The Impala was introduced in 1958 as a new, upmarket, sporty trim package created for Bel Air coupes and convertibles. Unique to the model were its six taillights, which set it apart from lower trim levels with only two lights on a side. Read More >>

The Impala was restyled on the existing GM B platform for 1961. The new body styling was more trim and boxy than the 1958-60 models. Sport Coupe models featured a “bubbleback” roofline style for ’61, and a unique model, the 2-door pillared sedan, was available for 1961 only. It was rarely ordered and a scarce collectible today. The rare Super Sport (SS) option debuted for 1961. Read More >>

In 1961, the Impala SS (Super Sport) was introduced to the market. The SS badge was to become Chevrolet’s signature of performance on many models, though it has often been an appearance package only. Read More >>

Redesigned again in 1965, the Impala set an all-time industry annual sales record of more than 1 million units in the U.S., which has never been bettered. All new full-size Chevys eschewed the “X” frame for a full-width perimeter frame, a totally new body which featured curved, frameless side glass (for pillarless models), sharper angled windshield with newly-reshaped vent windows, and redesigned full-coil suspension. As with previous years, Impalas featured more chrome trim inside and out, with pleated tufted upholstery and door panels. Read More >>

In 1971, the redesigned full-size B-body would be the largest full-size car ever offered by GM. However, the 1970s marked the impact of the 1973 energy crisis. Gasoline prices doubled between 1973 and 1979. Industry car sales plummeted 20 percent between 1973 and 1974, and for the first time in recent history, annual passenger car travel in the U.S. actually declined. Read More >>