Survivor Status: The 1958 Impala That Defies Time

A Year of Change: 1958 in America

Nineteen fifty-eight was certainly a year of change for our nation with the formation of NASA and the launching of the United States’ first spacecraft, Explorer I. This was also a year of jet power, as Douglas introduced the DC-8 that year shortly after Boeing’s 707 went into regular service, offering transatlantic flights between New York and Europe. In addition, Elvis began his service in the U.S. Army.

Technological Milestones and Economic Struggles

Meanwhile, the USS Nautilus first navigated a route beneath the North Pole, protecting our nation’s interests, while doctors extended our lives with the first of millions of pacemakers that would follow.

While the worst recession since World War II tested the resolve of our nation in 1958, many new companies were prospering through all sorts of innovative new products, from Sweet’N Low to Rice-a-Roni.

Introducing the 1958 Chevy Impala

Following three great years with the Chevy tri-5 (’55-’56-’57), 1958 also marked the release of an all-new Chevy that led America’s auto industry with an entirely new design philosophy with the strikingly new Impala that would alter the course of auto manufacturing and design. Differing greatly from the tri-5s produced before it, the new ’58 Chevys were the first of a new generation of vehicles offering much larger, sleeker and rounded contours than Americans had previously enjoyed. While originally planned for its initial release a year earlier, numerous difficulties finalizing this new design led GM to create the surprising interim replacement—the car we know as one of the most popular cars ever—the ’57 Chevy.

A Design That Took Time to Catch On

Still, when it was finally released in 1958, vehicle production and styling change was set in motion through a look that was slow to catch on but is still celebrated today. While many years have passed since the introduction of the 1958 Chevy Impala, there’s little question Gene Carducci still appreciates the lengthy and rounded lines some 50 years after it first hit the showrooms. While retaining all of its original character, right down to the molding and trim, little has been done to take away from this car’s originality.

Retaining Original Character with Subtle Upgrades

The chassis itself is absolutely original, although, as one would expect, all of the running gear has been updated, as has the suspension, which has been updated with new bushings, mounts and fasteners, replacing those well worn over time. As this car had already captured Carducci’s heart in its stock form, there was little need for major changes in these areas. Had an updated suspension been fitted in place of these original components, Carducci’s experience behind the wheel would have been entirely different and quite possibly not as much fun as he intended, as it was his intention to carry over the past, not reinvent it.

All of the dated but suitable suspension pieces have been reworked to function like new, including the shock absorbers and the original-style brakes that keep the retro-style tires in check. The Cragar S/S wheels, while not introduced until 1964, are about the only external change made to this car. But these are well suited to an era the owner identifies with and enjoys, and are in fact what many enthusiasts did with these ’58s once they hit the used-car marketplace.

Preserving the Past with Original Paint and Trim

The black factory paint is another aspect of the car that deserves respect, as the reflective surfaces still shine as if they were new, which is amazing considering that most of the paint is original. The owner considers this to be an important part of this car’s notable heritage, keeping 1958 visible in its reflection. Carducci also retained every piece of trim, handle and badge, as these chromed and polished stainless steel details had endured only 45,000 miles since this Chevy was purchased new by the previous owner. Needless to say, it’s not every day one can own, let alone drive, a vehicle that is straight out of the past and just as cool as ever.

The Interior: Classic Meets Subtle Modern Touches

The interior is just as it came, decked out with black vinyl seating accented with turquoise, white and black inserts that carry over to the door panels, while dark carpet lies below. Here again, the only modern touches employed are the leather-wrapped Budnik steering wheel, late-model air conditioning, an Auto Meter tachometer, new pedals and a floor-mounted shifter that lends a bit of a racy look to the surroundings. Another new addition is more easily heard than seen, as a well-integrated audio system goes practically unnoticed, at least until the music sounds out through several well-placed speakers situated throughout the interior. Taking this approach, it’s easy to see how any drive, whether it’s for an hour, a day or a cross-country trip, would be a blast as you drive a car straight out of the past with styling intact.

Under the Hood: Modern Power with Retro Style

About the only change that really sets this ’58 apart from its shapely counterparts, and one that helps make driving more pleasurable, is the drivetrain that was worked over in the name of added power, performance and enhanced reliability. The original 348ci engine, for instance, has been replaced with an ’02 Chevy Ram Jet 350.

Complete with all of the latest internals and the Ram Jet fuel injection system, this small-block combination makes the most of this car. It not only closely resembles the look of the original mechanical fuel-injection system offered on these cars—but fitted to only a select few—but it also offers tremendous driving enjoyment, immediate start-up, and enough spirited power to bring back the smiles of the ’50s. Beyond this, you’ll notice a range of brightwork reflecting in the shiny black firewall, which makes for a great look once the hood is opened. From the overflow tank, A/C compressor and other polished elements, to the tastefully placed chrome pieces, this engine compartment is just as one might expect it should be in a car like this. Add a capable cooling system and modern-day electronics and you have the makings for some fun, fast times.

Transmission and Driving Experience

To spread the torque of the LT4 engine across the broadest range, a GM 700R4 automatic transmission was also fitted, and it came together with the addition of a new B&M shifter to spice things up a bit. Beyond that, there’s little in the way of exotic modifications, as this car was built from the start to retain its heritage, as well as its original styling, thereby making every moment behind the wheel a past experience to cherish today.

Celebrating Automotive History

While every aspect of our world and the history made before and since this car was built has changed over time, it’s good to know that cars such as this continue to be appreciated today, even more than they were 50 years ago. As this was just one of the 430,000 Chevy cars put on the highway in 1958, this survivor is one of the few that has been left with most of its original parts in place, thereby retaining the feel of its original character and its place in history.

While there will be those who feel that this Impala might better benefit from more sporting advances in automotive technology and style, there’s one thing those alterations could never add—originality. You can’t buy it, you can’t easily build it in, but when you are one of a lucky few who appreciate such things, you can own it!