Chevrolet Impala 2nd Gen (1959–1960) Price Guide

The 1959–1960 Chevrolet Impala was perhaps the most extreme expression of the tailfin era. With its bat-wing rear deck and cat’s-eye taillights, this was automotive Modernism at full stretch. Love it or loathe it, it is one of the most recognisable American car designs ever created.

The Car

The 1959 Impala used new X-frame chassis with no conventional side rails. This was an approach that improved road noise but created structural concerns that require careful inspection. The 283 and 348ci V8s powered most cars. The 1960 revised the styling to remove the most extreme fins while retaining the basic shape. Sport Coupe and convertible body styles are the most desirable. The 1959 is the rare, extreme example; the 1960 the more conventional car.

Buying

The 1959 is a design landmark with values reflecting that status. Inspect the X-frame for corrosion carefully; the absence of side rails concentrates stress.