struck in 1973, Chevrolet responded to meet the new criteria of design and emission requirements, the Impala lived on and remained a best seller up until the late 1970’s.

Driving

These cars were designed to be driven at 55mph all day long in a straight line, but cornering them at speed can induce huge wallow and it’s like being in a boat in rough seas. While huge on the outside, the interior can be a tad cramped for tall passengers due to the fairly low roofl ine. However overall seating comfort is as good as a modern Volvo. Cars fi tted with the 348ci engines offer excellent performance and although the brakes aren’t fi tted with a servo, they are reasonably effi cient due to the huge size of the drums.

Prices

A rough four-door Impala sedan with an MoT and 283ci engine will cost around £5000, though it may have a lot of fi ller and rust! Smart useable cars with non original engines will be closer to £8K. Numbers matching 348ci cars are around the £20K mark upwards in the US. Convertibles tend to be in the £35,000 plus price category