1960 Chevrolet Impala

Description

This 1960 Chevy Impala does a lot of things right. One, it neatly balances the outrageous fins of the 1950s with a cleaner, more streamlined look. Two, it offers a cool color combination that's traditional, but a bit unusual so it'll stand out at shows. And three, it has a smooth-running 283 cubic inch V8 that delivers sparkling performance worthy of the Impala name.

Ermine white is this Imp's original color, and with the copper-colored insert on the quarter panels, it hints at what you'll find inside. Obviously the jet age was in full swing and few cars embodied the look more than the 1960 Impala. The fins were toned down a bit and many enthusiasts regard the 1960 Chevrolet's front end to be the most attractive of the period. At any rate, the finish is quite nice, and while white is good at hiding flaws, we're pleased to report that even under close inspection, this car looks great. Gaps are good on the doors, the hood sits right, and, most critically, the deck lid lines up well with the fins, a problem that's common and highly visible at a glance on lesser cars. The finish has a softer shine that looks right for 1960 and the paint has the right creaminess to it, so it's not a pure refrigerator white. Chrome is critical on this car, and it's all in fine condition, from the nicely detailed grille to the wonderful ornaments on the front bumpers, to the tailfins outlined in polished stainless.

The unusual copper-colored interior is a wonderful contrast to the white paint, as well as to the usual red and black upholstery choices. It's just the right shade, too, not too orange and not too pink, so it looks grown-up and stylish instead of '50s cute. Correct houndstooth fabric and leather-grain vinyl were used where appropriate and while the work is a few years old, it looks great. The driver's seat may show some minor stretching, but the back seat looks completely unused and the door panels are wonderfully ornate pieces. Correct carpets were fitted and the instrument panel is filled with easy-to-read gauges and warning lights. The original AM radio remains in the dash, but there's an ancient FM converter stashed underneath although neither seems to be functional at the moment, which is common. The massive trunk is beautifully finished with a gray mat and a spare tire with jack assembly.

The 283 cubic inch V8 with 4-barrel carburetor was the mid-level choice for the Impala and gives it great road manners and easy serviceability. The motor was rebuilt in May 2014, so the fresh Chevy orange paint is not just a dress up piece but a statement to the smooth running rebuilt motor. A correct air cleaner, generator, and other components give it a proper 1960 look and with power steering, it's easy to wheel this big hardtop around town. Backed by a 3-speed TH350 automatic transmission, it is equally happy in town or on the highway, where its pillowy ride and mild dual exhaust system make it a superb cruiser. The undercarriage is quite clean, suggesting a full restoration happened not too long ago, and the original rear end still hangs out back with highway-friendly gears packed inside. 14-inch steel wheels with factory hubcaps and modern radials give it the right ride height and handle rather well.

A nice Impala with a V8 and a slightly unusual color combination. We've sold quite a few of these and the 1960 Impala remains a favorite among Chevrolet aficionados. Call today!