The 1958 Chevrolet Impala – one of the icons of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s!

Abbey Swap Meet 2007

Similar to the car Ron Howard drove in the 1973 cult classic “American Graffiti,” the 1958 Chevrolet Impala was cemented in American folklore as one of the hottest go-fast cars of the finned era.

As all General Motors cars became obese and bloated in ’58, the Impala retained a certain grace and good looks – if not “sveltness.”

The 1958 Impala was never my absolute favorite – way too big (and big looking) compared to the ’57 Bel-Air. But, that huge rear end does have a certain grace with the modest, rounded fins and the roof vent, of course.

While light on fins, the 1958 Impala never lacked chrome and pizzazz. From the wide-mouth chrome grille, complete with integrated bumper) to the admittedly sexy roof vents at the rear, the 1958 Impala cast a large shadow and definitely fit the mold of a 1950’s hot rod.

While larger and heavier than that other Chevy icon, the 1957 Chevy, the ’58 Impala was no drag strip competitor to the ’57.

I can tell you that, in person, the 1958 Chevy Impala is every bit the superstar that the ’57 is – and maybe more!