How much does a 1959 Impala cost?
In 1959, a new Impala carried a premium price within Chevrolet’s lineup, typically in the low-to-mid thousands. In today’s market, values vary widely depending on condition, originality, and provenance, ranging from affordable projects to six-figure classics.
Historical pricing: what buyers paid in 1959
Chevrolet priced the Impala higher than its Bel Air siblings, with price varying by body style, engine, and options. The most common configurations and their impact on the sticker price are summarized below for context.
Model options affecting price
- Body style and trim: Different body configurations (two-door hardtop, sedan, convertible) carried distinct sticker prices, with convertibles generally costing more than coupes.
- Engine and performance hardware: Upgrading to a V8 or other powertrain options added to the total price.
- Premium packages: The Impala SS and other luxury/appearance packages increased the final cost for buyers seeking sportier or more upscale features.
In short, the Impala’s price in 1959 reflected its position as Chevrolet’s premium full-size model, with totals determined by chosen body style, engine, and options.
Nowadays: current market values for a 1959 Impala
Today’s pricing for a 1959 Impala depends on condition, originality, documentation, and rarity. Market guides and auction results show a broad spectrum from project cars to highly sought-after, well-preserved examples.
What drives current values
- Project or fixer-upper: approximately $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the extent of rust, mechanical issues, and required restoration.
- Solid driver or presentable restoration candidate: roughly $25,000 to $40,000, often with a respectable cosmetic and mechanical baseline.
- Show-quality restoration or well-preserved original: about $50,000 to $100,000, reflecting high standards of restoration and authenticity.
- Rare, documented SS or convertible in top condition: commonly $100,000 and up, with exceptional examples pushing toward six figures in some markets or auctions.
Prices can vary by specific model (two-door hardtop, convertible, or sedan), engine option, and provenance. Checking current listings and price guides (Hagerty, Hemmings, Bring a Trailer) provides the most accurate snapshot of today’s values.
What to look for when buying a 1959 Impala
Because value hinges on authenticity and condition, buyers should conduct due diligence across several fronts. The most influential factors include:
- VIN and engine numbers matching the build sheet
- Rust condition, frame integrity, and prior repairs
- Original trim, interior, and paint quality or the quality of the restoration
- Documentation such as build sheets, history, and restoration records
Thorough inspection and reliable provenance are essential to ensure you’re paying a fair price for the car you want.
Summary
The 1959 Impala started life with a premium sticker price in the low-to-mid thousands, reflecting its status as Chevrolet’s top trim. In today’s market, pricing spans a wide range—from affordable projects to high-end, concours-worthy classics—largely driven by condition, originality, and documentation. For anyone considering a 1959 Impala, consulting current price guides and auction results—and performing careful due diligence—will yield the clearest reading of value in real time.
