The 1959 Chevy Impala is a vehicle that has an unmistakable presence on the road. With its long, sleek body, dual headlamps, aircraft-inspired styling, and distinctive tailfins, it looks fast even when it's sitting still. This presents a challenge to any custom car builder: how can this rolling work of art be resto-modded without losing its original style and character? Steve Cook Creations attempted to do just that, and we'd say the result was extremely successful. The judges for the Al Slonaker Memorial Award — one of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry — agreed, selecting this car as the award winner in 2024.
Photos by NotStock Photography, courtesy of Modern Rodding Magazine
Back to the Drawing Board
In order to do justice to the original design of this '59 Impala, nicknamed "Bespoke," SCC designer Alan Childers sketched out a game plan that involved extensive yet subtle body modifications. The hood was modified with recessed sections, and the fender openings were raised to accommodate larger wheels. The crease at the top of the front fender was extended to reach further back on the door, and new polished trim was fabricated for the body sides and fins. Both bumpers were also tucked to fit closer to the body.
When it came time to paint the car, SCC chose Porsche Aventurine Green, a complex hue that almost appears grey in certain lighting.
This Impala rides on a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis that provides increased rigidity, modern Ridetech coilover suspension with Corvette spindles, rack and pinion steering, and Baer disc brakes. Custom 19-inch and 20-inch wheels were designed by Sam Foose and fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires.
The staggered wheel and tire setup and a slight suspension rake give this Impala the appearance of a jet sitting on the runway, about to take off.
Of course, no resto-mod would be complete without upgraded performance. This Impala features a Chevy LS3 crate engine built by Don Hardy Racing with a Magnuson supercharger on top. It produces 800 horsepower through the Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission. Old-school 409-style valve covers were custom-painted and fitted with gold-plated V emblems to maintain a classic appearance.
This Impala's interior might be even more beautiful than its exterior, and that's a serious accomplishment. Every inch is wrapped in gorgeous Moore and Giles Terra Cotta leather cut and sewn by Gabe’s Street Rods Custom Interiors. Diamond stitched inserts and Espresso leather accents provide visual contrast.
Keeping things modern, there's also LED lighting throughout the interior plus Dakota Digital RTX gauges, Vintage Air A/C, and a Flaming River steering column with custom-made flat-bottom steering wheel. The center console is from a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V and contains a Lokar shifter for the manual transmission.
This 1959 Impala was a work of art when it left the Chevy assembly line nearly 70 years ago, and it remains a work of art in its current form. Steve Cook Creations knocked this build out of the park and has received a variety of awards as a result. For more information on this project, check out the Modern Hot Rodding article about it or look at the build page on SteveCookCreations.com.
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