In this article 10 sections
Looking for an old Chevrolet Impala? This guide walks through every classic Impala era, from the 1958 debut to the 1960s SS and the 1994-1996 Impala SS, with a generations table and buying tips. It also clears up the “Classic” vs. classic confusion.
The old Chevrolet Impala is one of the most recognizable American cars ever built. Chevrolet sold the name for more than six decades, so “old Impala” can mean very different cars.
Chevrolet Impala classic cars have a long history, and they changed a lot over the years.
First, we look at the beginning in 1958. Then we follow how the car changed, and what makes an Impala a true “classic.”
What Makes Chevrolet Impala Classic Cars So Special?
What does “classic car” mean? A classic car is an older car. Usually, it is special because of its style. People love to collect them. And, the Impala is a perfect example. The first Impalas were long, low, and wide. They had fins and lots of shiny chrome.
But it was not just about looks. The Impala was also important to American life. You could see it in movies. You could also hear it in songs. Most importantly, it was a car for everyone.
A family could use it for a trip. A teenager could also take it to a drive-in. It was both useful and beautiful. As a result, it won a place in people’s hearts.
Old Chevrolet Impala Generations and Years at a Glance
Most searches for an old Chevrolet Impala come down to one question: which years and body styles exist? The Impala name first appeared in 1958, so there is no 1930s Impala and the only 1950s Impala is the 1958 model. Here are the generations as Wikipedia lists them:
| Generation | Model years | Layout and notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1958 | Top-of-line Bel Air-based model; three taillights per side |
| 2nd | 1959-1960 | Own series; added four-door sedans, hardtops and wagons |
| 3rd | 1961-1964 | First SS option (1961); 409 V8 offered |
| 4th | 1965-1970 | Record 1965 sales year; Coke-bottle shape |
| 5th | 1971-1976 | Large rear-wheel-drive full-size car |
| 6th | 1977-1985 | Downsized rear-wheel-drive sedan and coupe |
| 7th (Impala SS) | 1994-1996 | Rear-wheel-drive 5.7-liter V8 based on the Caprice Classic |
| 8th | 2000-2005 | Front-wheel-drive family sedan |
| 9th | 2006-2016 | Front-wheel drive; sold as Impala Limited to fleets 2014-2016 |
| 10th | 2014-2020 | Last Impala; production ended in February 2020 |
Two-door Impalas (sport coupes, hardtops and convertibles) are what most people picture as a classic 2 door Chevy Impala. Four-door sedans and wagons joined them from 1959.
The Very Beginning: The 1958 Chevrolet Impala Classic Car
The Impala story starts in 1958. In the beginning, the Impala was not its own series. Instead, it was the top-of-line Bel Air two-door hardtop and convertible. This 1958 Chevrolet Impala classic car was a big hit, and Chevrolet made the Impala its own series for 1959.
The 1958 Impala had a look all its own. For example, it had three taillights on each side. That’s six lights in total! This was very unique. It also had a lower roof and a special design. People loved it right away.
Under the hood, the standard engine was a 283 cubic inch V8. A 348 cubic inch V8 rated at 250 or 280 hp was optional. In other words, the Impala was not just stylish. It could also be fast.
The Sixties: The Golden Age of Classic Cars Chevrolet Impala
The 1960s were the best time for the Impala. During this decade, the Impala was among America’s best-selling cars. The style changed, but the heart of the car stayed the same. For example, it was big, comfortable, and full of options.
The Famous 1961 “Bubble Top”
The 1961 Impala had a big style change. The big fins from the 1950s were gone. In their place was a clean, sharp new look. Some models had a “bubble top” roof. This roof was thin and airy. As a result, it looked very modern.
But the biggest news was the “SS” option. “SS” stands for Super Sport, and 1961 was the first Impala SS year. It added special seats and trim.
Most importantly, the famous 409 V8 became available. Wikipedia lists it at 360 hp in the 1961 SS, and only 142 SS cars left the factory with it. The Beach Boys later wrote a song about the 409.
The Best-Seller: The Classic Chevrolet Impala 1966
By the middle of the 1960s, the Impala was king. For example, the Classic Chevrolet Impala 1966 is a great example. The 1965-1970 generation had a curvy “Coke bottle” shape that narrowed in the middle and flared over the wheels. This look was very popular.
Impala sales topped one million cars in the 1965 model year, which is cited as an all-time US annual sales record for a single model. People just loved them.
Above all, they were great family cars. They were also great-looking cars. You could get a simple one or a fancy one. Truly, there was an Impala for everyone.
The 1969 Chevrolet Impala Curbside Classic
Near the end of the 1960s, styles changed again. The 1969 Chevrolet Impala curbside classic shows this new look. Specifically, the cars became bigger and more formal. They had new front bumpers that wrapped around the grille.
The Impala was still a best-seller. However, things were starting to change. Soon, new, smaller muscle cars were getting popular. The Impala was now seen as a big, comfortable family car. But it was still a beautiful and classic design.
The Impala Changes: The 1970s and 1980s
The 1970s brought big changes to all cars. Above all, there was a gas crisis. Gas became very expensive. As a result, people wanted smaller cars. Chevrolet had to change the Impala.
The 1974 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Impala coupe was one of the last truly big Impalas. These cars were huge. They were very comfortable for long trips. But they also used a lot of gas. Subsequently, in 1977, Chevrolet made the Impala smaller.
The new, smaller Impala was a big success. It was shorter and lighter. But, it still had plenty of room inside. This generation of Impala was very tough.
In fact, police departments and taxi companies loved them. The Chevrolet Impala 1985 curbside classic is a great example. These cars were simple, strong, and reliable.
The SS Returns and a New “Classic” Name
After the 1985 model year, the Impala name went away for a while, and the Caprice carried on. But, the story was not over.
The 1990s Surprise: 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Impala SS
In 1994, the Impala came back as the Impala SS. The 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Impala SS was a shock. It was a 5.7-liter V8 version of the big Caprice Classic sedan.
It had a rear-wheel-drive V8 powertrain and special wheels.
This new Impala SS was a “modern muscle car.” In other words, it was big, fast, and mean-looking. People loved it.
Chevrolet only made it for three model years (1994-1996). Today, these cars are very popular. They are modern Chevrolet Impala classic cars.
What Is a “Chevrolet Impala Classic”?
This is where things get a little confusing. In the 2000s, the Impala was a front-wheel-drive car. It was a good car, but very different. Sometimes, Chevrolet would keep building the old model for one extra year. They sold these old models to rental companies and police. To avoid confusion, they added a new name. They used names such as “Impala Limited” (2014-2016); Chevy also sold a fleet “Malibu Classic” in 2004-2005. The last Impala of any kind was built in February 2020.
So, a 2014-2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited is not a classic car in the same way. In other words, it is a fleet version of the previous-generation Impala. This is very different from a 1958 Chevrolet Impala classic car.
Buying Chevrolet Impala Classic Cars for Sale
Are you dreaming of owning an old Chevrolet Impala? It is still possible, and many Chevrolet Impala classic cars are for sale. But, you need to know what to look for.
First, decide which year you love. Do you want the 1950s fins? Or, do you want the 1960s muscle? The prices can be very different. For example, a rare 1958 Impala will cost more than a 1974 model.
Second, look for rust. Rust is the number one enemy of old cars. Therefore, look under the car. Also, check the trunk. And check the floors. A little rust is okay. But, a lot of rust is a big problem.
Where can you look? Well, you can find cars in many places. You might find a 1961 Chevrolet Impala classic car on Craigslist. You can also look at special classic car websites. Auctions are another good place.
Here is a simple table of popular Impalas. Values change often, so check Hagerty’s valuation tool for the current number.
| Classic Impala Year | Nickname / Key Feature | Why It’s a Classic | Value Guide (Good Condition) |
| 1958 | “The First” | One-year-only design; six taillights. | Varies widely; check Hagerty values |
| 1961 | “Bubble Top” | First SS model; famous 409 engine. | Varies widely; check Hagerty values |
| 1964 | “The Lowrider” | Iconic clean style; very popular. | Varies widely; check Hagerty values |
| 1966 | “The Best-Seller” | Curvy new body; follows the record 1965 year. | Varies widely; check Hagerty values |
| 1996 | “The Modern SS” | Last rear-wheel-drive V8 Impala. | Varies widely; check Hagerty values |
Third, check the VIN. A VIN decoder and NHTSA’s recall lookup help confirm the year, engine and open recalls. Finally, join a car club and talk to owners. Most classic car fans are happy to share what they know.
Old Chevrolet Impala: The Legend Lives On
To sum up, the Impala is more than just a car. It is a piece of history. For decades, it was the car of American families.
The story of Chevrolet Impala classic cars is long and rich. It starts with the beautiful 1958 model. It peaks with the record-breaking cars of the 1960s. And, it has a cool comeback with the 1990s SS.
These cars are still loved today, and the Chevrolet Impala remains a true American classic.
Related guides: the sports car hub and Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Car.
FAQs
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Is a 2014 “Impala Classic” a true classic car?
What’s special about the 1996 Impala SS?
What are the Chevrolet Impala generations?
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Was there a 1950s or 1930s Chevy Impala?
Specs, prices and safety ratings change between model years and trims. Verify them for the exact Chevrolet you are considering:
Sources
- Chevrolet Impala history (generations, production records)
- Hagerty: Chevrolet Impala valuation tools
- IMCDb: Chevrolet Impala on screen
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
