1960 Chevrolet Impala

Description

The 1960 Chevrolet Impala has a coordinated color combo, plenty of vintage details, and a nice small block upgrade. So it makes for an appealing package on an already unique and iconic bubble top coupe.

This was a car to symbolize a new era. You instantly knew it because there was a jet zooming up each side of this coupe. And the bright white streak against the vibrant red really looks like a speedy rocket vapor trail. It's a feature you only saw in 1960, and it's not the only rarity on this car. The bubble top era was a short one, but we seek out these smooth hardtops that have skinny pillars and curved glass for both the front and rear. And while the front end looks bold, we all really know this one earns its iconic status in the rear. It's amazing how Chevy was able to form the sheet metal so that it cuts into the design, wraps around the rear, and creates those amazing horizontal tailfins over the hallmark three tail light design. The total package looks clean, complete, and vintage. And while a car show-level shine is likely just a professional detail away, we like how this authentic coupe already has a cruiser-ready style.

The early 1960s were all about great color coordination inside and out, so the red and white interior seems like an extension of the exterior's theme for a very cool uniform feeling. We especially like the checker pattern inserts on the seats and doors. They just look like they look as all-American as the burger wrapping at your favorite car hop. The full package has all the right classic features, like the artful steering wheel, sporty pod-style gauges, and well-done correct-style carpeting. They even left the original AM radio on display. It all gives you the right cruiser vibe, and the added under-dash readouts remind you that what's under the hood is right for a cruiser, too.

The engine bay has the right classic style with details like the ram's horn manifolds and Delco-Remy generator. But it's also easy to spot the overall upgrade. Chevy's big block motor was the one to have in 1960, but we can understand the upgrade to the later 350 cubic-inch small block here. After all, it's basically the same displacement as the largest 1960 motor, but with a healthy weight savings. This is even enhanced with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor and an Edelbrock Performance EPS intake. It all makes a nice tune out of the updated dual exhaust. Add in the other great driving features like the three-speed automatic, power steering, and power brakes, and you have a hardtop made for cruising.

This is a bubble-top Impalas from quite an exclusive year. It's a jet-age hardtop that is in its own stratosphere of cool. Call now!