Chrome was king when Chevrolet rolled out its 1960 Impala, which was the slightly toned-down descendent of the flamboyant 1959 model. Still with its wide rear deck sporting the unique horizontal tailfin treatment, the ’60 models marked the end of General Motors’ most extravagant designs, and for many vintage-Chevy fans, it remains an enduring favorite.
For this Pick of the Week, we have a fully decked-out 1960 Impala Sports Coupe “Bubble Top,” loaded up with gleaming trim and that elegantly sweeping roofline, with its enormous expanse of windshield and rear glass.
Advertised on ClassicCars.com by a seller in North Andover, Massachusetts, the gleaming red-over-white two-door has just 2,500 miles on its odometer since “an extensive, frame-off restoration,” the seller states.
“Overall, this is a stunning show car,” the seller says in the extensive description. “This 1960 Impala Sports Coupe is a southern car having come from Atlanta and is believed to have been owned by the same family from original purchase through September 2012.
“At that time, it was sold by the children of the original owner, after which the restoration began. The body, paint and interior were completed to exacting professional standards as was the fully rebuilt original engine.”
The engine is the correct 283-cid Power Pack Super Turbo Fire V8, which was used in the Corvettes of that era, linked with automatic transmission.
Although restored to original, the Impala does have a few updates for improved drivability, according to the description, with more-modern power steering and front-end components for better handling and control. Under the hood, electronic ignition has been added inside the original housing, which the seller says could be converted easily back to the original ignition points if desired.
The Impala looks fabulous in its photos, with its extensive body accents and interior in fresh condition. All those acres of chrome and stainless are in excellent shape, according to the seller. And the fender skirts really set off the long horizontal form, adding to the sporting look of this head-turning cruiser.
It’s also nice to see one of these beauties in original configuration, sans custom wheels or other aftermarket embellishments.
The asking price is not cheap, at $48,500, but seems quite reasonable for this rare and apparently impeccable classic that’s certain to be a huge hit at your favorite car show.
Hi Bob, nice car. Hagerty rates 1960 Bubble-tops with small block power-packs in condition 1 at $44,600. Is this one really so much better? The “original configuration” is just on the outside. Modern improvements under the hood have an effect on drivability but should not influence the price.
Peter