This restored 1959 Chevrolet Impala appears flawless inside and out, but after weeks on the market, its asking price raises questions.
This 1959 Chevrolet Impala doesn’t seem to need anything beyond a warm garage. The car has already undergone a thorough restoration that brought it back to its former glory. Its presentation is immaculate, meaning the next owner won’t have to spend another cent on repairs. Still, despite being listed for nearly a month, it has yet to find a buyer. Could the price be the issue?
The 1959 Impala came during a pivotal year for Chevrolet. Full-size cars continued to drive sales growth, keeping Chevy ahead after overtaking Ford in 1958. By the end of 1959, Chevrolet had sold nearly 1.5 million vehicles, outpacing Ford by close to 100,000 units. Recognizing strong demand, Chevrolet promoted the Impala to a full series.
The engine options largely carried over from the previous year. Buyers could choose the base six-cylinder, appealing to those focused mainly on looks, or step up to the versatile 283ci V8, offered in several forms including a fuel-injected version producing 290 horsepower. Priced at $485, it was far from cheap, but it offered performance.
The 348ci engine, introduced the year before alongside the new Impala nameplate, remained the top-tier choice. Equipped with the Special Super Turbo-Thrust setup, which used three two-barrel carburetors, it delivered 315 horsepower. At an extra $333, it transformed the Impala into Chevrolet’s most powerful full-size car of 1959.
This particular Impala is powered by a 348ci V8 paired with a Turboglide transmission. The seller notes on Craigslist that the car remains largely original. For collectors, originality carries a premium—especially when it comes with a big-block engine. While this example checks that box, it’s a four-door rather than a two-door, which slightly affects its desirability.
The car was originally delivered to California and then moved to San Jose. It has had one repaint, but otherwise remains original. Claims of originality always warrant a closer look, especially when paintwork is involved. In-person inspection is crucial to judge the quality of the repaint and verify the body panels.
On first impression, the Impala is still highly appealing. Despite the extra doors, it makes a stylish statement and would stand out at any car show. The seller emphasizes the original glass and a rust-free body—an important selling point for classics. Prospective buyers should still check underneath for hidden rust or evidence of older repairs.
The cabin is described as untouched, and photos back this up. The green cloth and vinyl upholstery looks well-preserved, the padded dashboard is clean, and nothing appears missing.
Under the hood, the 348ci engine reportedly starts, runs, drives, and stops as it should. The seller doesn’t mention a rebuild, so it’s unclear whether it’s still factory-original inside. While they stress originality, a detailed inspection by a trusted mechanic is recommended.
This Impala also features power steering and power brakes. The odometer shows 86,000 miles, believed to be original.
The asking price is $46,000. For a four-door 1959 Impala with a 348ci V8, that’s within reason, though its time on the market suggests it may be a harder sell than expected.
The car comes with a clean title and requires nothing except proper storage to keep it in current condition. It isn’t suited for daily use, but for a collector or enthusiast seeking a show-ready classic, it could be a worthwhile purchase.
Currently located in Orange, California, the Impala can be driven home, though transporting it on a trailer might be the smarter choice to preserve mileage.