As the fabulous fifties moved into the rearview mirror, Chevrolet and other automakers toned down their vehicles’ imposing tailfins for a more refined look. Our Pick of the Day, a 1960 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Las Vegas, shows how Chevrolet nipped and tucked its full-size vehicles as it entered the new decade.
Back in 1998, I was a 16-year-old dreaming of restoring a classic car. Parked along a remote stretch of Little Valley Road in St. George, Utah, a blue 1960 Impala four-door sedan with a big for-sale sign caught my eye. I stopped to take several Polaroid photographs, which you can see above. Unfortunately, I never made an offer on the Chevy and, anyway, my parents were strongly opposed the idea. What’s weird for me to think about is the fact that the Impala was 38 years old at the time. It would be like restoring a 1988 model-year vehicle today. Say what? Trippy!
This Impala’s data tag decodes as a Roman Red (code 936) 1960 Sport Coupe that was originally manufactured in St. Louis. Exterior features include chrome brightwork, dual side mirrors, antenna, and staggered (18-inch front, 20-inch rear) Billet Specialties chrome wheels.
The cabin has bench seats upholstered in black vinyl and houndstooth cloth. Features include aluminum dash trim, wood-rimmed steering wheel, aftermarket radio, aftermarket consolette with cupholders, Dakota Digital gauges, and floor mats.
Under the hood is a 348ci “W-series” V-8 mated to a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. Features include triple Rochester carburetors, BeCool aluminum radiator, and electric fan. An air-ride suspension gives the car a customizable stance, and Corvette-sourced disc brakes have been incorporated up front for enhanced stopping power.
I may never have the chance to restore a 1960 Impala, but it’s fun to look at cars like this and brainstorm about what I might have been able to do with that faded blue 1960 four-door out on Little Valley Road. I wonder if it’s been fixed up and is still on the road somewhere?
The asking price for this red-hot coupe is $41,500 or best offer.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
