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2019 Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
43

1959 Chevrolet Impala 348 V8 Coupe (RHD)

$84,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 348ci V8
Gearbox Two-speed auto
Body Work Two-door coupe
Colour Roman Red & Polar White
Interior Red & white
Trim Cloth & vinyl
Wheels Steel with hubcaps
Brakes Drum/drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

For many, automotive styling reached its zenith in 1959 and the ‘fin was king’ that year. Chevrolet's new models for 1959 boasted 'slimline' styling with wider, lower, more spacious bodies and the now famous spread-wing treatment in the tail. Available as the basic Biscayne, mid-range Bel Air and luxurious Impala there was a bewildering choice of body styles and drivetrain options for the buyer to choose from. Among the rarest and most desirable version of all was the so-called ‘bubble top’ Impala Coupe, a full-sized and glamorous machine capable of seating five in comfort. The basic V8 offered was the small-block 283-ci (with the option of Ram-Jet fuel injection) but for effortless performance there was the 348-ci Turbo-Thrust V8 with a four-barrel, making the job of transporting all that heft look easy. A rare find in Australia, this 1959 Impala ‘bubble top’ Coupe is a classic piece of Americana from the chrome age and is a desirable collector’s item.