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| "If you can't be happy with this car, you just can't be happy." -1959 Chevrolet Impala Ad |
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| Specs Continued: Electric Wipers AM Radio Electric Clocks Dual Horns Front and Rear Armrests White Convertible Top Original Style Ignition Chrome Air Cleaner Original Style Generator Crossed Racing Flags Emblems Impala Nameplates Crank-operated Front Vent Windows |
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala was redesigned. Sharing bodyshells with lower-end Buicks and Oldsmobiles as well as with Pontiac, part of a GM economy move, the Chevrolet's wheelbase was 1-1/2 inches longer. Using a new X-frame chassis, the roof line was three inches lower, bodies were two inches wider, and curb weight increased. Its tailfins protruded outward, rather than upward. The taillights were a large "teardrop" design at each side, and two slim-wide nonfunctional front air intake scoops were added just above the grille, The Impala became a separate series, adding a four-door hardtop and four-door sedan, to the two-door Sport Coupe and convertible. Sport Coupes featured a shortened roof line and wrap-over back window. The standard engine was an I6, while the base V8 was the carryover 283 cu in (4.6 L), at 185 hp (138 kW). Optional were a 283 cu in with 290 hp (220 kW) and 348 cu in (5.7 L) V8 up to 335 hp (250 kW). Standard were front and rear armrests, an electric clock, dual sliding sun visors, and crank-operated front vent windows. A contoured hooded instrument panel held deep-set gauges. A six-way power seat was a new option, as was "Speedminder", for the driver to set a needle at a specific speed and a buzzer would sound if the pre-set was exceeded. The Impalas rolled on 119-inch wheelbases and measured 210.9 inches from tip to tail. A convertible with a V-8 on board weighed in at more than 3,650 lbs, and in 1959 prices started at $2,967. |
