Mario's Tribute to Chevy Impala Pt 1. 1st to 4th Generations 1958 - 1970

1 1958 Chevy Impala 1st Generation. The Chevrolet Impala, introduced in 1958, has a rich history as one of America's most iconic full-size cars, known for its distinctive design and cultural significance. The Impala was Chevrolet's popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made automobiles in the United States. The Impala was introduced for the 1958 model year as a top-of-the-line Bel Air in 2-door hardtops and convertibles. The 1958 Chevrolet models were longer, lower, and wider than their predecessors. The 1958 model year was the first with dual headlamps.

2 1958 Chevy Impala. For its debut in 1958, Impalas had three taillights on each side, while lesser models had two and wagons just one. The Impalas included crossed-flag insignias above the side moldings, as well as bright rocker moldings and dummy rear-fender scoops. A coil spring suspension replaced the previous year's rear leaf springs, and an air-ride system was optional. The Impala name was first used for the full-sized 1956 General Motors Motorama show car that bore Corvette-like design cues, especially the grille. It was named Impala after the graceful African antelope, which was used as the car's logo.

3 1958 Chevy Impala. For 1958, GM was promoting its 50th year of business, and introduced anniversary models for each brand; Cadillac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Chevrolet. The 1958 models shared a common appearance on the top models for each brand; Cadillac Eldorado Seville, Buick Limited Riviera, Oldsmobile Starfire 98, Pontiac Bonneville Catalina, and the Chevrolet Bel Air Impala.

4 1958 Chevy Impala. 348CI Tri Power 305HP. From the windshield (A) pillar rearward, the 1958 Bel Air Impala differed structurally from the lower-priced Chevrolet models. Hardtops had a slightly shorter greenhouse and 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. In total, 55,989 Impala convertibles and 125,480 Impala coupes for a total of 181,469 Impalas were built representing 15% of total Chevrolet production of 1.2 million. The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala helped Chevrolet regain the number one production spot in this recession year.

5 1959 Chevy Impala 2nd Generation. As part of a GM economy move, the 1959 Chevrolet Impala was redesigned to share bodyshells with lower-end Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs. Using a new X-frame chassis, the roof line was 3 inches lower, bodies were 2 inches wider, the wheelbase was 1-1/2 inches longer, and curb weight increased.

6 1959 Chevy Impala. Flattened tailfins protruded outward, rather than upward. The taillights were a large "teardrop" design at each side, and two slim-wide, non-functional front air intake scoops were added just above the grille. The Impala became a separate series, adding a four-door hardtop and four-door sedan to the two-door Sport Coupe and convertible and a five-door station wagon.

7 1959 Chevy Impala. Sport Coupes featured a shortened roof line and wrap-over back window. Standard were front and rear armrests, an electric clock, dual sliding sun visors, and crank-operated front vent windows. A contoured hooded instrument panel held deep-set gauges. A six-way power seat was a new option. Chevy produced 467,000 Impalas out of 1.5 million total production.

8 1959 Chevy Impala. Fuel-injected 283CI 290HP. The standard engine was an I6 235 cu in (3.9 liters) 6 cyl engine 145 hp, while the base V8 was the carryover 283 cu in (4.6 L) at 185 hp. Optional was a 283 cu in with 290 hp and 348 cu in (5.7 L) V8 up to 335 hp. A "Speedminder" was a new option which allowed the driver to set a needle at a specific speed, which triggered a buzzer when exceeded.

9 1960 Chevy Impala. Since 1958 the frame had rails laid out in the form of an elongated "X". Chevrolet claimed that the new frame offered increased torsional rigidity and allowed for a lower placement of the passenger compartment.

10 1960 Chevy Impala. This was a transitional step between traditional construction and the later fully unitized body/chassis; the body structure was also strengthened in the rocker panels and firewall. However, this frame was not as effective in protecting the interior structure in a side-impact crash as a traditional perimeter frame.

11 1960 Chevy Impala. The 1960 Impala models reinstated three round taillights on each side, and a white band running along the rear fenders. 511,925 Impalas were produced in the 1960 model year out of 1.7 million total Chevrolets.

12 1960 Chevy Impala. 348CI 305HP Holley 4-barrel carb. Seven versions of the 283-cu in and 348-cu in V8s were offered: the carbureted 283 Turbo-Fire could have either 170 or 230 hp. The 348 was available in 250 to 320 hp with a 350 hp Special Super Turbo-Thrust with triple two-barrel carburetors, 11.25:1 compression ratio, and dual exhausts. Fuel injection was no longer an option on full-size Chevrolets. New to the options list was cruise control.

13 1961 Chevy Impala SS409 3rd Generation. The 1961 Impala was restyled on the GM B platform for the first time for 1961. The new body styling was trimmer and boxier than the 1958–1960 models. In a December 17, 1960, press release, Chevrolet introduced the Impala SS (Super Sport) option to the market. The SS badge was to become Chevrolet's signature of performance on many models, though it often has been an appearance package only.

14 1961 Chevy Impala SS409. Sport Coupe models featured a "bubbleback" roof line style for 1961. The Impala's factory SS package in 1961 was truly a performance package when so equipped from the factory with both the trim and "mandatory" suspension and engine upgrades. Chevrolet built 491,000 Impalas in 1961 of the 1.5 million Chevy’s produced. A mere 453 were Super Sports and only 142 of those were equipped with the 409 V8.

15 1961 Chevy Impala SS409. Unlike all other years, the 1961 Super Sport package was available on any Impala, including sedans and station wagons. The package also included upgraded tires, wheels, springs, shocks and special sintered metallic brake linings. In addition to the factory-installed SS package, Chevrolet dealers could add SS trim to any standard Impala without the "mandatory" performance upgrades, and a number of 1961s were so equipped.

16 1961 Chevy Impala SS409. 409CI 360HP. Engines for 1961 were the 235ci six cyl 135hp; 283ci V8 170hp, 230hp or 250hp; 348ci 250hp, 305hp, 315hp, 320hp, 335hp, 340hp or 350hp. And the new 409ci 360hp. Only 142 1961 Impala Super Sport cars came from the factory with the 409. This is a very rare Impala. Of the 1.2 million produced 491,000 were Impalas.

17 1962 Chevy Impala SS409. The 1962 model featured a new "C" pillar styling for all models except the 4-door hardtop. Sport Coupe models now featured the "convertible roof" styling, shared with other GM "B" full-size hardtop coupe, which proved popular. The "overhang" roof style of the sedans was replaced with a wider "C" pillar with wraparound rear window. There were 705,000 Impalas built of a total of 2.1 million total Chevrolets in 1962.

18 1962 Chevy Impala SS409. The Beach Boys produced a hit single, "409", referring to the 1962 Chevrolet, which became an iconic song for these cars. It was originally released as the B-side of the single "Surfin' Safari". More chrome trim outside, including a full-width aluminum-and-chrome panel to house the triple-unit taillight assembly. Super Sport (SS) models featured that panel in a special engine-turned aluminum, which was also used to fill the side moldings, making the SS more distinctive in appearance.

19 1962 Chevy Impala SS409. Impalas again featured premium interior appointments, plusher seats could be done by the dealerships on customer request. The Impala also gained the top trim station wagon body design, in place of the Chevrolet Nomad model. However, unlike the passenger cars, Impala wagons had dual-unit taillights. Starting for the 1962 model year, the Impala SS was an appearance package limited to hardtop coupe and convertible coupe models, available with all engines in the Impala series.

20 1962 Chevy Impala SS409. 409CI 2x4-barrel 450HP. Engine choices for 1962 began as previously with 1962 being the final year for the 235 I6 along with the small-block 283 fitted with a two-barrel carburetor. The 283 was also enlarged to 327-cubic-inch (5.4 L), offered in two versions, one with 250 bhp and one with 300 bhp. The 348-cubic-inch (5.7 L) V8 was discontinued and replaced by the 380 bhp 409-cubic-inch (6.7 L) or 409 bhp 409-cubic-inch (6.7 L) engine available only with manual transmission. Due to reliability problems, the optional Turboglide automatic transmission was discontinued, leaving Powerglide the only automatic transmission available until 1965.

21 1963 Chevy Impala 4 dr HT. The Sport Sedan featured a new, creased roof line. There were over 2.3 million 1963 Chevrolets built of which 832,000 were Impalas and 153,000 were Super Sport Models.

22 1963 Chevy Impala 4 dr HT. The 1963 Impala featured rectilinear styling with an engine-turned aluminum rear taillight panel surrounded by a chrome border on SS models. The Impala wagons got triple-unit taillights for the first time.

23 1963 Chevy Impala 4 dr HT. A new "coved" instrument panel included simple indicator lights for hot and cold engine conditions. An optional factory tachometer was built into the dashboard, just above the steering wheel.

24 1963 Chevy Impala 4 dr HT. 283CI 2 BBL 195HP. Engine choices were 283 cu in (4.6 L) and 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8s. The Stovebolt six-cylinder was replaced with a new 230 cu in (3.8 L) Turbo-Thrift six that used thinwall castings and would continue as the standard engine for Chevrolet cars through 1979. A special 427 cu in (7.0 L) version of the 409 cu in (6.7 L) engine was used in the 1963 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe with dual Carter 4 BBL carburetors producing 430HP. This was a special package created for drag racers and NASCAR. Fifty engines were produced at the Flint GM plant.

25 1964 Chevy Impala SS409. For 1964, the Impala was restyled to a more rounded, softer look. The Impala Super Sport became its own series this year instead of an option package. SS models continued to feature the engine-turned aluminum trim. Rooflines were carried over from 1963 unchanged. Back-up lights were standard.

26 1964 Chevy Impala SS409. The signature taillight assembly had an "upside-down U" shaped aluminum trim strip above the taillights, but the individual lights were surrounded by a body-colored panel.

27 1964 Chevy Impala SS409. The 1964 model year is a staple of lowrider culture, and it is commonly mentioned in West Coast hip hop lyrics. 889,600 Impalas built of 2.3 million total.

28 1964 Chevy Impala SS409. 409CI Big Block 425HP. The 409 cu in (6.7 L) V8 engine returned as the big-block option, as well as dual four-barrel (four-choke) Carter AFB carburetors, which produced 425 bhp.

29 1965 Chevy Impala Convertible SS396 4th Generation. The Chevrolet Caprice was introduced as a top-line Impala Sport Sedan for model year 1965, later becoming a separate series positioned above the Impala in 1966. After four years of growing progressively boxier, the 1965 models featured more rounded sides. Additionally, curved window glass, and new hood and a brand-new front end help further distinguish the model from those that came before it.

30 1965 Chevy Impala Convertible SS396. Super Sports for 1965 came with a "blackout" trim strip which ran under the taillights. The newly restyled full-size Chevys, including the Impala models, grew even bigger than they had been before during the 1965 restyle that ushered in the fourth generation of the car.

31 1965 Chevy Impala Convertible SS396. With over 1 million Impalas built, 1965 marked an industry production high that has yet to be replicated. The Caprice name was introduced for the first time as an upgrade package for the Impala Sport Sedan.

32 1965 Chevy Impala Convertible SS396. 396CI 325HP. Along with the restyle came a few changes under the hood. Chevy’s sales literature announced the introduction of the new 396 CI V8 325 HP or 425 HP. The old 409 cu in engine was discontinued early in the 1965 model year. 1,046,500 Impalas were built, a record amount of a total of 2.4 million.

33 1966 Chevy Impala Convertible SS396. The 1966 Impala was a mild restyle of the 1965, featuring a new instrument panel, grille, wheel covers and rectangular taillights that wrapped around to the side of the quarter panels. A new grille distinguished the model from previous years.

34 1966 Chevy Impala Convertible SS396. Standard features now included lap belts front and rear, reverse lamps, day/night rearview mirror, and a padded dashboard. As part of a slight restyle, the Impala lost its signature six taillight setup with wraparound rectangular taillights.

35 1966 Chevy Impala Convertible SS396. The regular Impalas were slightly boxier than the previous year’s models had been, and in addition to the new grille also got revised fenders and bumpers. The total production for the Impala SS for the year was 119,314.

36 1966 Chevy Impala Convertible SS396. 396CI 325HP. A new 427 CID V8 was introduced to the masses as the largest engine option for the year. There were two versions of the engine, one rated at 390 HP and another “special performance” option rated at 425 HP due to its aluminum manifold and heavy duty four-bolt main block. 654,900 Impalas were produced of 2.1 million total.

37 1967 Chevy Impala, My Car in Ermine White. The '67 Chevy Impala is a classic muscle car! It is a Timeless Classic with Iconic Status. It's not just a car, it's a rolling piece of American history. Huge, stylish, and instantly recognizable. A staple of 60s Americana, seen in countless movies and TV. Its long hood, sleek lines, and often-chromed details are iconic. A true symbol of that era's optimism and power. I purchased my 67 Impala in August 2009 at the Sayville NY Summerfest Car Show.

38 1967 Chevy Impala, My Car. The 1967 model was redesigned with enhanced Coke bottle styling that featured Corvette-inspired front and rear fender bulges. The most noticeable design change was the new, flowing roofline for the Sports Coupes and Impala SS models. The sleek new look gave the cars a similar shape as the pony and muscle cars that were all the rage in 1967 – though of course it was still bigger than all of those.

39 1967 Chevy Impala, My Car. Impala sales (and particularly Impala SS sales) were on a steep decline by 1967. The majority of the reason for this likely came not from a direct full-size competitor, but to performance car enthusiasts switching their allegiance from the full-size models to the smaller muscle and pony cars that were filling up American roads. Baby boomers came of age and wanted cars that were smaller but still packed a punch under the hood.

40 1967 Chevy Impala, My Car. Iconic 327CI V8 275HP 4BBL. While the Super Sport was for the most part an appearance package for the Impala, Chevrolet did see fit to offer a performance version in a special equipment and trim package for 1967 that today is rare and valuable. This was Regular Production Option Z24, marketed as the 1967 Chevy SS427 rated at 390 HP and only 2,000 built. Other engines offered: 250ci 6 cyl, 283ci V8, 327ci V8 and 396ci V8. 649,600 Impalas were produced of 2 million total.

41 1968 Chevy Impala. The 1968 model was facelifted with a new front end. The hood was restyled to cover recessed windshield wipers. In keeping with federal regulations, safety features were built into Impalas during the 1968 model year, including a fully collapsible energy-absorbing steering column, side marker lights, and shoulder belts for closed models.

42 1968 Chevy Impala. Unique SS 427 badges on the body. The new rear bumper housed triple "horseshoe" shaped taillights. GM adopted a new lock system for all models, replacing the previous system that had been in use since 1936 with letter-coded keys that changed each year. 1968 also saw a new Impala model, the Custom Coupe. This two-door hardtop featured the same formal roofline as the Caprice Coupe. It was successful and would be continued through 1976.

43 1968 Chevy Impala. "SS427" badges were also installed in the interior of the 1968 model only. The interiors were slightly updated to make the car more luxurious. Ventless front windows were used on all models. Chevrolet had a rudimentary "power vent" system featuring vents in the instrument panel. By 1968, sales of the Impala SS had fallen so drastically that Chevy decided to revert the SS distinction back to an options package. The Super Sport was moved back to being an Impala option package rather than its own model.

44 1968 Chevy Impala. 427CI 425HP. Engine options were the same as 1967. The L72 "427 Turbo-Jet" engine was once again returned to the option list, a solid-lifter V8 rated at 425 hp. It would continue to be available for both 1968 and 1969, replaced by the Turbo-Jet 454 for 1970. Only 2,124 included the 427 V8 engine. 710,900 Impalas were produced of 2.2 million total.

45 1969 Chevy Impala. The 1969 models were unique in several ways: Disc brakes were standard that year (optional on other years) along with 15-inch wheels. The new look of the car was achieved by a new grille/front bumper combination that gave the quad headlight setup the look of being recessed into the front of the car. New front bumpers wrapped around the grille and horizontal taillights were in the rear bumper. The hardtop Sport Coupe got a new notchback roofline, replacing the "fastback" C-pillar from 1967 to 1968.

46 1969 Chevy Impala. The 1969 Impala and other full-sized Chevrolets got new slab-sided bodies with a small "upsweep" at the rear quarter window, giving them a more formal appearance. It retained the 119-inch wheelbase from previous models. Part of the bolder look was the bulging wheel wells around every wheel. There also was a new rear bumper that incorporated new rectangular taillights. The 1969 model year Impala production topped Caprice production by 611,000 units.

47 1969 Chevy Impala. The ignition switch was moved from the instrument panel to the steering column, and when the key was removed, the steering wheel and shift lever were locked. Front-seat headrests were now standard equipment due to a federal safety mandate. The instrument panel was restyled and highlighted by a new steering wheel.

48 1969 Chevy Impala. 350CI 255HP. Engine options: 250 I6, 307 V8, 327 V8, 350 V8, 396 V8, 427 V8. 155 to 425 hp. 777,000 Impalas were produced of 2.1 million total.

49 1970 Chevy Impala. The 1970 Impala got a minor facelift featuring a more conventional under the grille bumper replacing the wrap-around unit used in 1969. The exterior of the 1970 Impala was characterized by its long, flowing lines and pronounced front and rear fenders. The car's design exuded a sense of motion even at a standstill. Impala station wagons were renamed Kingswood, a name which would continue through 1972.

50 1970 Chevy Impala. This model year marked the end of an era, as it was the last to feature the high-waisted, Coke-bottle styling that had become iconic. The 1970 Impala got new triple vertical taillights in the rear bumper.

51 1970 Chevy Impala. The dashboard was functional yet stylish, with woodgrain accents adding a touch of luxury. Technologically, the Impala offered innovations like an optional stereo radio and air conditioning – features that were becoming increasingly important to consumers.

52 1970 Chevy Impala. 350CI 255HP. Because "big block muscle" was now focusing on intermediate and even compact size cars, Chevrolet discontinued the Impala Super Sport series for 1970, although the 1970 model was still available with a big block V8 (now displacing 454 cubic inches), bucket seats, and a center console with floor shifter. 505,471 Impalas were produced of 2 million total.