The 1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible marked the debut year of the Impala nameplate and introduced Chevrolet’s first big-block V8 option , the 348 cu in. As the flagship of the full-size lineup, the convertible offered both style and substance, combining luxury trim with strong performance. Below are the key specifications that defined this one-year-only design.
Performance & Engine |
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|---|---|
| Engine Type | 348 cu in (5.7 L) W-Series Turbo-Thrust V8 |
| Carburetor Options | • Single 4-barrel carburetor (Rochester) • Triple 2-barrel carburetors (Tri-Power) • High-performance 4-barrel (with solid lifters) |
| Horsepower | • 250 hp @ 4,400 rpm (single 4-barrel) • 280 hp @ 4,800 rpm (Tri-Power) • 300 hp @ 4,800 rpm (high-lift cam, 10.5:1 compression) • 315 hp @ 5,600 rpm (Super Turbo-Thrust, solid lifters) |
| Torque | • 355 lb-ft (250 hp version) • 355 lb-ft (280 hp version) • 355 lb-ft (300 hp version) • 360 lb-ft (315 hp version) |
| Transmission Options | • 3-speed manual (column shift) • 3-speed manual with overdrive • 4-speed manual (floor shift) • 2-speed Powerglide automatic • 3-speed Turboglide automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
Exterior & Design |
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|---|---|
| Body Style | 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase | 117.5 in (2,984 mm) |
| Overall Length | 209.1 in (5,313 mm) |
| Width | 77.7 in (1,975 mm) |
| Height | 57.0 in (1,448 mm) |
| Curb Weight | ~3,750–3,900 lbs (slightly heavier than coupe due to top mechanism and extra bracing) |
| Wheels | 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers |
| Convertible Top | Fabric power-operated soft top (manual available as base) |
Interior & Comfort |
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|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 6 passengers (bench seating) |
| Upholstery | Vinyl or cloth trim with Impala-exclusive patterns |
| Dashboard | Full-width design with dual-pod instrument cluster |
| Special Features | • Padded dash option • Two-spoke steering wheel with Impala emblem • Extensive brightwork trim unique to Impala |
Infotainment & Technology |
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|---|---|
| Audio | • Standard AM push-button radio • Optional Wonderbar signal-seeking radio |
| Accessories | • Electric clock • Heater and defroster • Optional air conditioning (rare) |
Safety & Driver Assistance |
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|---|---|
| Brakes | 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes |
| Steering | Recirculating ball steering |
| Optional Safety Features | • Seat belts (dealer-installed, not factory standard) • Padded dash and sun visors |
Production & Rarity |
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|---|---|
| Year of Production | 1958 (one-year-only design) |
| Total Impala Production | ~181,000 units across all body styles |
| Convertible Output | ~55,000 units (rarer than the coupe) |
The 1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible 348 stood out as both stylish and powerful, combining Chevrolet’s new big-block V8 with open-air cruising. Its rarity, especially in convertible form, makes it one of the most collectible Chevrolets of the 1950s.
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