Bold might be the best word to describe the 1958 Impala, with its dual headlamps, wide grille, abundant chrome trim, swooping fins, and aircraft-inspired tail lamps. There's absolutely no mistaking it for a bland modern economy car, much less any other vehicle. This single-year design isn't afraid to turn some heads and raise some eyebrows, and it certainly does so, especially in bright red convertible form.
This '58 Impala belongs to Mike Hidalgo, of Inglewood, California. Mike completed a full frame-off restoration on the car, from the V emblem up front to the flashy Continental kit at the rear. Virtually every surface that's not mirror-finished chrome is bright red, including the soft top and most of the interior.
These days, few automakers would dare to create such a colorful and ornate interior, but back in 1958 this was the peak of style. Mike carefully restored the dash, gauges, steering wheel, and door panels. New reproduction carpet and seat upholstery left it looking brand new again.
Mike's Impala is powered by a rebuilt 283ci V8 and automatic transmission, which provide plenty of get-up-and-go for cruising the Southern California streets. With the top down and the V8 rumbling, this car's cool factor is off the charts.
Mike says he drives the car at least 3 days each week. When he needs replacement parts, he stops by the Classic Industries Retail Showroom to pick them up. That's how we met him and snapped these photos on a beautiful sunny day.
If you own a 1958-1996 Impala, or any other Full-Size Chevy model, be sure to get a free copy of the Classic Industries restoration parts catalog. It contains thousands of parts and accessories to help with restoration, performance upgrades, basic maintenance, and other projects. Click the button below to get a free Impala restoration parts catalog.
