1960 Chevrolet Impala 4 Door Sedan
In celebration of their 50th year of production, Chevrolet introduced the Impala. Designs were changing, moving away from upright tail fins being replaced by deep sculpted rear panels, dual headlamps, larger "greenhouse" passenger compartments, and upgrades in suspension and engine options. Interior finishes such as color keyed door panels, and brushed aluminum began at this time as well. Through generations 1 to 3, styling got sleeker, passenger compartments lower, and emphasis was on a look of a car in motion, when it was sitting still.
Let's dial in 1960 on the way back machine and don our Wayfarers as we are going to arrive in the land of cool. A wonderful 1960 Chevrolet Impala just dripping with space age styling, chrome trim, A/C, and a rebuilt front end. A 350ci V8 under the hood, automatic transmission, swept back antenna, and bubble glass. And a tail that will forever be considered fine art.
Exterior
The pedestrian front end begins with quad headlights stretched between vertical rails of the chrome grille and a wide grin of the bumper, looking proud and non threatening, topped with fender ornaments and forward side mirrors. S-shaped A-pillars make room for an amazing windshield that has a high forehead allowing great visibility that includes views of the sky. From there, the roofline sweeps back to a rear window that swells from the C-pillars, countered in angle by the dual antennas that appear windblown in motion. Going the opposite direction is that jet motif trim on the rear doors, tracked by a white vapor trail of paint that concludes when the fenders do. The triple tail lights include a center reverse light, all under the shadow of the horizontal fins that could seemingly create lift if enough speed was generated. The metal trim is in good condition. Issues with the paint include some invasive rust on the deck lid and rocker panel, rust bubbles in other areas and on lower parts of doors, and surface rust on the spokes of the 15-inch wire wheels. In general, there are different shades of red on the front half and the back half of the car.
Interior
Black vinyl door panels with vertical stitched rows and dice topped locks are in good shape and the bench seat consists of red velour inserts on vinyl black borders in nice condition. The back seat is basically a replica of the front and is in equally as good condition. From the steering wheel forward, it looks original with the 3 spoke sport steering wheel that leads to an elaborate, jet-like control panel complete with stand alone gauges wrapped in hooded coves over a metallic lower half with knobs, vents, and air control levers. The sculpted stain black dash houses an AM radio while the glove box hides an AM/FM/CD radio. Bright red loop carpet over soundproofing covers the entire floor and is clean while the perforated white headliner and visors show some age but are intact.
Drivetrain
Clean driver quality condition prevails under the hood where we find the 350ci Vortec V8 fed by two 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetors and set in motion with a Powerglide 2-speed transmission sending power to the rear wheels and 3.55 gears. Power drum brakes are supplied on all four wheels where shoes, hardware, drums, and hoses have recently been replaced.
Undercarriage
Generally clean and dry with ample surface rust throughout creating driver conditions. More importantly, lots of new components have been added to the front including the idler arm, pitman arm, shocks, inner and outer tie rods, sleeves, drag link, and front sway bar links. The rear universal joint has been replaced as well as the front inner and outer wheel bearings. The dual exhaust begin at headers, then track along the X-frame and intersect Flowmaster mufflers before exiting behind the rear wheels via chrome tips. While back here, we note some oil around the rear differential.
Drive-Ability
We hopped in the bubble fronted Impala and set out on the test loop, knowing that some things need attention, while other components function perfectly. This long car provides a sleek ride with, of course, great visibility, even with B-pillars in place. Non functional items include the A/C, front signals, reverse lights, the front seat adjuster is stuck, and the column shift lever is touchy.
She's not perfect but you can't argue with great design and with that as the motivator, this car has enormous potential and with that front end rebuild, new brakes, and a clean interior, it's off to a good start. Impalas sell pretty consistently around here, so join the safari and cull this one from the herd, before someone else takes home this trophy.
01819K133019
0-1960
18-Impala V8
19-4 Door Sedan
K-Kansas City, MO Assy Plant
133019-Sequential Unit Number
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