The 1958 Chevy Bel Air Impala – Start of Beloved Classic Car Model
When it first rolled off assembly lines, the 1958 Chevy Bel Air Impala ushered in a new era of American automotive design. It was the first year Chevrolet used the Impala nameplate, which would become iconic in the years to come.
Instantly recognizable for its sleek lines and prominent tailfins, the 1958 Impala incorporated Chevy’s latest engineering advancements under its stylish exterior. Powerful new “Turbo Fire” V8 engines ranging from 250 to 348 horsepower gave drivers exhilarating performance. Inside, the elegant cockpit featured a futuristic dash and plenty of legroom.
Priced affordably, the full-size Impala offered the style and power of a luxury car within reach. It cemented 1958 as the year Chevy overtook Ford in U.S. sales for the first time, thanks in large part to the Impala’s breakout popularity.
The most prized ’58 Impalas today are those optioned with the 348 V8 and luxurious Super Sport package. Only about 3% of Impalas were SS models, making them extremely rare. Values for restored SS coupes and convertibles can exceed $200,000.
Beyond rarity, the 1958 Impala signifies a cultural shift towards Detroit embracing design flair matched with V8 muscle. Its sculpted rear flanks, prominent grille, and Reagan-era associations make the ’58 Impala a quintessential 1950s American icon.
The model ushered in over 50 years of Impala heritage before production ended in 2020. Collectors and enthusiasts still cherish the 1958 Impala as ground zero for this enduring line of full-size Chevy classics.
Today, 1958 Impalas draw crowds at car shows across the country. The thriving owners club and available restoration parts ensure many of these beauties will be cruising for decades to come.
From its birth in the Fabulous Fifties to today, the first-year Impala retains its place in history as an American classic that defined its era. For Chevy enthusiasts, the 1958 Impala embodies some of the most memorable and meaningful years of American automotive styling.
