What engine was in a 1959 Chevy Impala?
The 1959 Chevy Impala was powered by a range of engines, but the most common and popular option was the 283 cubic inch (4.6 liter) V8 engine. This engine was a staple of Chevrolet's lineup during the late 1950s and early 1960s, known for its reliability, power, and fuel efficiency.
Engine Specifications
The 283 V8 engine in the 1959 Chevy Impala had the following key specifications:
- Displacement: 283 cubic inches (4.6 liters)
- Horsepower: 185 hp to 290 hp, depending on the specific engine configuration
- Torque: 275 lb-ft to 315 lb-ft, again depending on the engine configuration
- Compression ratio: 8.5:1 to 11.25:1, again varying by engine option
- Fuel system: Carburetor, either a single-barrel or dual-barrel design
The wide range of power outputs was due to the various engine options and configurations available, including different carburetor setups, camshaft profiles, and compression ratios. This allowed Chevrolet to offer the Impala with engines suited to a variety of driving needs and budgets.
Engine Variants
In addition to the standard 283 V8, Chevrolet also offered several other engine options for the 1959 Impala, including:
- 235 cubic inch (3.9 liter) inline 6-cylinder engine, producing 135 hp
- 348 cubic inch (5.7 liter) V8 engine, producing up to 335 hp in the top-of-the-line "Tri-Power" configuration
- 409 cubic inch (6.7 liter) V8 engine, introduced in 1961 and producing up to 425 hp
The 283 V8 remained the most popular and widely-used engine, however, as it provided a good balance of power, efficiency, and affordability for most Impala buyers.
Conclusion
The 283 cubic inch V8 engine was the heart and soul of the 1959 Chevy Impala, providing a reliable and powerful driving experience that helped make the Impala one of Chevrolet's most iconic and successful models of the era. Its versatility and performance characteristics were a key factor in the Impala's enduring popularity and legacy.
How much is a 1959 Impala worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $56,230 for a 1959 Chevrolet Impala in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1959 Chevrolet Impala? The highest selling price of a 1959 Chevrolet Impala at auction over the last three years was $368,500.
What year did Impala have a 409?
1961
In the winter of 1961, without much fanfare, Chevrolet introduced a V-8 model with an engine of considerable proportion: 409 cubic inches. That February, a Southern California drag racer named “Dyno” Don Nicholson entered a 409 Impala at the Pomona Winternationals and promptly chewed up the entire field.
What was the top speed of the 1959 Chevy Impala?
The 290 HP “Rochester Ram-Jet Special” fuel-injected 283 Cu In engine with solid lifters, 10.5:1 compression, Duntov cam, and 4 on the floor was capable of propelling the Impala to a top speed of approximately 130 mph!
What year is the rarest Impala?
The 1963 Chevrolet Impala Z11 is the rarest and meanest Impala ever built.
What is the most sought after year of Impala?
Today, the original 1958 Impala is a holy grail among American car collectibles. The convertible version is especially in demand because there were only 56,000 ever produced. If you're looking to score one of them, you'll find a few popping up at auctions for over $100,000.
Why are 59 impalas so expensive?
Just like many important classic cars from this era, they weren't built for very long as this first-generation Impala was only in production for two years. In 1959 alone, over 72,000 cars were built but the values of these cars have significantly risen since new when you could get one for $2,800.
What year Impala had a Corvette engine?
Caprice. This model was part of the seventh. Generation of the gmbb. Body platform that was also shared with the Buick.
How much horsepower does a 1959 Impala 348 have?
In the standard configuration, this unit boasted 250 horsepower with a single four-barrel carburetor, whereas the Super Turbo-Thrust came with 280 horsepower. The top-of-the-range versions of the 348 increased the output to no less than 315 horsepower.
How many miles per gallon does a 1959 Impala get?
According to our friends atStreet Rodder, at the time it was completed, the 1959 was their longest and heaviest Road Tour car to date, but even with 622 ponies under the hood, Jerry was still able to squeeze out 17 mpg on those highways.
What engines were available in a 1959 Impala?
Second generation (1959–1960)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 235 cu in (3.9 L) Blue Flame I6 283 cu in (4.6 L) Turbo Fire V8 348 cu in (5.7 L) W-series Turbo Thrust V8 |
| Transmission | 2-speed Powerglide automatic 3-speed (close-ratio) manual 3-speed overdrive manual 3-speed Turboglide automatic 4-speed manual |
