Chevrolet Impala 2nd Gen
Famous for the wild 'bat wing' fins on the 1959 model, the second-generation Impala is a definitive late-50s classic. The market is wide, with values driven by body style, condition, and the presence of the desirable 348 Tri-Power V8.
Find one with Spotter →Chevrolet Impala 2nd Gen sold for a median of $39,000 over the last 12 months, based on 61 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $18,000 and $66,000. 77 currently for sale.
The second-generation Impala, spanning just 2 years, is famous for its dramatic styling. The 1959 model is an icon of the era, defined by its horizontal "bat wing" tail fins and teardrop-shaped "cat's eye" taillights. For 1960, Chevrolet toned down the design with a more conventional rear end and triple round taillights, but it retained the same basic body structure and presence. Available as everything from a 4-door sedan to a convertible, the Impala was Chevrolet's top model, offering comfort, style, and available V8 power.
Collectors prize the 1959 model for its one-year-only design, with convertibles and 2-door sport coupes being the most sought-after. The 1960 models are also highly collectible and are often preferred by those who find the '59 styling a bit too extreme. Performance is a key value driver, and cars equipped with the 348 cubic inch "W-series" big-block V8, especially those with the triple 2-barrel Tri-Power induction system, command a significant premium. These cars represent the pinnacle of American automotive optimism from the late 1950s.
The market for these Impalas is incredibly broad. An average sale price near $40,000 suggests a healthy supply of driver-quality cars. However, the range from project cars selling for a few hundred dollars to professionally restored convertibles exceeding $180,000 shows the vast gap between conditions and body styles. Four-door sedans remain an affordable entry point, while perfectly restored 1959 convertibles with a 348 V8 represent the top of the market.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest issue. Check the trunk floor, body mounts, floor pans, and the frame rails, especially the area that kicks up over the rear axle.
- The 348 cubic inch V8 is the engine to have. Verify casting numbers to confirm authenticity, as many cars have been updated from a standard 283 V8.
- Body style dictates value. Convertibles and 2-door hardtops (Sport Coupes) are worth significantly more than 4-door sedans and hardtops.
- Finding correct trim can be a nightmare. Inspect all the chrome and stainless steel pieces for dings, pitting, or missing sections, as sourcing replacements is both difficult and costly.
Prices range from as low as $200 for non-running projects to over $186,000 for perfectly restored, top-specification convertibles.
1,374 Chevrolet Impala 2nd Gen vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 77 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chevrolet Impala 2nd Gen cost?
Over the last 12 months, Chevrolet Impala 2nd Gen sold for a median of $39,000 across 61 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $18,000 and $66,000. There are 77 currently for sale.
How many Chevrolet Impala 2nd Gen listings are for sale right now?
There are 77 Chevrolet Impala 2nd Gen listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.