Following its introduction in 1958, the Chevrolet Impala became the best selling car in the USA by 1964, delivering 1,074,925 cars that model year – a record that has not been eclipsed since. To be a “prestige car within the reach of the average American citizen,” the full-sized Impala was first seen in public at the 1956 GM Motorama show in New York City.

General Motors Styling vice president Harley Earl changed the current GM approach somewhat for the Impala, by shortening the passenger compartment and extending the rear deck, creating a longer appearance for the new car.

Earl’s preference for tail fins was muted into deeply sculptured rear quarters, yet the influence of aircraft themes remained as strong as ever. The Impala was strengthened in the rocker panels and cowl area to accommodate a new “X” frame, which replaced the standard perimeter design.

The end result was a solid design that improved interior roominess, but at the cost of side impact strength. As the top model in the Bel Air line, the Impala was distinguished with quad headlamps and triple tail lights, as well as non-functional rear fender scoops, bright rocker moldings and a new crossed flags insignia.

Starting from $2,586 with the Blue Flame inline six-cylinder engine, the 283cui Turbo Fire V8 and 348cui W-series Turbo options could bring as much as 315 hp into play. The 1958 Impala Hardtop Sport Coupe shown here is one of 125,480 originally built.  The car is equipped with the 283cui V8 and a three-speed manual transmission.

Located in Ft. Myers, FL, this Sport Coupe is available for a Buy It Now price of $32,900 or offer. According to the seller, the car has undergone a previous body-off restoration, though not recently. The current auction runs until the end of May and contact information is provided in the listing.

Judging from the photos, this car appears to be an excellent example of an uncommon version of the first generation Impala and would likely make a good excuse for an unscheduled trip to Ft. Myers. As always, if you are unable to inspect the car in person, consider having an independent inspection done. This is just good practice when dealing over the Internet and serves to protect all parties involved.