1959 Chevy Impala: A Classic American Automobile with Distinctive Style

The 1959 Chevy Impala is an iconic American car that stands out for its bold design, powerful performance, and enduring appeal. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of the 1959 Chevrolet Impala, including its history, design, engine options, and legacy.

1. History

The Chevrolet Impala was first introduced in 1958 as a top-of-the-line trim level for the Bel Air. By 1959, the Impala had become its own separate model, positioned as Chevrolet's flagship full-size car. The 1959 model year marked a significant redesign for the Impala, with a completely new look that set it apart from its competitors and garnered attention from car enthusiasts and the general public alike.

2. Design

The 1959 Chevy Impala is a classic American car known for its iconic design and tailfins. The 1959 Chevy Impala is often regarded as a symbol of the American automotive industry's emphasis on bold and flamboyant designs during the late 1950s.

Exterior

The 1959 Impala featured a long, sleek body with distinctive styling cues. It had a low, wide stance and a prominent front grille with horizontal chrome bars. One of the most prominent design features of the 1959 Impala was its large tail fins. These fins were high and swept back, giving the car a futuristic and aerodynamic appearance.

The rear of the car had large, round tail lights positioned at the end of the fins. These taillights were integrated into the design and added to the car's unique look. The roofline of the Impala was relatively low, contributing to its sporty profile. The windows were framed with chrome trim, and the car could be equipped with optional chrome accents and side moldings.

Interior

The interior of the 1959 Impala featured a spacious cabin with seating for up to six passengers. The seats were typically upholstered in vinyl or cloth, and various color options were available. The dashboard had a symmetrical design with a large speedometer and other gauges centrally located. It featured chrome accents and stylish detailing.

The steering wheel had a classic design, often featuring a two-tone color scheme and a Chevy emblem at the center. The car was equipped with various amenities for the time, including a heater, radio, and optional air conditioning.

Notable Features

The 1959 Chevy Impala was equipped with a host of features that were considered innovative and luxurious for its time. Some of these features included: Power steering and power brakes, offering enhanced driving comfort and ease. Air conditioning, providing a more comfortable cabin environment in hot climates.

Power windows and power seats, adding convenience and an extra touch of luxury. AM radio with a rear speaker, ensuring passengers could enjoy their favorite tunes while cruising.

Trim Levels and Options

The 1959 Chevy Impala was available in several body styles, including a two-door coupe (Sport Coupe), a two-door convertible, a four-door sedan, and a four-door hardtop (Sport Sedan). Each body style offered a unique blend of style, practicality, and comfort, catering to the diverse needs of buyers at the time. The Sport Coupe and convertible models were particularly popular, as they perfectly showcased the Impala's distinct design elements and offered an unapologetically sporty driving experience.

3. Engine and Performance

The performance of the 1959 Chevy Impala varied depending on the engine and transmission options chosen. Here are some performance details for the commonly available engine configurations:

Base Inline-Six Engine

The 3.9-liter (235 cubic inch) inline-six engine produced around 135 horsepower. This engine provided decent acceleration and sufficient power for everyday driving. With the base engine, the Impala had respectable but not particularly sporty performance.

4.6-liter V8 Engine

The 4.6-liter (283 cubic inch) V8 engine, available in various configurations, produced around 185 horsepower. This engine offered improved performance compared to the base inline-six, delivering more power and torque. The 4.6-liter V8 engine provided smoother acceleration and enhanced passing ability.

5.7-liter Turbo-Thrust V8 Engine

The 5.7-liter (348 cubic inch) Turbo-Thrust V8 engine was available in different versions, with power outputs ranging from 250 to 315 horsepower. The higher-powered versions of the 348 V8 engine provided impressive performance for the time, with increased acceleration and top-end speed. The 5.7-liter V8 engine offered a significant boost in power and torque, delivering a more exhilarating driving experience.

Transmission Options

The 1959 Impala offered a range of transmission options, including a three-speed manual, a four-speed manual, and a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. The four-speed manual transmission provided more control over gear selection and allowed for more spirited driving. The two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission offered smooth and effortless shifts, enhancing driving comfort.

Performance

The performance of the 1959 Chevy Impala was characterized by smooth and comfortable cruising, while the V8 engines offered a noticeable improvement in power and acceleration. While it may not match the performance standards of modern vehicles, the 1959 Impala's performance was considered respectable for its time and was well-suited for cruising on highways and city driving.

4. Sales and Production

The 1959 Chevy Impala was a popular car in its time, with a strong sales performance and significant production numbers. Chevrolet produced approximately 473,000 units of the 1959 Impala, making it one of the best-selling cars in the United States that year.

Production of the Impala was divided among various body styles, including: Two-door sport coupe, two-door convertible, four-door sedan, four-door sport sedan (hardtop)

These different body styles catered to a diverse range of buyers, appealing to those who sought a stylish and sporty driving experience, as well as those in need of a practical and comfortable family car.

The sales success of the 1959 Chevy Impala can be attributed to its bold and distinctive design, powerful engine options, and luxurious features, which resonated with American consumers during the late 1950s. The popularity of Impala contributed to Chevrolet's strong position in the American automotive market and helped establish the Impala nameplate as one of the longest-running and most successful in the brand's history.

5. Cultural Values

The 1959 Chevy Impala holds significant cultural value and represents various cultural aspects of its time. Here are some cultural values associated with the 1959 Impala:

Automotive Design and Styling

The 1959 Impala is a prime example of the bold and flamboyant automotive design prevalent in the late 1950s. Its eye-catching styling, including the large tailfins, chrome accents, and sleek lines, reflects the era's fascination with futuristic aesthetics and the "jet age." The car embodies the spirit of American automotive excess and represents a cultural appreciation for extravagant and distinctive designs.

Status and Luxury

The Impala, particularly in its higher trim levels, was positioned as a premium model in Chevrolet's lineup. Owning a 1959 Impala represented a certain level of prestige and status. The car's luxurious features, spacious interior, and attention to detail catered to buyers who desired comfort and sophistication, reflecting the cultural value placed on luxury and refinement.

American Dream and Prosperity

The 1959 Impala emerged during a period of economic prosperity in the United States. It embodied the American Dream, symbolizing success, progress, and abundance. The car's size, power, and bold styling represented the optimism and confidence of post-war America, where bigger and better were seen as signs of progress and achievement.

Nostalgia and Cultural Icon

The 1959 Impala has attained a nostalgic status and is considered an enduring cultural icon. It represents an era of automotive history that is cherished and romanticized, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the 1950s. The car's distinctive design and presence in popular media, such as movies, music, and television shows, have further solidified its cultural significance and iconic status.

Classic American Car Culture

The 1959 Impala embodies the essence of American car culture. It represents the love for powerful engines, stylish designs, and the freedom of the open road. The car has been embraced by car enthusiasts, collectors, and restoration communities, serving as a symbol of automotive craftsmanship, heritage, and passion.

The 1959 Chevy Impala carries cultural values of automotive design, luxury, status, prosperity, nostalgia, and American car culture. Its enduring appeal and cultural significance make it an icon of a bygone era and a representation of the values and aspirations of its time.

6. End of 1959 Chevy Impala

The 1959 Chevy Impala marked the end of its first generation, which spanned from 1958 to 1959. However, the Impala nameplate continued to be used by Chevrolet for subsequent generations of the car. Here's a brief overview of what happened after the 1959 model:

Second Generation (1960-1964)

The Impala entered its second generation in 1960. The styling was toned down compared to the extravagant design of the 1959 model. The second-generation Impala featured cleaner lines and a more conservative approach to design. It continued to be a popular full-size car offering various body styles, engines, and options.

Evolution and Popularity

Throughout the 1960s and beyond, the Chevy Impala evolved and adapted to changing automotive trends. It became known for its performance-oriented SS (Super Sport) models, which featured more powerful engines and sporty styling cues. The Impala remained a popular choice among buyers and contributed to Chevrolet's success in the full-size car segment.

Various Generations and Transitions

Over the following decades, the Chevy Impala went through several generational changes, with each generation showcasing updated styling, technology, and performance enhancements. The car saw transitions from body-on-frame construction to unibody designs, and from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive.

Discontinuation

The Impala continued to be a staple of the Chevrolet lineup for many years, but the production of the model eventually came to an end. Chevrolet announced the discontinuation of the Impala after the 2020 model year due to declining sales in the full-size sedan segment and a shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers.

While the original 1959 Chevy Impala marked the end of its first generation, the Impala name continued to be used for subsequent models that carried on the legacy of the car. The Impala has left an indelible mark in automotive history and remains an iconic symbol of American car culture.