The 1958 Impala was the top model for the Chevrolet Bel Air line of hardtops and convertibles. (Photos from GM Media Archive)
In the recession year of 1958, GM promoted its 50th year of production. In tribute, the company introduced anniversary models for each brand: Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Chevrolet.
According to the Impala’s Wikipedia page, the 1958 models shared a common appearance on the top models for each brand: the Cadillac Eldorado Seville, Buick Limited Riviera, Oldsmobile Starfire 98, Pontiac Bonneville Catalina, and the Chevrolet Bel Air Impala.
“The 1958 Impala was the top model for the Bel Air line of hardtops and convertibles.
“From the windshield pillars rearward, the 1958 Bel Air Impala differed structurally from the lower-priced Chevrolet models. Hardtops had a slightly shorter greenhouse and a longer rear deck.
“The wheelbase of the Impala was longer than the lower-priced models, although the overall length was identical. Interiors held a two-spoke steering wheel and color-keyed door panels with brushed aluminum trim. No other series included a convertible.
The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala helped Chevrolet regain the No. 1 production spot in this recession year.
“The 1958 Chevrolet models were longer, lower, and wider than their predecessors. And this was the first model year for dual headlamps.
“Deeply sculptured rear fenders replaced the tailfins of the 1957. In addition, impalas had three taillights on each side, while lesser models had two and wagons just one.
Impalas included crossed-flag insignias above the side moldings, bright rocker moldings, and dummy rear-fender scoops.
The Chevrolet Impala was identified by the image of a leaping African antelope in some form or another since its debut in 1958.
Chevrolet Impala Powertrains
A 283 cubic-inch V-8 was standard. Its power ratings ranged from 185 to 230 horsepower. When upgraded with Rochester Ramjet fuel injection, power output increased to 250 hp.
Two versions of Chevrolet’s first big-block 348-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V-8 were optional:
- A single four-barrel carburetor, producing 250;
- Three two-barrel carburetors, 280 hp.
55,989 Impala convertibles and 125,480 coupes were built, representing 15 percent of Chevrolet production. In addition, the 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala helped Chevrolet regain the number-one production spot in this recession year.
