1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Townsman VS 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad

1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Townsman

Chevrolet Impala

1958
Chevrolet Impala
Frame Off Restored
Impala Convertible
348 Tri-Power 

Description:
Specifications348 cubic inch tri-power Super Turbo Trust V8
Front disc brakes
Correct Onyx Black exterior paint 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission
Black convertible top
Tri-tone gray, black and red interior Power steering
Full rotisserie restoration

Engine: 348 V8 

Body Style: Convertible 

Miles:1773 

Stock #133308 

Interior Color: Red & Silver 

Exterior Color: Black 

Certified Price: $159,900

Two years ago, we sold a 1958 Impala for a record-setting price. At that time, all the industry guys said it was a fluke and that it was the result of one guy falling in love, not an indication of a trend. But here it is, 2012, and the 1958 Impala convertible is unquestionably at the top of the Chevrolet food chain. The day has come when the ’58 convertibles, with their wonderful one-year-only styling and big car comfort, have eclipsed the Shoeboxes to become the hottest ‘50s bowtie icons.

This incredible 1958 Impala features a fresh frame-off restoration in spectacular (and correct) code 900 Onyx Black over a red interior. With NOS parts used throughout and a few thoughtful upgrades, this is unquestionably the nicest 1958 Impala we’ve ever featured. Is it worth the asking price? Ask us in two years.

One look at the black flanks on this Imp and you’ll know that someone spent a giant pile of cash getting it to look like that. Fit and finish are beyond reproach, and the body fits together better than new in every way. Panels are flush with one another, the trunk fits as it should, and the hood aligns perfectly with the grille, creating a near-seamless look. There’s no filler, no hacked-up patches, and nothing but straight OEM steel in those massive quarter panels, which have been block sanded until they are as smooth as the surface of an Olympic hockey rink. The paint is two-stage urethane, which insures a forever shine, but more importantly, delivers a depth and gloss that were flat-out impossible, even with the best custom paints of 1958. There are some who say Chevys shouldn’t be this nice, but after you see this car, you’ll wonder if they all should be.

Part of the ‘58’s appeal lies in all that chrome trim. The wide front grille has been restored, along with the California-style 1-piece bumpers, with show chrome so brilliant that it can probably be seen from space. The unique trim, from the hash-marks behind the headlights to the wonderfully intricate side trim, has all been polished and buffed until it matched the bumpers. Out back, a continental kit has been fitted, and looks right on the Impala, giving the Chevy an upscale look that certainly looks proper on a car that many called the baby Cadillac. Dual antennas, a tinted windshield, and new lenses in the Impala-specific taillights make it look like new—only better.

The engine is a 348 cubic inch V8 topped with a desirable tri-power carburetor setup. Fully rebuilt and detailed for show, the engine is almost too pretty to risk turning the key and putting any heat into it. No detail has been overlooked, from the Chevy Orange paint on the engine itself, which is as nice as the paint on the body of a production Impala, to the little stuff like hoses and clamps, which are exact reproduction items with correct stampings. The black engine bay is the ideal backdrop for the many different unique finishes and textures of the engine, ranging from the cadmium-plated hardware to the cast iron exhaust manifolds. An original generator/power steering unit remains in place, but the brakes have been upgraded to a much safer dual master cylinder with power assist. This car also includes a windshield washer system that’s fully functional. Correct tags, markings, and even a reproduction Delco battery have been fitted, giving it a showroom-fresh look that will be hard to ignore at shows.

The chassis is equally well detailed, with beautifully finished frame rails, correct red oxide floors, and exceptional attention to detail. The two-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission is fully rebuilt and snaps off shifts like a private’s salute, and it spins the original rear end. Front disc brakes have been added for safety, which is a good idea considering the 348’s ability to generate speed, and all the lines have been upgraded to stainless steel. A reproduction exhaust system makes all the right noises, with an aggressive rumble when you tap the throttle, but a subdued burble at idle. At the very rear, there’s a new gas tank, making this an Impala you can drive every day…if you dare. Even the 205/75/14 whitewall radials were installed with an eye towards putting this car on the road, although they look extremely accurate behind the original spinner wheelcovers.

The interior has been finished in code 855 Light Gray/Black/Red cloth, a tri-tone combination that made the 1958 Impalas famous. As fastidiously crafted as the bodywork, the interior is accurate and reproduces the original fabrics and textures exactly. Note the spectacular door panels (complete with power windows), the machine-turned dash, and the expertly restored two-tone steering wheel, which is a work of art all by itself. The carpets are correct, the gauges have been rebuilt, and the original AM radio now has an FM converter inside to deliver modern sounds with a vintage look. It’s also important to see that the clock works and keeps time, the heater blows warm air, and overhead, the black canvas convertible top folds effortlessly into the well, where it’s hidden by a matching vinyl boot. Even the trunk is show quality, with a reproduction mat and full-sized spare and jack assembly.

This lovely Impala also includes original manuals, an accessory booklet, and other information.

This is a true #1 condition vehicle, with exemplary workmanship and just 291 miles since the exhaustive, professional frame-off restoration. Impalas are showing well even in a market where the ’55-57 Chevys are faltering, and this car is one of the finest available anywhere at any price. It’s certainly the nicest we’ve ever featured. Loaded with options and finished in what is arguably the most desirable color combination, it’s a stunning monument to Chevy’s greatest achievement of the ‘50s.

Specifications:
Basic
Year
1958
Make
Chevrolet
Secondary Make
n/a
Model Name
Impala
Secondary Model
n/a
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
Hobby Segment
Classic
Mileage
1773
Engine / Transmission
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Size
348 V8
Engine Number
n/a
Fuel Specification
n/a
Fuel Delivery System Type
Tri-Power
Transmission Type
2 Speed Automatic
Transmission Spec
n/a
Transmission Number
n/a
Misc
Entertainment System Type
AM Radio
Battery Location
LH Engine Compartment
Battery Shut Off
no
Battery Charger
no
Interior
Interior Color
Red & Silver
Seating Type
Bench
Seat Material
Vinyl
Shifter Type
Column
Center Console
No
Body
Body Style
Convertible
Doors
2
Body Color
n/a
Paint Type
n/a
Stripes
No
Chassis
Front Suspension Type
n/a
Rear Suspension Type
n/a
Axle Specification
n/a
Front Wheel Specification
GM Steel Wheels with factory hubcap
Rear Wheel Specification
GM Steel Wheels with factory hubcap
Front Tire Specification
205/75R14
Rear Tire Specification
205/75R14
Front Brakes Specification
Disc
Rear Brakes Specification
Drum
Spare
7.50X14 bias ply
Exhaust Type
Dual Exhaust
Muffler Type
Original Equipment
History
Restoration Status
n/a
Mileage Since Restoration
n/a
Awards Summary
n/a
Historical Documents Summary
Original books & manuals

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Chevrolet Deluxe

1940
Chevrolet Deluxe
Deluxe Coupe Custom 502 V8 TH400 9" Rear

Description:
Engine :ZZ502 V8
Body Style:Sedan
Miles :15503
Stock #132202
Interior Color:Maroon
Exterior Color:Dark Red Metallic

They say that nothing succeeds like excess. With that in mind, we’re proud to present this killer 1940 Chevrolet deluxe coupe that has been given the full Pro-Street treatment. From the 502 cubic inch big block under the hood to the massive tires out back, this is an incredibly well built and sorted rod that can cruise the show field and hammer the track with equal skill. This car’s excess is truly addictive, as you won’t be able to resist tipping into those huge reserves of horsepower every chance you get.

First off, this is a real, steel 1940 Chevy coupe, not a fiberglass reproduction, and that gives this rod an integrity and a feeling you just can’t duplicate with fiberglass, no matter how high the quality. Built by Zimco Fabrication in South Windsor, Connecticut, the original body’s lines were left largely unaltered, which gives this car a vintage elegance that you don’t get from one that has been chopped and channeled. It also makes it totally usable, with good headroom and excellent visibility, things that often get tossed out the window when tops get chopped. The body is all original steel except for the running boards and rear fenders, which were supplied by Chicago Fiberglass. “Fat fendered” rods are great for packing a lot of features and excellent road manners into a tidy package, and this car’s proportions are spot-on. The dark red metallic base has a lot of candy and metallic in it, and was applied over well-prepped steel. The car fits together beautifully, and all the panels are exceptionally straight. Ghost flames have been applied, with subtle blue, orange, and red licks that cover the nose of the car. It has been coated in several layers of clear for a miles-deep finish that’s completely seamless from end to end, in the very best hot rod tradition.

Of course, hot rodding is about taking production pieces and giving them a unique look, so while some of the chrome on this car remains, select pieces have been given a matching coat of dark red metallic paint, including the grille, the vents on the sides of the hood, and the trim around the windows. The bumpers have been removed and the door handles shaved, while details like the King Bee “peep” style mirrors and billet windshield wipers have been added. The rear license plate has been frenched into the deck lid, and the flush-fitting taillights are all but invisible until they light up. Look closer and you’ll notice that the original 2-piece windshield has been replaced by a V-butt setup that looks like a single piece of glass for a subtle, but trick update thanks to Jeffries Autobody.

Horsepower is compliments of a 502 cubic inch big block GM Performance Parts. Making 440 horsepower, it’s more than capable of snapping some necks when you stand on it (remember that this car originally came with a 216 cubic inch six cylinder making a whopping 85 horsepower). Holley supplied the 750 CFM 4-barrel carburetor living under the billet air cleaner, which matches the trick billet valve covers. And since this car was built to cruise, you’ll also notice smart upgrades like A/C, power steering, and a big alternator to power everything. Up front, there’s a custom 4-core radiator from Brassworks that’s cooled by a custom SPAL electric fan with thermostat and an Edelbrock aluminum water pump. Bitchin’ Products supplied the smooth firewall, which really cleans up the entire area. Highly detailed with polished stainless, brass, aluminum, and chrome, it’s a well-designed and arranged engine bay that makes servicing the big block easy (ever tried to change the plugs on, say, a late-model Camaro?).

The big block is ably backed up by a TH400 3-speed automatic, which is about the most bulletproof automatic transmission ever conceived by the mind of man. Out back, there’s an equally tough 9-inch Ford that carries 3.73 gears on a limited slip, and has been narrowed to handle those large-by-huge Mickey Thompson meats. Denny’s Drive Shaft supplied the custom stainless steel drive shaft, and is more than up to the task of handling all that torque. There’s an independent Mustang II front end from Fat Man Fabrications, while the differential is held up with a modified 4-link setup that makes hard launches possible with a minimum of fuss. Disc brakes live at all four corners behind those super-traditional Weld Convo-Pro wheels that wear 205/60R15 Cooper touring radials up front and a set of massive 33×21.5-15 LT Mickey Thompson Sportsman M/Ts out back.

I have to give two big thumbs-up to Al’s Interiors for creating this very traditional and authentic driver’s environment. The power seat is a split bench, which tilts forward to allow access to the back seat area. Done in red and white leather, it looks very appropriate to the 1940’s style and era, and the work was beautifully done. The original dash has been smoothed and filled, then stuffed with a complete set of modern Stewart Warner gauges, which use a retro font and arrow style that fits very well with the rest of the car’s character. A fresh billet steering wheel is wrapped in matching white leather, and sits atop a tilt Ididit steering column with Borgeson U-joints. There’s a Hurst shifter on the floor, and the seat has been skillfully molded to clear the mini console constructed to hold it. Overhead, a matching red leather headliner has been stitched up, and matches the red carpets underfoot. Controls for the Vintage Air A/C and powerful entertainment system are in the center console, while vents have been discreetly installed under the dash. Billet touches abound, tying the interior into the engine compartment, and the doors, windows, and locks are all power actuated. The remote pops the doors open, and if you happen to lock your keys in the car, a hidden switch opens the window for access (for obvious reasons, we’ll show the new owner where the switch is hidden, but will refrain from mentioning it here).

Documentation is all that you would expect from a top-end rod, including build photos, receipts, and instruction manuals to give a new owner the confidence that this is a high-quality piece.

It’s awfully easy to go too far with a custom built car. Outrageous components, spectacular paint, and 1000 horsepower engines are common, But if you want to actually drive your rod, you need a reliable, sturdy platform and power train. This 1940 Chevy coupe has exactly that; it is fully sorted and ready to go today. The bugs have been worked out, and it drives and handles properly. It’s safe and comfortable, and still monstrously fast. And speaking from personal opinion, I also think it’s one of the best-looking fat-fendered rods out there, with tidy proportions and crisp detailing. This is one that will still draw appreciative crowds anywhere you park it, but more importantly, will make you smile whenever you’re behind the wheel. 

Specifications
Basic
Year
1940
Make
Chevrolet
Secondary Make
n/a
Model Name
Deluxe
Secondary Model
n/a
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
Hobby Segment
Pro-Street
Mileage
15503
Engine / Transmission
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Size
ZZ502 V8
Engine Number
n/a
Fuel Specification
n/a
Fuel Delivery System Type
n/a
Transmission Type
4 Speed Automatic
Transmission Spec
TH400
Transmission Number
n/a
Misc
Entertainment System Type
n/a
Battery Location
n/a
Battery Shut Off
n/a
Battery Charger
n/a
Interior
Interior Color
Maroon
Seating Type
Bucket
Seat Material
Leather
Shifter Type
Floor
Center Console
No
Body
Body Style
Sedan
Doors
2
Body Color
Dark Red Metallic
Paint Type
n/a
Stripes
No
Chassis
Front Suspension Type
n/a
Rear Suspension Type
n/a
Axle Specification
Ford 9" 3.73
Front Wheel Specification
n/a
Rear Wheel Specification
n/a
Front Tire Specification
n/a
Rear Tire Specification
n/a
Front Brakes Specification
n/a
Rear Brakes Specification
n/a
Spare
n/a
Exhaust Type
n/a
Muffler Type
n/a
History
Restoration Status
n/a
Mileage Since Restoration
n/a
Awards Summary
n/a
Historical Documents Summary
n/a

www.rkmotorscharlotte.com