Charlie's 1960 Chevy Impala
** Click here to see my two favorite girls at a recent car show **
(Click on a photo to enlarge)
Introducing my baby....
I have always been interested in owning a classic car. I have been attending car shows for at least 10 years. Every time I returned home from a show I always tell myself, "Next year I will be in that show". Well finally I have one of my own. About three years ago I started to look for a car. I jumped around from wanting a 1965 Mustang to a 1957 Fairlane then decided to get a Chevy. I finally narrowed my search down to a 1959 or 60 Impala. I really like the subdued fins and the round instrument cluster of these cars.
A History Lesson....
The car was was built the 4th week of April, 1960. It was originally purchased from a Chevy dealer in Chicago, IL by Esther Hill of Winston Salem NC. It was shipped directly to North Carolina for $50.00! She paid $3,280.65 and traded in a 1958 Chevy which she received a trade in value of $1,502.65. Click Here To See Sales Invoice. Her payments were $98.16 per month for 36 months. Boy those were the days! The next owner was her grandson who then sold it to another gentleman who had the car restored. All were from the same city. The car was then sold to a classic car dealer in Florida who then sold it to me. The car had 70,000 miles on it at that time. I purchased the car in March, 2002.
Vital Statistics....
The paint color is the original Roman Red. It was painted in 1998 and is still very nice. The side accent stripe is Ermine White. All the stainless and chrome are in excellent condition. The interior is the original red and white Houndstooth pattern fabric with vinyl inserts. The carpet and interior was installed in Sept 2001. The trunk is original except for reproduction cardboard side panels and rubber matting. The engine is a 283 V8 with 2 speed Powerglide transmission.
Things I Have Done....
I added power steering and power brakes. It was imperative that these items be exactly like those that would have been on the car when new. Both are original components that have been restored perfectly. The 283 engine has been removed and rebuilt and repainted. The Powerglide transmission has also been rebuilt and resealed. The front and rear bushings have been replaced as well as the ball joints, single exhaust system and brake lines. The only 'non-original' item on the car are the wide whitewall radial tires. I do have a set of bias ply tires that I can swap out anytime but the difference in the ride of the car is unbelievable between the two types of tires.
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