Chevrolet Impala: Celebrating Fifty Years of Prestige

The lineage of the Impala starts in 1958 when it was introduced as the top trim level of the 1958 Bel Air. That first Impala featured a 283 cubic inch Ram-Jet fuel injected V-8 engine and some cool silouhette that became a standard appearance for 1960s cars.

The Impala is attracting car collectors. Two ‘58 Impalas sold for more than $150,000 each at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car auction in Arizona recently.

The car has represented changes in the country’s taste in style and what a car should be. In the 1950s and ‘60s, the Impala was America’s big car. It was the consummate family car. But it also became a mode for showing cultural differences. The Impala became one of the featured cars for customizers and lowriders.

Taking pride in what it had, Chevrolet will be releasing a 50th anniversary edition of the Impala this spring. Our take? The Impala continues as Chevrolet's best-selling brand. That may change, though, as General Motors positions Malibu as its best against best-sellers Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Does that mean the Impala will, again, fade into the background? Not a chance. Though the rumor mill is rife with its future (latest that it's moving upscale and will be RWD), the Impala, whether on American roads or a classic at the auction block, will continue to be a presence in automotive history.






via New York Times