1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible

This extravagant one-year-only styling has come to represent the risk-taking, change-making zeitgeist of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s

by Marit Anne Peterson

The Impala was introduced in 1958 as a sporty trim package for Bel Air coupes and convertibles. Unique to the model were its six taillights, a classic styling cue that became its trademark. Named for an African antelope, the Impala became a separate model in 1959 in both two- and four-door versions and the best-selling car in the Chevrolet product line. In 1960, it became the best-selling automobile in the United States—period—and held that position for a decade. From 1958 until 1996, Impala sales exceeded 13 million units, more than any other full-size car in the history of the automobile. In 1965, the Impala set an all-time industry annual sales record of more than one million units, which has never been bettered. An all-new chassis and fresh sheet metal allowed 1958 Chevys to be longer, lower, and wider than ever before. It was a one-year-only body style that incorporated quad headlamps and an impressive array of brightwork that would stand up against a...