The 1959 Chevy Impala is a classic car that has left an indelible mark on American automotive culture. It was first introduced as a top-of-the-line model in the Chevy lineup and quickly became one of the most popular cars of its time. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, design, and legacy of this iconic car.
Brief History of the 1959 Chevy Impala
The Chevrolet Impala was first introduced in 1958 as a trim level of the Bel Air, but it quickly gained popularity due to its stylish design and impressive performance. In 1959, it was upgraded to its own model, and the new design was a huge success. The 1959 Chevrolet Impala was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor, and its unique styling features made it stand out from other cars of its time.
Importance of the Car in American Automotive Culture
The 1959 Chevy Impala is a cultural icon that represents the optimism and innovation of the 1950s and 1960s. Its sleek design and powerful engine made it a symbol of American ingenuity and a status symbol for those who could afford it. The car’s popularity was further solidified by its appearances in movies, TV shows, and music, cementing its place in American popular culture.
Overall, the 1959 Chevrolet Impala was a car that truly represented the American dream. It embodied the ideals of freedom, individuality, and progress, and it continues to be a beloved classic car to this day. In the next sections of this blog post, we’ll explore the design and performance of this iconic car, as well as its lasting legacy and popularity among collectors and enthusiasts.
Design and Styling of the 1959 Chevy Impala
The 1959 Chevy Impala is known for its striking design and unique styling features that made it stand out from other cars of its time. Let’s take a closer look at the car’s exterior and interior design features.
Exterior Design and Features
The 1959 Chevy Impala’s exterior design was a major departure from its predecessor. It was longer, wider, and lower, with a sleek and aerodynamic body style. The car’s front end featured dual headlamps, a wraparound windshield, and a large, chrome grille that added to its stylish and powerful look. The car’s iconic tailfins and rear-end design were also standout features that added to its visual appeal.
Other notable exterior features of the 1959 Chevrolet Impala include its chrome accents, including the door handles, fender spears, and rocker panel moldings. The car also came with a variety of color options, including the iconic Roman Red and Frost Blue.
Interior Design and Features
The interior of the 1959 Chevy Impala was just as stylish and luxurious as its exterior. The car’s spacious cabin was designed with comfort and convenience in mind, featuring bucket seats, plush carpeting, and a stylish dashboard. The car’s instrument panel was mounted on a pod in the center of the dashboard, making it easy for the driver to see and access the car’s controls.
Other notable interior features of the 1959 Chevrolet Impala include its deluxe steering wheel, which was wrapped in chrome and accented with a horn ring, and its optional air conditioning system, which was a rare feature for cars of its time.
Overall, the 1959 Chevy Impala’s design and styling features were ahead of its time and made it a truly iconic car. Its unique exterior and luxurious interior continues to inspire car enthusiasts and collectors to this day.
Performance and Handling
The 1959 Chevy Impala wasn’t just a stylish car; it was also a powerful and well-performing vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at its engine specifications, transmission, and suspension system.
Engine Specifications
The 1959 Chevy Impala came with two engine options: a 283 cubic inch V8 engine and a 348 cubic inch V8 engine. The 283 engine produced 185 horsepower, while the 348 engine produced 315 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful engines of its time. Both engines were mated to a four-barrel carburetor and a dual exhaust system that helped to improve their performance.
Transmission and Suspension System
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala’s transmission system was designed to deliver smooth and efficient shifting. The car came with a standard three-speed manual transmission, but buyers could also opt for a four-speed manual or a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.
The car’s suspension system was also a standout feature, designed to provide a comfortable ride and superior handling. The car’s front suspension featured coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, while the rear suspension featured leaf springs and a live axle. These features combined to provide a smooth and stable ride, even on rough roads.
Overall, the 1959 Chevy Impala’s performance and handling features were top of the line for its time. Its powerful engine options, efficient transmission, and smooth suspension system made it a joy to drive and a standout car in its class.
Popularity and Legacy of the 1959 Chevy Impala
The 1959 Chevy Impala was not only a popular car in its time, but it has also left a lasting impact on American automotive culture. Let’s explore its cultural significance and popularity among collectors and enthusiasts.
Cultural Significance
The 1959 Chevy Impala has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and songs, making it an iconic symbol of American automotive culture. It is perhaps best known for its appearance in the popular TV series “Supernatural,” where it was used as the main mode of transportation for the main characters, the Winchester brothers.
The car has also been featured in several classic films, including “American Graffiti” and “Bullitt,” and has been referenced in countless songs across various genres, from hip-hop to country.
Popularity Among Collectors and Enthusiasts
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala has maintained its popularity among collectors and enthusiasts over the years. Its iconic styling and powerful engine options make it a sought-after car for car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The car’s rarity also adds to its appeal. Only around 490,000 Impalas were produced in 1959, and many of those have been lost or destroyed over time, making the surviving examples even more valuable.
Restored and well-preserved 1959 Chevy Impalas can fetch high prices at auctions and are highly sought-after by collectors. The car has also spawned a dedicated community of enthusiasts who attend car shows, meetups, and other events to celebrate the car’s legacy and share their love for it.
Overall, the 1959 Chevy Impala’s cultural significance and popularity among collectors and enthusiasts have ensured its legacy as one of the most iconic and beloved cars in American automotive history.
Restoring and Owning a 1959 Chevy Impala
The 1959 Chevy Impala is a classic car that continues to captivate car enthusiasts and collectors to this day. If you’re interested in owning one of these beauties, here’s what you need to know about finding, buying, and restoring a 1959 Chevy Impala.
Finding and Buying a 1959 Chevy Impala
Finding a 1959 Chevy Impala for sale can be a challenge, given its rarity and popularity among collectors. However, there are several resources available to help you locate one.
Car enthusiast forums, classic car dealerships, and online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist can all be good places to start your search. You may also want to consider attending classic car auctions and shows to see if any 1959 Chevrolet Impalas are up for sale.
When buying a 1959 Chevy Impala, it’s important to do your due diligence and thoroughly inspect the car before making a purchase. Look for signs of rust, damage, and wear and tear, and ask the seller about the car’s history and any repairs or restorations that have been done.
Restoring and Maintaining the Car’s Original Features and Style
If you’re lucky enough to own a 1959 Chevrolet Impala, restoring and maintaining its original features and style is essential for preserving its value and legacy.
Restoration can involve anything from repairing minor scratches and dents to a full-blown overhaul of the car’s engine and body. Depending on the extent of the restoration, it can be a time-consuming and expensive process, but the end result is well worth it for many car enthusiasts.
To maintain the car’s original features and style, it’s important to use authentic parts and accessories whenever possible. This not only ensures that the car remains true to its original design, but also helps maintain its value over time.
Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tune-ups, and regular inspections, is also essential for keeping the car running smoothly and preventing major issues from arising.
Owning and restoring a 1959 Chevy Impala is a labor of love for many car enthusiasts. With the right resources and attention to detail, you can bring this classic beauty back to life and enjoy the thrill of driving a piece of automotive history.
Conclusion
The 1959 Chevy Impala is a classic car that has stood the test of time. Its unique and elegant design, powerful engine, and smooth handling have made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors.
In this article, we explored the car’s history, design, performance, and legacy, as well as the experience of owning and restoring one. We learned about its significance in American culture, as well as its continued popularity in movies, TV shows, and music.
Overall, the 1959 Chevrolet Impala is a true classic car icon that continues to captivate generations. Whether you’re a collector or simply a fan of classic cars, owning a 1959 Chevrolet Impala is an experience that will leave you in awe.
So if you’re looking for a piece of automotive history, don’t hesitate to find and restore your own 1959 Chevy Impala. With its unique style and unmatched performance, it’s a car that will continue to turn heads for years to come.
