What were the options for the 1958 Chevy Impala?
The 1958 Impala offered a range of options spanning engines, transmissions, body styles and trim packages, allowing buyers to tailor performance and style. This year marked the Impala as Chevrolet's top trim in the Bel Air lineup, with a focus on versatility and sportier flair.
What follows details the major configurations and equipment Chevrolet promoted for the Impala in 1958, from powerplants to body choices and feature packages.
Engine options
This year offered a mix of V8 engines designed to deliver brisk acceleration and robust highway performance.
- 283 cubic-inch small-block V8 with either a two-barrel carburetor (base) or a four-barrel carburetor (higher performance).
- 348 cubic-inch big-block V8 available on select Impala configurations, offering added torque for performance-oriented customers.
These engine choices gave buyers flexibility between everyday drivability and higher-speed capability, especially when paired with the available transmissions.
Transmission options
Impalas could be equipped with traditional manual gears or Chevrolet's early-era automatic transmissions.
- 3-speed manual transmission (floor- or column-mounted, depending on model and specification).
- 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission (the common automatic option for many Impalas and Bel Airs).
Manual gearboxes were favored by some enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers, while Powerglide was popular for convenience and smooth operation in daily driving.
Body styles and trim
The 1958 Impala was marketed as the top trim within the Bel Air family, with several body configurations to match buyer preferences.
- 2-door hardtop (a sporty profile that was highly popular in the era).
- 4-door hardtop and 4-door sedan configurations (including sport sedan variants).
- Convertible options were available for those seeking an open-air driving experience.
The Impala’s premium status was reinforced by distinctive interior and exterior styling cues, as well as available luxury touches in higher trims and packages.
Options and features packages
Chevrolet offered a mix of convenience, comfort, and performance options to customize the Impala.
- Power steering and power brakes for easier handling and stopping as the cars grew larger.
- Power windows and power seats in higher-trim configurations.
- Air conditioning (optional, an increasingly popular feature in late-1950s cars).
- Deluxe radios (including Chevrolet’s Wonderbar system) and upgraded interior trim materials (vinyl and/or cloth upholstery).
- Heater/defroster systems and a range of interior color and material choices.
- Exterior trim packages and two-tone paint options often used to emphasize the Impala’s premium stance.
These options allowed buyers to build an Impala that balanced performance, comfort and style to fit daily use, cruising, or show purposes.
Summary
The 1958 Chevrolet Impala offered a broad mix of powertrains, transmissions, body configurations, and optional equipment aimed at delivering performance, comfort and premium styling. The combination of the 283- or 348-cubic-inch V8 options, manual or Powerglide transmissions, multiple body styles, and feature packages like power accessories gave buyers ample latitude to tailor their Impala for various needs and budgets.
In the end, the 1958 Impala established the model as Chevrolet’s premier full-size performer, leveraging a flexible options sheet to boost its appeal across the market.
