The 1959 Chevrolet Impala sets the stage for this enthralling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into a story that is rich in detail and brimming with originality from the outset. This iconic model year marked a pivotal moment in automotive history, with the Impala capturing the hearts of Americans and leaving an enduring legacy on the landscape of car design.
The 1959 Impala wasn’t just a car; it was a symbol of the American dream, a testament to post-war prosperity, and a vehicle that embodied the spirit of the era.
The 1959 Impala’s design was a departure from the norm, featuring bold, futuristic styling that pushed the boundaries of automotive aesthetics. Its iconic “batwing” tailfins, inspired by the sleek lines of aircraft, were a defining feature, adding a touch of drama and sophistication to the car’s silhouette.
The Impala name itself, derived from the swift-footed antelope, aptly captured the car’s power and grace.
Introduction
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala, a true icon of American automotive design, marked a significant turning point for both Chevrolet and the automotive industry as a whole. It embodied the spirit of the era, characterized by bold styling, powerful engines, and a focus on comfort and luxury.
This model year saw Chevrolet introduce a completely redesigned Impala, setting a new standard for the full-size car segment. Its distinctive styling, featuring sweeping lines, a prominent grille, and iconic tailfins, captured the imagination of car enthusiasts and the public alike.
Key Design Features
The 1959 Impala’s design was a departure from the previous generation, showcasing a more modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Here are some of the key features that made it stand out:
- Sweeping Lines and Contoured Bodywork:The Impala’s design featured graceful curves and flowing lines, giving it a sense of motion even when stationary. The contoured bodywork, with its sculpted flanks and rounded edges, emphasized its aerodynamic profile.
- Prominent Grille:The large, chrome-plated grille, with its distinctive horizontal bars, was a dominant feature of the Impala’s front end. It exuded a sense of power and presence, instantly identifying the car as a Chevrolet.
- Iconic Tailfins:The Impala’s rear end was characterized by its dramatic tailfins, which were a hallmark of the late 1950s automotive design. These fins, extending from the rear fenders, added a touch of elegance and sportiness to the car’s profile.
- Interior Comfort and Luxury:Inside, the Impala offered a spacious and luxurious cabin. The plush upholstery, generous legroom, and a wide range of optional features, such as power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning, provided a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Design and Styling
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala is renowned for its bold and distinctive design, embodying the spirit of the late 1950s American automotive aesthetic. Its styling, particularly the iconic “batwing” tailfins, played a significant role in defining the car’s legacy and its place in automotive history.
The Iconic “Batwing” Tailfins
The 1959 Impala’s most striking design element was its dramatic “batwing” tailfins. These extended, wing-like structures, inspired by the aircraft industry, were a hallmark of the era’s automotive design trends. They not only enhanced the car’s visual appeal but also contributed to its aerodynamic profile, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala, with its iconic tailfins and powerful V8 engine, was a symbol of American automotive design and power. While the Impala focused on sleek style, Chevrolet also produced workhorses like the 1975 Chevrolet C20 , a heavy-duty pickup truck built for hauling and towing.
Both vehicles represent different facets of Chevrolet’s legacy, showcasing the brand’s ability to cater to diverse needs and preferences.
The tailfins, coupled with the car’s low-slung profile and wide stance, created a sense of motion and dynamism, even when the car was stationary. Their sweeping lines and dramatic curves added to the Impala’s sense of grandeur and elegance, making it a truly iconic and unforgettable design.
The Significance of the “Impala” Name, 1959 Chevrolet Impala
The name “Impala” was chosen for this Chevrolet model because of its connection to the graceful and swift African antelope of the same name. The Impala, a symbol of speed and agility, was seen as a fitting representation of the car’s performance capabilities and its sleek, aerodynamic design.
The choice of name also reflected the car’s intended target audience: those seeking a stylish and powerful vehicle that embodied the spirit of adventure and freedom.
Interior Design
The interior of the 1959 Impala was designed to offer a comfortable and luxurious experience. The car’s spacious cabin featured plush upholstery, chrome accents, and a dashboard with a distinctly modern design. The materials used in the interior, including high-quality vinyl and fabric, were chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal.
The Impala’s interior was available in a range of colors and trim options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles to their taste. Features such as power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning were also available, adding to the car’s overall comfort and convenience.
Styling Compared to Other Contemporary Cars
The 1959 Impala’s styling stood out from its contemporaries, showcasing a bolder and more dramatic design language. Compared to other cars of the era, the Impala’s “batwing” tailfins were more pronounced and visually impactful. Its low-slung profile and wide stance also contributed to its distinctive look, setting it apart from other models.
The Impala’s design was considered a benchmark of American automotive styling in the late 1950s, influencing the design of other cars and solidifying its place in automotive history.
Engine and Performance
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala was offered with a range of powerful engines, catering to different driving needs and preferences. These engines, coupled with various transmission options, provided a compelling blend of performance and efficiency, making the Impala a popular choice for both everyday driving and spirited journeys.
Engine Options and Performance Characteristics
The 1959 Impala was available with three engine options:
- 235 cu in (3.9 L) Turbo-Fire inline-six:This base engine produced 135 hp (101 kW) and 210 lbâ‹…ft (285 Nâ‹…m) of torque. While not the most powerful option, it was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for everyday driving.
- 283 cu in (4.6 L) Turbo-Fire small-block V8:This popular engine option generated 185 hp (138 kW) and 260 lbâ‹…ft (353 Nâ‹…m) of torque. This V8 offered a significant performance boost over the inline-six, making the Impala a more spirited and engaging drive.
- 348 cu in (5.7 L) Turbo-Fire big-block V8:This top-of-the-line engine was the most powerful option, delivering 250 hp (186 kW) and 360 lbâ‹…ft (488 Nâ‹…m) of torque. This engine propelled the Impala to impressive acceleration and top speed, making it a true performance car of its time.
Transmission Options and Driving Experience
The 1959 Impala offered two transmission options:
- Three-speed manual transmission:This transmission was standard with the inline-six engine. It provided a direct and engaging driving experience, but it required more driver involvement, especially in city driving.
- Two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission:This automatic transmission was available with both the V8 engines. It offered a smoother and more relaxed driving experience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. The Powerglide, although simple in design, was known for its reliability and ease of use.
Performance Comparison with Competitors
The 1959 Impala, particularly with its V8 engines, was considered a strong performer in its class. It offered comparable or even superior performance to its direct competitors, such as the Ford Fairlane and the Plymouth Fury. The Impala’s powerful engine options, coupled with its relatively lightweight construction, contributed to its impressive acceleration and handling.
Features and Technology
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala, a symbol of American automotive progress, was not just about sleek design and powerful engines. It was also a testament to the advancements in technology and features that were becoming increasingly important to car buyers.
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala, a classic symbol of American automotive design, paved the way for future generations of Chevrolet muscle cars. While its sleek lines and powerful V8 engine were revolutionary for their time, Chevrolet continued to innovate, producing vehicles like the 1990 Chevrolet Camaro , a sporty coupe that captured the spirit of the original Impala with its own blend of performance and style.
The legacy of the 1959 Impala lives on in these later models, showcasing the enduring appeal of Chevrolet’s iconic vehicles.
Standard and Optional Features
The 1959 Impala came equipped with a variety of standard features that were considered luxurious for the time. These included:
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Automatic transmission
- Radio
- Heater
- Cigarette lighter
- Full wheel covers
The Impala also offered a wide range of optional features, allowing buyers to customize their vehicles to their liking. Some of these options included:
- Air conditioning
- Power windows
- Power seats
- Tinted glass
- Whitewall tires
- Back-up lights
- Remote control mirror
Significance of New Technology
The inclusion of new technology in the 1959 Impala reflected the changing times and the growing demand for comfort and convenience in automobiles. For example, the introduction of power steering and brakes made driving easier and more enjoyable, especially in urban environments.
Automatic transmissions offered a smoother and more relaxed driving experience.The availability of options like air conditioning and power windows further enhanced the comfort and luxury of the Impala. These features, while not commonplace in cars of the time, were becoming increasingly desirable, particularly in warmer climates.
Safety Features
While safety was not as paramount in the 1950s as it is today, the 1959 Impala did feature some safety innovations for its time:
- Safety Plate Glass: The Impala was one of the first cars to feature safety plate glass, which was designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces upon impact, reducing the risk of serious injury from flying shards. This was a significant step forward in automotive safety.
- Padded Dashboard: The dashboard was padded to minimize injuries in the event of a collision.
- Dual-circuit brakes: The Impala’s dual-circuit brakes provided redundancy, ensuring that even if one brake circuit failed, the other could still provide stopping power.
Comparison to Modern Cars
Compared to modern cars, the 1959 Impala’s technology seems quite basic. Today’s cars come standard with features like:
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Airbags
- Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking
- Navigation systems
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Smartphone integration
These modern safety and convenience features are designed to enhance safety, comfort, and driver assistance, making cars significantly more advanced than the 1959 Impala. However, the 1959 Impala was a groundbreaking car for its time, introducing features that would become commonplace in later vehicles.
Cultural Impact: 1959 Chevrolet Impala
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala, with its sleek design and powerful engine, quickly became a cultural icon, symbolizing the optimism and prosperity of the American postwar era. It transcended its role as a mere vehicle, becoming a symbol of freedom, style, and the American dream.
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala, a classic American icon, epitomized the era’s love for sleek styling and powerful engines. While its design was rooted in the past, Chevrolet continued to push the boundaries of performance with models like the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 , which showcased the brand’s commitment to innovation and speed.
The Impala, however, remained a symbol of American automotive heritage, capturing the spirit of a bygone era with its timeless design and enduring appeal.
The 1959 Impala in Popular Culture
The 1959 Impala’s striking design and iconic status have made it a frequent fixture in popular culture, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and music videos.
- Films:The 1959 Impala has been featured in countless films, including “American Graffiti” (1973), where it serves as a symbol of youthful rebellion and nostalgia for the 1950s, and “The Blues Brothers” (1980), where it is used as a getaway car during a high-speed chase.
- Television Shows:The 1959 Impala has also appeared in numerous television shows, such as “Happy Days” (1974-1984), where it embodies the carefree spirit of the 1950s, and “The Sopranos” (1999-2007), where it serves as a symbol of Tony Soprano’s power and influence.
- Music Videos:The 1959 Impala has also been featured in several music videos, including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” (1983), where it is used as a prop in the iconic zombie dance scene.
The 1959 Impala’s Influence on Automotive Design
The 1959 Impala’s groundbreaking design, with its long, flowing lines and large tailfins, had a profound impact on automotive design trends.
- Tailfins:The 1959 Impala’s prominent tailfins became a defining feature of American car design in the late 1950s and early 1960s, influencing the design of other vehicles like the Cadillac Eldorado and the Ford Thunderbird.
- Styling:The Impala’s sleek and aerodynamic design, with its low-slung profile and wide stance, set a new standard for automotive styling, influencing the design of future Chevrolet models and other American cars.
- Performance:The 1959 Impala’s powerful engine and performance capabilities inspired other manufacturers to develop high-performance vehicles, leading to a new era of muscle cars.
The Enduring Legacy of the 1959 Impala
The 1959 Impala remains a beloved classic car, admired for its timeless design, powerful performance, and cultural significance.
- Collectibility:The 1959 Impala is a highly sought-after collectible car, with values continuing to rise due to its rarity and historical significance.
- Restoration:Many 1959 Impalas have been lovingly restored to their former glory, preserving a piece of automotive history and showcasing the car’s enduring appeal.
- Cultural Icon:The 1959 Impala continues to be a cultural icon, representing a bygone era of American prosperity and style, and its influence can still be seen in automotive design today.
Collecting and Restoration
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its iconic design, powerful engines, and cultural significance make it a highly sought-after classic car. Owning and restoring a 1959 Impala is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.
Value and Desirability
The 1959 Impala’s desirability stems from its iconic status in automotive history. Its sleek design, chrome accents, and powerful engines have made it a symbol of American automotive excellence. The car’s popularity in movies, television shows, and music videos has further cemented its place in popular culture.
The combination of historical significance, design appeal, and cultural influence has driven up the value of the 1959 Impala, making it a valuable asset for collectors.
Challenges and Rewards of Restoration
Restoring a 1959 Impala can be a challenging but rewarding project. Finding a suitable donor car in good condition can be difficult, and the cost of parts and labor can be significant. However, the satisfaction of bringing a classic car back to its former glory is unmatched.
The process involves meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of the car’s mechanics, and a passion for preserving automotive history.
Resources and Communities
For 1959 Impala owners and enthusiasts, there are numerous resources and communities available to provide support, guidance, and camaraderie.
- Chevrolet Impala Clubs:These clubs offer a platform for enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and participate in events.
- Online Forums:Online forums dedicated to the 1959 Impala provide a space for owners to discuss restoration projects, troubleshoot problems, and share tips.
- Specialty Parts Suppliers:Specialized suppliers cater to the needs of classic car owners, offering a wide range of parts and accessories for the 1959 Impala.
Model Variations and Estimated Values
The value of a 1959 Impala varies significantly depending on its condition, model variation, and options. Here is a table outlining some common variations and their estimated values:
| Model Variation | Estimated Value (in USD) |
|---|---|
| 1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe | $20,000
|
| 1959 Chevrolet Impala Convertible | $30,000
|
| 1959 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon | $15,000
|
| 1959 Chevrolet Impala 4-Door Sedan | $18,000
|
-Note
These values are estimates and can vary based on condition, options, and market demand.*
Concluding Remarks
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala stands as a timeless testament to the ingenuity and artistry of American automotive design. It captured the imagination of a generation and continues to fascinate car enthusiasts today. Whether you’re captivated by its iconic styling, its powerful engine, or its rich cultural significance, the 1959 Impala remains a true American icon, a symbol of a bygone era that continues to inspire awe and admiration.