1959 Chevrolet Impala
The Chevy Impala debuted for the 1958 model year as the prestige pinnacle of the top-of-the-line Bel Air models. Riding on GM’s new X-frame allowed the cars to be longer, wider, and lower than in the past.
The Chevy Impala was offered with a variety of powertrain options, including the Blue Flame six cylinder, several different versions of the 283 cubic-inch Small Block V8, or the Turbo Thrust 348 cube W-head Big Block that made up to 315 horsepower.
For 1959, the Chevy Impala got a complete restyling. Batwing rear fins, taillights that looked like squinting red eyes, and a cleaner design for the rear bumper were hallmarks of the Impala’s backside, while the front end received a revamped grille with horizontal slats and mini-Dagmars, and vents at the leading edge of the hood. The faux vents just forward of the rear wheel arches were gone, and the beltline bullet started as a point just behind the headlights and expanded to a mild flare all the way to the taillights.
For 1959, the Chevy Impala got a complete restyling. Batwing rear fins, taillights that looked like squinting red eyes, and a cleaner design for the rear bumper were hallmarks of the Impala’s backside, while the front end received a revamped grille with horizontal slats and mini-Dagmars, and vents at the leading edge of the hood. The faux vents just forward of the rear wheel arches were gone, and the beltline bullet started as a point just behind the headlights and expanded to a mild flare all the way to the taillights.
