Footnotes

Originally applied to two-door hardtop coupé and convertible versions of Chevrolet's Bel Air in 1958, the Impala name was subsequently used in its own right to signify a top-of-the-range luxury trim level rather than a separate and distinct body style. Marketed as 'All New, All Over Again', the 1959 Chevrolets were altogether more modern in appearance, being longer, lower and wider than before. Glass areas were vast, while other styling innovations included 'bat wing' rear fenders, 'cat's eye' tail lamps and an enormous rear deck big enough to land a helicopter on. The Impala's basic engines comprised a 235.5ci (3,861cc) overhead-valve six and a 283ci (4,639cc) V8. Power output depended on the transmission specified and there was a host of high-performance options.

Americana at its best, this original Impala Coupe represents arguably the zenith of 1950s automotive styling when tail fins were the height of fashion in America and two-tone paintwork and extravagant chromium plating were the norm. All in all, the '59 Chevrolet is a spectacular car - big, clean and offering all the passenger and luggage space one could want - plus performance to match its sensational styling.

This particular car spent the first 30 years of its life in sunny California averaging a mere 1,000 miles annually before coming to the UK in 1989. The Patrick Collection purchased the Impala at auction in 1990, the previous owner being Robert Rowe of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and since acquisition has exhibited it twice at the NEC (1991 and 1992). Currently displaying a total of 32,922 miles on the odometer, 'XSU 302' will require some re-commissioning before further use, having failed the MoT test in July 2010 (front brakes). We are advised that the engine runs. The printed catalogue mentions that the fuel system needs work, however we have been informed that this has been rectified and the engine now runs well. The car is offered with a quantity of expired MoTs, Car Guide and Swansea V5 registration document.