Amazing 1959 Chevrolet Impala Resurfaces After 15 Years, More Questions Than Answers

Introduced in 1956 and pushed into mass production two years later, the Impala was an overnight sensation. It was launched in 1958 as an advanced version of the Bel Air, and Chevrolet it only took a few months to draw up a long-term strategy.

The Impala gained series status in 1959, taking a different path from the Bel Air and turning it into a backup plan for full-size Chevy buyers.

The 1959 Impala, officially known as the second-generation Impala, received significant styling changes, but the engine lineup remained unchanged. The six-cylinder unit and the base 283 V8 were the same, while the top option remained the 348 horsepower introduced in 1958.

A 1959 Impala landed on Craigslist a few days ago, as the owner is willing to let it go for the right price. While the 1959 model year is a fun offering for Impala fans, this model leaves a lot of questions unanswered, making it an intriguing Chevy that requires an in-person or third-party inspection.

As anyone can tell from the photos, the car comes in great condition. It’s not a showroom car, but it’s not a rust bucket, either. However, the condition of the body, the quality of the paint, and the quality of the interior lead us to the first question that needs an answer: Has this Impala ever been restored? If I had to guess, I’d say the car is wearing a classic restoration that also included a repaint. If it doesn’t, I believe the Impala has received at least one paint job (although the body issues suggest it wasn’t a professional job).

The owner says the car has been in the garage for 15 years, but I can already detect rust issues. You will need a thorough inspection and a lift to check the undercarriage, but I don’t think you will have significant problems, although it is recommended to get a better picture of everything under the car.

The 283 under the hood starts and runs, and the owner says they’ve already completed mechanical repairs. The Impala sports new plugs and wires, and all electrical components now work properly. You can take the car for a spin if you are not sure it is value for money.

And speaking of money, this is the point where we must negotiate the selling price. The owner is already letting it go for $20,000, which might be an optimistic prospect if the car isn’t original and complete. This is information that should be clarified before purchase, so ask more questions during the inspection, especially if you have already arranged a full return.

The Impala is parked in Greeley, and given the driving conditions, you should be able to drive it home on its wheels unless you live far from this area.