About
The introduction of the new 1958 Impala marked the beginning of a new era for the Chevrolet Motor Division. Although listed with the Bel Air line, one look at the new Impala model told you this was the top of the line! The new 1958 Impala was produced as both a sport coupe and convertible. Production of the sport coupe was approx 125,480 units and 55,989 convertibles. The popular 1958 sales catch phrase "longer, lower, and wider" said it all. Gone were the sharp fins of the '57 Chevy, replaced in '58 by deeply sculptured "gull wing" rear quarters. Also new for the 1958 Impala were the dual headlights and parking lights. The rear of the Impala now featured two sets of three glowing tail and brake lights. The new '58 Impala featured more chrome and stainless trim than any previous Chevrolet. Much of this new trim was totally non functional; dummy rear fender scoops, front and rear fender lovers, dummy exhaust ports, and rear roof lover to mention just a few! The design teams at Chevrolet were also busy giving the new 1958 models a totally new suspension. 1958 saw the introduction of the new "X Frame" and full all around coil suspension. Leaf springs were suddenly a thing of the past. This new "longer, lower, and wider" Impala needed a larger power plant. New for '58 was the 348ci V-8 big block engine. This new 348 would later be commonly referred to as the "W Block."
Engine Options | CI. Displacement | Horse Power |
Blue Flame 6-Cylinder | 235.5 | 145 |
Super Turbo-Fire/Turbo-Fire V-8 | 283 | 185/230/250/290 |
Super Turbo-Thrust/ Turbo-Thrust V-8 | 348 | 250/280/315 |
Transmission Options |
Turboglide - Powerglide - Overdrive - Synchro Mesh |