How much did a 1960 Impala cost new?
In 1960, the Chevrolet Impala typically cost between about $2,500 and $3,000 when new, depending on body style and options. Convertibles and top-trim models tended toward the higher end of that range.
The question sits at the intersection of automotive history and consumer pricing in the early 1960s. The Impala, Chevrolet’s premium full-size offering, was sold in several body styles and with a variety of options, meaning buyers could shape the sticker price with choices like engine, transmission, and accessories. What follows is a concise look at typical prices and the factors that could push them higher.
Pricing by body style and trim
Prices varied by body style, with two-door versions generally cheaper than four-door variants, and convertibles commanding a premium. The ranges below reflect typical sticker prices from Chevrolet's 1960 brochure and dealer catalogs for base Impala configurations.
- Two-door hardtop Impala: roughly $2,500–$2,800
- Four-door hardtop or sedan Impala: roughly $2,700–$2,950
- Impala Convertible: roughly $3,000–$3,350
Note: Prices could climb with optional equipment such as a more powerful engine, automatic transmission, or features like power steering, power brakes, or air conditioning. The Impala lineup often featured incremental price bumps as buyers added options.
Options and features that boosted the price
In 1960, buyers could increase the Impala’s sticker price by selecting features that were still considered premium or optional. The following options commonly added to the base price.
- Automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Air conditioning
- Upgraded interior trim and upholstery
- Enhanced radio or audio options
For many buyers, choosing several of these features moved the Impala into the higher end of its price range, reflecting the era’s emphasis on convenience and comfort in a large American automobile.
Summary
When new in 1960, a Chevrolet Impala typically ranged from about $2,500 to $3,000, with body style and optional equipment determining the exact price. Two-door models tended to be cheaper than four-door versions, and convertibles were on the upper end. Options such as automatic transmission, power steering, air conditioning, and upgraded interiors could push the price higher, illustrating how buyers shaped the Impala’s cost to their preferences in the early 1960s.
