Chevrolet Impala 1958

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The Impala name originated from General Motors' 1956 Motorama show car, featuring Corvette-like design cues and hardtop styling. In June, Clare MacKichan's design team, along with Pontiac designers, began establishing basic packaging and dimensions for the 1958 General Motors "A" body. The first sketch influencing the finished Chevrolet automobile was seen by Harley Earl in October, with the basic design developed seven months later. Introduced as top-of-the-line Bel Air hardtops and convertibles for the 1958 model year, Impalas had a longer wheelbase but identical overall length compared to lower-priced models. They featured interiors with two-spoke steering wheels, color-keyed door panels, and brushed aluminum trim. The 1958 models were longer, lower, and wider than their predecessors, with deeply sculptured rear fenders and three taillights per side. These vehicles also marked the first year of dual headlights. Chevrolet built a total of 55,989 Impala convertibles and 125,480 coupes, representing 15% of their production. The 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air Impala helped regain the number one production spot for Chevrolet in that recession year.