SPACE-AGE STYLING: This 1958 Chevrolet Impala Custom Hardtop Is Ready For Lift-Off

Written by Nicole Ellan James

One of the most beloved aspects of cars from the 1950s is the Atomic-Age styling, influenced by atomic science and symbolic of the emergent space age. Vehicles from this era represent a clear snapshot into American culture at a moment in time encompassing a unique flair that is hard to come by.

A prime example of this is the 1958 Chevrolet Impala custom hardtop offered with No Reserve during the 2022 Houston Auction, October 20-22 at NRG Center. This Impala perfectly captures the era, and is taken a step further with a Resto-Mod treatment that preserves its original styling while enhancing the car with modern performance.

This particular vehicle endured an extensive and comprehensive frame-off restoration that included media-blasting the body and undercarriage to bare metal before painting. The Impala’s new grey-and-white color scheme is reminiscent of the polished, chrome-like vision that many had for what the style of the future would entail.

Not only does the Impala look like a rocket ship ready to take flight with enormous fins and taillights that resemble afterburners, it drives like it as well thanks to the LS376/525hp engine with 489 ft/lbs of torque under the hood, kept cool by a custom aluminum radiator with dual electric pull-style cooling fans. Power is transferred from the engine to a 4L70-E automatic transmission and sent back to the rear end. Bringing this Impala back to earth — and to a stop — are 4-wheel disc brakes with big rotors and 6-piston calipers up front, powered by a Wilwood master cylinder with stainless steel braided brake lines.

Inside, the driver and passengers can enjoy a plush custom leather interior with birdseye maple inlays and a Vintage Air system. Behind the steering wheel, mounted to an Ididit tilt steering column with cruise control, is a Dakota Digital instrument cluster. All the switches are from Nu-Relics.

This futuristic car is brought into the 21st century with power windows, a Bluetooth amplifier under the dash and a keyless entry kit including door locks and trunk release. These updated components combine present-day comforts with vintage styling for the ultimate ride.

Make sure to keep this Impala, along with hundreds of other out-of-this-world vehicles, in your orbit at the 2022 Houston Auction. Register to bid today.